Maltese
Maltese Overview
Height: 7 – 9 inches
Weight: 4 – 7 lbs
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Group: Toy
Temperament: Gentle, Affectionate, Playful
The Maltese is an ancient toy breed with a history spanning over 2,800 years, originating from the Mediterranean region where they were treasured companions of nobility and aristocrats throughout Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. Named after the island of Malta, though their exact origins remain debated, these elegant little dogs have been bred purely for companionship for millennia, never serving any working purpose beyond being devoted lap dogs. The Maltese is instantly recognizable by its flowing, floor-length white coat of pure silk texture, compact size, and gentle expression with dark, alert eyes and black nose that create a striking contrast against their snow-white appearance.
Known for their affectionate, gentle temperament, Maltese are devoted companions who thrive on human attention and form intense bonds with their families. Despite their tiny size and elegant appearance, they possess a lively, playful personality and surprising fearlessness. They are typically friendly and outgoing, enjoying meeting new people, though they can be reserved initially. Maltese are generally good with respectful children but are too fragile for households with very young children who might handle them roughly. They make excellent watchdogs, alerting to visitors with their surprisingly loud bark for such a small dog. These dogs are highly adaptable to various living situations, making them ideal apartment companions, and they travel well due to their portable size.
Prospective owners should be prepared for significant grooming commitment. The Maltese's beautiful coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, though many owners opt for a shorter puppy cut for easier maintenance. Despite their long hair, Maltese shed minimally, making them suitable for many allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. They require minimal exercise—short daily walks and indoor play sessions suffice. Like many toy breeds, Maltese can be challenging to housetrain and are prone to dental issues requiring regular teeth brushing. They don't tolerate being left alone well and can develop separation anxiety. For those seeking an elegant, devoted companion who thrives on attention and affection, the Maltese offers centuries of refined companionship in a tiny, charming package perfect for devoted dog lovers.
The Maltese's temperament combines gentle, affectionate, playful qualities that make them appealing companions for appropriate owners. These dogs form strong bonds with their families, demonstrating loyalty and affection that endears them to household members. Their personality reflects breed-typical characteristics including energy levels suited to their size and original purpose, playfulness that provides entertainment and engagement, and behavioral patterns consistent with their breed heritage. With family members, Malteses typically display affectionate behavior while maintaining individual personality variations that make each dog unique. Their interaction with strangers ranges from friendly acceptance to reserved caution, depending on individual temperament and socialization experiences. The breed's intelligence level influences their trainability and ability to learn commands, tasks, and appropriate household behaviors. Energy levels require consideration when matching this breed to potential owners, as daily activity needs must align with owner lifestyle and capabilities. These dogs may display independence or attachment tendencies that affect their behavior when separated from family members. Behavioral characteristics include vocalizations appropriate to their breed type, territorial awareness that may manifest in protective behaviors, and play styles that reflect their size and temperament. Understanding these temperamental qualities helps potential owners determine compatibility between their lifestyle expectations and the breed's typical behavioral patterns, ensuring successful long-term relationships between dogs and their human families.
Training a Maltese requires understanding their learning style, motivation, and typical breed characteristics that influence training success. These dogs respond to positive reinforcement methods emphasizing reward-based techniques that encourage desired behaviors while building strong human-canine bonds. Early socialization during the critical developmental period between 8-16 weeks of age establishes foundational experiences with various people, animals, environments, and situations that shape adult temperament and behavior. Basic obedience training should begin early, establishing household rules, appropriate behaviors, and communication systems between dogs and owners. Training challenges may include breed-specific tendencies toward independence, stubbornness, or distractibility that require patient, consistent approaches. Consistency among all family members ensures clear communication and prevents confusion that undermines training efforts. Housetraining success depends on regular schedules, appropriate management, and positive reinforcement for eliminating in designated areas. Mental stimulation through training exercises, puzzle toys, and interactive games prevents boredom-related behavioral problems while strengthening cognitive abilities. Professional training classes provide structured learning environments and expert guidance particularly valuable for novice owners or dogs presenting training challenges. Realistic expectations based on breed characteristics, individual temperament, and owner commitment determine training outcomes and long-term success.
The Maltese's exercise requirements reflect their size, energy level, and original purpose, requiring daily physical activity to maintain health and behavioral balance. Adult dogs typically need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, adjustable based on individual energy levels and age considerations. Appropriate activities include leashed walks providing physical exercise and mental stimulation through environmental exploration, play sessions in securely fenced areas allowing safe off-leash activity, and interactive games strengthening human-canine bonds while meeting exercise needs. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, scent work, training exercises, and problem-solving activities prevents boredom and provides cognitive enrichment essential for intelligent breeds. Without adequate physical and mental exercise, dogs may develop problematic behaviors including destructive chewing, excessive barking, restless pacing, or attention-seeking activities. Exercise intensity and duration should adjust for puppies, senior dogs, and individuals with health conditions requiring modified activity levels. Weather considerations may necessitate indoor exercise alternatives during extreme temperatures or inclement conditions. Meeting these exercise requirements ensures physical fitness, mental well-being, and appropriate behavior management.
Grooming requirements for the Maltese depend on coat type, length, and texture, requiring regular maintenance to preserve health and appearance. Brushing frequency ranges from weekly for short-coated varieties to daily for long-haired dogs prone to matting and tangling. Bathing should occur every 4-8 weeks or as needed, using quality dog shampoo appropriate for their coat type and skin sensitivity. Professional grooming may be necessary for breeds requiring specialized clipping, stripping, or styling to maintain breed-appropriate appearance. Nail trimming every 2-4 weeks prevents overgrowth causing discomfort and gait problems. Dental care including regular brushing with canine toothpaste prevents periodontal disease and associated health complications. Ear cleaning removes debris and prevents infection, particularly important for dogs with pendant ears or those prone to ear problems. Skin care includes checking for parasites, irritations, or abnormalities during grooming sessions. Seasonal considerations may affect grooming needs, with heavier shedding during coat changes requiring increased brushing frequency. Establishing grooming routines from puppyhood creates positive associations and cooperation during grooming procedures. Proper grooming maintains physical health, prevents discomfort, and strengthens human-canine bonds through regular handling and care.
The Maltese typically enjoys a lifespan of 12 – 15 years, though individual longevity depends on genetics, care quality, and health management throughout life. Like all breeds, they may be predisposed to certain health conditions including genetic disorders, structural problems, or age-related diseases requiring awareness and preventive care. Responsible breeders conduct health testing on breeding stock to minimize hereditary condition transmission and improve overall breed health. Regular veterinary examinations including annual checkups and age-appropriate screening tests enable early disease detection and intervention. Preventive care including vaccinations, parasite control, and dental prophylaxis protects against preventable diseases and health problems. Nutrition plays a crucial role in health maintenance, with quality diet appropriate to age, activity level, and individual needs supporting optimal physical condition. Weight management prevents obesity-related complications including joint stress, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. Exercise appropriate to age and health status maintains cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and joint mobility. Prompt attention to health changes including behavioral shifts, appetite changes, or physical symptoms enables timely veterinary intervention. Genetic testing may identify predispositions to hereditary conditions, informing preventive care strategies and breeding decisions.
The ideal home for a Maltese provides appropriate space, activity opportunities, and family dynamics matching breed characteristics and needs. These dogs adapt to various living situations including apartments or houses, provided exercise and mental stimulation requirements are consistently met. Family suitability depends on household composition, with considerations for children's ages, other pets, and household activity levels affecting compatibility. The breed's tolerance for children varies, with some dogs excellent family companions while others better suited to adult households or families with older, respectful children. Compatibility with other pets depends on individual temperament, socialization experiences, and prey drive intensity that may affect relationships with smaller animals. Climate tolerance influences comfort in different geographic regions, with some breeds adapting to various conditions while others prefer specific temperature ranges. First-time dog owners should carefully consider whether breed characteristics, training requirements, and care needs align with their experience level and lifestyle capabilities. The commitment required for grooming, exercise, training, and healthcare must align with owner resources and willingness to meet these responsibilities throughout the dog's lifetime. Successful matches between dogs and families result from honest assessment of breed requirements and family capabilities, ensuring positive long-term relationships benefiting both dogs and their human companions.
Breed Highlights
Listings
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Pure bred clean & white Maltese puppy
Maltese Las Vegas (Nevada) June 7, 2025 $ 3150.00Pure bred Maltese puppy, 12 weeks old now. I Got him at 9 weeks old from Petland & unfortunately cannot manage him. Well behaved & started bathroom training process. Not neutered/spayed yet. Adjusted to his first vet visit & everything wa...
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Registered Male and Female Maltese puppies
Maltese Orlando (Florida) April 30, 2025 $ 2500.00Registered Male and Female Maltese puppies are looking for a great home. They are active, charming puppies who come from well-socialized parents with wonderful characteristics. Puppies were born on April 28th, and will be ready on June 23rd. The pric...
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3 months old Maltese puppy for sale
Maltese New Haven (Connecticut) May 12, 2025 $ 2500.00I have a 3 months old Maltese puppy for sale! He is the most lovely and cuddle bug you will ever meet. Very daring and good with children. Has been vaccinated (will provide the new owner with vet receipts). I'm asking $2,500 for him.
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3 Maltese purebred puppies for sale
Maltese Chicago (Illinois) April 12, 2025 $ 2300.00Maltese purebred puppies, available for sale, are now ready to find their new homes. There are two female and one male puppy remaining. Please note that we require personal pickup and only approved homes will be considered. These puppies are hypoalle...
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AKC White Maltese Puppies for sale
Maltese Hilo (Hawaii) April 6, 2025 $ 1600.00These puppies can be obtained from Hilo. Brand new Maltese puppies. Are going to ready for new homes on September 24th. 1 Male- $1,600. 1 Female- $1,800. (SOLD) Mom is 7.5 pounds. Dad is 7 pounds. Last picture is Dad. They include AKC Papers, their f...
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Maltese boy puppy
Maltese Gulf Breeze (Florida) April 11, 2025 $ 1500.00I have a litter of Maltese puppies that are looking for their forever homes. They were born on 6-25-21. Mom is CKC and dad is AKC. You can meet the parents when you come to pick up your new bouncy baby pup. They will come with their Florida certifica...
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Only one Male Maltese puppy left
Maltese Lincoln (Alabama) March 10, 2025 $ 1500.00Maltese Puppies for Sale - CKC Registered. There’s 1 male puppy available. He will be ready to go on October 25. Comes with a one-year health guarantee, has had his six-week shots, been wormed, and checked by a vet. Both parents are here to see. The ...
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2 months old AKC Maltese puppies
Maltese Honolulu (Hawaii) March 12, 2025 $ 1500.002 months old AKC Maltese puppies. 3 boys, 2 girls. Born September 22. Puppies you will need to leave in a week approximately. First vaccination shot, and Vet checkup scheduled In day or two. Mom and Dad are generally AKC registered. Asking $1500 for ...
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Purebred show line Maltese
Maltese Concord (California) March 23, 2025 $ 1500.00Purebred Maltese puppies available for sale! These adorable pups are already pad trained and come with AKC registration. They are up to date on all their shots, dewormed, and even have security chips for added safety. What makes them even more specia...
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6 months old Maltese for sale
Maltese Chicago (Illinois) May 23, 2025 $ 1500.00At 6 months old, she is a bundle of joy, always filled with happiness, playfulness, and love. This well-trained and exceptional dog is suitable for anyone, be it small children, adults, or even elderly individuals. She will be a fantastic companion, ...
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9 weeks old Maltese Puppy for sale
Maltese Maplewood (New Jersey) May 2, 2025 $ 1400.00I have a male puppy for sale. He's the sweetest, funniest, and most snuggly Maltese dog you'll ever meet. He is 9 weeks old, weighs 3 pounds, and is completely vaccinated, dewormed, and comes with all medical records. He's fully ready to find his for...
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6 Maltipom puppies for sale
Maltese Apple Valley (California) March 28, 2025 $ 1300.00I've got 6 beautiful Maltese Pomeranian mixed puppies ready to go home. They're stunningly good natured and caring, making the best pet family. I've got four males and two females. They've got their two shots, and we've got their record booklet on ha...
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Beautiful Pure Breed Maltese Puppies
Maltese Honolulu (Hawaii) May 7, 2025 $ 1200.00We've got one boy left!!! Unique pale yellow 2 months old Absolutely Beautiful!! Adequately taken cared of Hypoallergenic breed Comes with first puppy shots and deworming Serious inquires only Rehoming fee $1200.00 Ready today Call or text 808-757-76...
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Maltese Puppies
Maltese Greenville (South Carolina) March 14, 2025 $ 1200.00Hello, I'm selling 5 adorable Maltese puppies. They've been dewormed and given their first vaccinations. They're also accompanied by CKC papers. A rehoming fee of $1,200 will be charged. If you have any questions, please call me.
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2 months old Maltese mix puppy
Maltese Fagala (Alabama) June 2, 2025 $ 1000.002 months old. Maltese mix puppy- playful, sweet and highly social. Mother is Bichon-Frise, father is Maltese. The pup is weaned, crate trained, and pee-pad trained.
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Beautiful Maltese Puppies Local Only
Maltese Miami (Florida) February 17, 2026 $ 1000.00We have a gorgeous litter of purebred Maltese puppies born on January 15th. These little ones are being raised in a loving home environment and will be ready for their forever families very soon! Highlights: Family Raised: Both parents are on-site, h...
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Maltese pups available for sale
Maltese Orlando (Florida) March 30, 2025 $ 950.00Maltese pups available for sale boy 3 yrs old and feminine 1.5 yrs old. Perfect breeding pair, thay have experienced 2 litters of puppies. They are verly loveing and affectionate. Also have them since about six weeks old. My job situation have change...
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Beautiful Maltese Bichon Babies
Maltese Phoenix (Arizona) June 16, 2025 $ 900.00The young ones in the household are prepared for their new American Maltese Bichon home. There are 2 lovely females and 1 handsome male ready at 10 weeks old. They have received their initial vaccine and deworming. They are already eating solid food ...
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Snow white Maltese puppy
Maltese April 18, 2025 $ 850.00Snow white Maltese puppy waiting for you to claim her! 8-week-old and ready for her forever home! Excellent with children and other pets. Healthy, friendly, and pretty active. The rehoming fee is $850.
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Two male Maltese puppies
Maltese Mansfield (Ohio) March 11, 2025 $ 800.00I've two male Maltese puppies that need special homes, ten weeks old, very sweet and fluffy