The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world โ depicted in Greek pottery from 500 BC, mentioned by Aristotle, and described by Roman writers as "perfectly proportioned" and "the jewel of women." For over 2,000 years, this small white dog has served a single purpose: devoted companionship. And after two millennia of refinement, it might be the best in the world at its job.
- History: Two Thousand Years of Lap Sitting
- Temperament
- The Charmer
- Personality Traits
- Potential Challenges
- The Coat: Silk That Requires Dedication
- Show Coat
- Pet Cut (Recommended)
- Tear Staining
- Health
- Dental Disease
- Other Health Concerns
- Exercise & Training
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Maltese hypoallergenic?
- Can Maltese be left alone?
- Maltese vs. Bichon Frise: which is better?
History: Two Thousand Years of Lap Sitting
The Maltese likely originated on the island of Malta (or possibly Sicily) and was prized throughout the ancient Mediterranean world. Greek vases from the 5th century BC show dogs nearly identical to today's Maltese. The Romans called them "Canis Melitaeus" and documented their role as comfort companions, believed to have healing properties when placed on the sick. The breed survived the fall of Rome, traveled through China and the Philippines during the Middle Ages, and arrived in England during the reign of Henry VIII. The AKC recognized the breed in 1888.
Temperament
The Charmer
Maltese are charm artists. They learn which behaviors earn attention, affection, and treats, then deploy them strategically. Their expressive eyes, playful nature, and capacity for affection create a companion that makes their owner feel genuinely needed and loved โ which is, after all, the entire point of the breed.
Personality Traits
- Playful: More active and playful than many toy breeds. Maltese enjoy games, toys, and structured play well into old age.
- Brave: Despite their size, Maltese have a courageous streak. They'll alert-bark at strangers and stand their ground with surprising determination.
- Gentle: Naturally gentle with people. Less snappy than many toy breeds when properly socialized.
- Adaptable: Happy in apartments, condos, houses โ anywhere their person is.
Potential Challenges
- Separation anxiety: As a breed designed for constant companionship, Maltese can develop separation anxiety when left alone. Gradual desensitization and crate training help.
- Barking: Alert barkers that will announce visitors, noises, and sometimes nothing. Manageable with training but never fully eliminated.
- Small Dog Syndrome: If owners coddle rather than train, Maltese become demanding, possessive, and difficult. Treat them as dogs, not accessories.
The Coat: Silk That Requires Dedication
The Maltese coat is a single layer of silky white hair (no undercoat) that grows continuously like human hair. This produces minimal shedding and less allergen dispersal, but demands significant grooming:
Show Coat
Floor-length, parted down the middle, with topknot. Requires daily brushing, conditioning, wrapping, and professional attention. Impractical for pets.
Pet Cut (Recommended)
- Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($40-$70)
- Brushing every other day to prevent matting
- Daily face cleaning โ tear staining is common
- Bath every 1-2 weeks (white coat shows dirt quickly)
Tear Staining
The reddish-brown staining below the eyes is the most common Maltese grooming complaint. Causes include tear duct anatomy, food additives, water mineral content, and genetics. Management: daily face washing, filtered water, additive-free food, and tear stain removal products. Some staining is unavoidable in the breed.
Health
Dental Disease
The #1 health priority. Maltese have crowded teeth in tiny jaws, predisposing them to rapid tartar buildup, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Without intervention, most Maltese will need multiple extractions by age 8-10. Prevention: daily tooth brushing, dental chews, annual professional cleaning. Budget $300-$600 per dental cleaning.
Other Health Concerns
- Luxating patella: Common. OFA screening for breeding dogs.
- Liver shunt: Portosystemic vascular abnormality. More common in Maltese than most breeds. Symptoms include stunted growth, confusion after eating, seizures. Blood test (bile acids) screens for this condition.
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome: Generalized tremor syndrome that primarily affects small white dogs. Usually responds to corticosteroid treatment. Not painful but alarming.
- Collapsed trachea: Use harness, never collar.
- Hypoglycemia: Especially in puppies and very small adults. Frequent meals essential.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Congenital heart defect. Cardiac screening for breeding dogs.
- Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Exercise & Training
- Exercise: 20-30 minutes daily. Indoor play, short walks, gentle outdoor exploration.
- Training: Positive reinforcement with patience. Maltese are smart but can be stubborn. Consistency and gentle persistence produce results.
- House training: Challenging due to small bladder size. Consistent schedule, frequent outdoor trips, and patience. Indoor pee pads are commonly used by Maltese owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltese hypoallergenic?
Among the most allergy-friendly breeds. Single coat, minimal shedding, lower dander production. Many allergy sufferers tolerate Maltese well, but spend time with the breed before committing.
Can Maltese be left alone?
For short periods (4-6 hours) with proper setup. Longer periods cause anxiety. They are companion dogs that need interaction and stimulation.
Maltese vs. Bichon Frise: which is better?
Both are excellent companion breeds. Maltese are slightly smaller, more one-person-focused, and have a silkier coat. Bichons are sturdier, more universally social, and have a curly coat that requires different grooming. Choose based on your lifestyle and grooming preference.
