Maltese
Tiny, elegant lapdog with a flowing white coat. Devoted and brave for their size.
Photo: Joe Caione / Unsplash
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds — present on the Mediterranean island of Malta for over 2,800 years and a favourite of Greek, Roman and Egyptian aristocracy. Today the Maltese is a tiny, devoted lap-dog with a famously beautiful pure-white coat. Despite their fragility, they have a surprisingly bold personality.
Temperament
Affectionate, fearless, bonded, sometimes barky. Maltese form intense bonds with one or two people and can suffer separation anxiety.
Exercise needs
20–30 minutes of gentle walking plus indoor play. Easy to over-exercise.
Grooming
Daily brushing if kept long — the coat tangles and mats easily. Most pet owners choose a "puppy cut" every 6 weeks. Tear staining around eyes is very common.
Common health issues
Patellar luxation. Liver shunts. Hypoglycaemia (puppies). Dental disease. Tracheal collapse — always use a harness, never a collar.
👍 Best for
Apartment dwellers, retirees, allergy-sensitive owners, single-pet households.
👎 Not best for
Households with toddlers (Maltese are fragile and easily injured).
Buying guides for Maltese owners
Buying guides for Maltese owners
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