Maltese
A playful, affectionate companion with a flowing white coat and lively spirit. Thrives on attention and forms strong bonds with people of all ages.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
21–25 cm (male)
20–23 cm (female)
WEIGHT
3–4 kg (male)
3–4 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Maltese: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Maltese isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Maltese's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Maltese is typically affectionate, gentle, and lively, forming strong bonds with family members and often displaying a playful, friendly attitude toward people of all ages.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate and sociable with people and pets
Learns quickly, responds well to training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys short play sessions
Lively and enjoys interactive games with owners
Adjusts well to different living environments
Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Quick to learn basic commands
- Gets along well with other dogs
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Requires daily grooming and brushing
- Fragile, can be easily injured
- May bark excessively when bored
- Sensitive to extreme cold and damp
Protect your Maltese
Maltese can develop dental disease and luxating patella. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Malteses are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them generally responsive to positive, consistent training, though occasional stubbornness may require patience during housebreaking and obedience lessons.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
20–30 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has moderate energy levels and benefits from daily walks and short play sessions; mental stimulation through interactive toys or simple training exercises helps keep them satisfied and content.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Malteses are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Maltese would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easygoing and eager to please, Maltese adapt well to new dog owners.
Apartment Living
Small size and low exercise needs suit apartment living well.
Active Lifestyle
Limited stamina may not match very energetic or highly active lifestyles.
Kids
Typically patient but can be fragile around young, active children.
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable and can get along with other pets if introduced early.
Being Left Alone
Dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Malteses compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maltese
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more dog breeds
Discover other popular dog breeds and find your perfect canine companion
