Malta
Toy Group
Small
7–9 in
4–7 lbs
12–15 years
Meet the Maltese
Maltese are elegant toy dogs known for their silky white coat and loving personality. They thrive on attention and enjoy being close to their people. These charming little dogs bring joy and companionship wherever they go.
Where It All Began
The Maltese breed originated in Malta over 2,000 years ago and was cherished by royalty and nobility. They have been admired throughout history for their grace and devoted nature, becoming one of the world's most beloved toy breeds.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
Maltese have moderate energy needs and enjoy short walks and indoor play sessions. They are happy in both apartments and houses.
- ✓ 30-60 min of exercise daily
- ✓ Enjoys indoor playtime
- ✓ Loves short walks
- ✓ Needs plenty of companionship
✂ Grooming Needs
Their long, silky coat requires consistent grooming to keep it beautiful and tangle-free.
- ✓ Brush daily Bath every 3-4 weeks
- ✓ Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
- ✓ Trim nails regularly
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain conditions. Regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and exercise are essential.
- • Patellar Luxation
- • Dental Issues
- • Tear Staining
- • Hypoglycemia
- • Allergies
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Maltese is moderate to high investment.
Purchase Price: $800-$2,500+
Monthly Cost: $70-$120
First Year Cost: $1,200 - $2,200
Lifetime Cost: $8,000 - $14,000
👍 Pros
- Very affectionate & loving
- Great lap dog
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Adapts well to apartment living
- Good with children & seniors
👎 Cons
- Needs daily grooming
- Can be prone to separation anxiety
- Tear staining requires care
- May bark at strangers
- Sensitive to cold weather
💡 Did You Know?
The Maltese were popular companions of queens and aristocrats in ancient times and were mentioned by Aristotle!
Compare Maltese
See how the Maltese stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
