Maltese
Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions known for their long white coat, gentle temperament, and strong, devoted bond to their owners. They are affectionate, alert, and happiest when close to their people, with a long history as a lapdog.
7–9 inches tall; under 7 pounds
12–15 years
daily interaction and companionship throughout the day; limited tolerance for being alone
may become vocal without enough activity or when left alone too long
well suited for apartments or small homes; sensitive to cold due to small size
long, silky white; floor-length; requires daily brushing and regular bathing
moderate daily activity; short walks and indoor play are usually enough
Temperament
A Maltese is a devoted, affectionate companion that thrives on close contact with its people. These dogs are gentle, alert, and happiest when they are near their owners, often seeking lap space and steady companionship throughout the day. They adapt well to apartment living and small homes, and their moderate activity needs—short walks and indoor play—fit neatly into a working schedule. What a Maltese does need is consistency. They respond well to structured routines and gentle, predictable handling. A household where someone is home during the day, or where the dog can be brought along, suits this breed best. Left alone for long stretches, a Maltese may become vocal or anxious, so a working household should plan for midday interaction or a reliable caretaker. Maltese are usually compatible with other pets given a proper introduction and do best with children who are gentle and respectful. They are sensitive to rough handling due to their small, fine-boned build.
“The Maltese is a devoted breed with a long history as a lapdog.”
VCA Animal Hospitals
Daily needs and attention
A Maltese thrives on close, daily contact with its people. This breed is affectionate, alert, and happiest when near its owner, and many enjoy physical companionship throughout the day. For a working household, that means planning for a dog that prefers not to be left alone for long stretches; limited tolerance for solitude is a consistent trait.
Daily activity is moderate. Short walks and indoor play are usually enough to maintain weight and support overall well-being. Consistent routines help; these dogs respond well to structure.
Grooming is a significant daily commitment. Daily brushing prevents matting and maintains coat condition. Regular bathing, cleaning around the eyes to reduce fur staining, and frequent dental care are all part of the routine. Dental disease is one of the most common issues in the breed and often begins early, making daily dental care essential.
The Maltese is well suited to apartments or small homes, is sensitive to cold due to its small size, and does best with gentle handling.
“Maltese need moderate daily activity. Short walks and indoor play are usually enough.”
VCA Animal Hospitals
Health and lifespan
Maltese typically live 12 to 15 years, with the senior stage beginning around age nine. Their small size (under 7 pounds, 7 to 9 inches tall) makes them sensitive to cold, so a warm indoor environment matters.
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in this breed and often begins early, making daily dental care an important part of routine upkeep. Their small frame also increases the risk of low blood sugar in puppies and airway issues later in life. Other conditions that may affect Maltese include patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, chronic heart valve disease, cataracts, and glaucoma.
A household that can set aside a few minutes each morning for teeth brushing and a consistent grooming routine will be well suited. A working schedule is manageable, but the dog does best with close companionship and limited time alone.
Individual dogs vary, and a pre-adoption veterinary exam will give you a clearer picture of what your specific Maltese needs.
“Dental disease is one of the most common issues in Maltese and often begins early, making daily dental care essential.”
VCA Animal Hospitals
Habits and behavior
Maltese are affectionate, alert dogs with a long history as lapdogs. They are strongly bonded to their owners and happiest when close by, making them well suited to apartment living or small homes. Daily interaction matters: short walks and indoor play provide the moderate activity they need, and structured routines help them feel secure. They respond well to consistency in training and handling.
A working household can accommodate a Maltese, but the dog's limited tolerance for being alone is worth considering. Without enough activity or companionship, they may become vocal or anxious. Their small size also means they are sensitive to rough handling, so households with young children should ensure gentle, respectful interaction. They are usually compatible with other pets given proper introductions, and they are sensitive to cold weather due to their small frame.
Grooming is a daily commitment. Brushing, regular bathing, and cleaning around the eyes are part of keeping their long coat healthy and free of matting.
“These dogs are affectionate, alert, and happiest when close to their owners.”
VCA Animal Hospitals
Housing: apartment, house, yard and crate
The Maltese is well suited to apartment living and small homes. At 7 to 9 inches tall and under 7 pounds, this breed has a long history as a lapdog and adapts well to indoor living. They do best in homes that provide close companionship and gentle handling throughout the day. A yard is not required; short walks and indoor play typically meet their moderate exercise needs. Because they are sensitive to cold due to their small size, extended outdoor time in cooler weather should be limited. Maltese have limited tolerance for being alone and may become vocal or anxious when left without companionship for long stretches. The breed thrives on proximity to its people and benefits from structured daily routines. Daily brushing of the long coat and regular cleaning of the eye area are part of the grooming routine that fits naturally into a home setting.
“They adapt well to indoor living but require consistent grooming and structured routines.”
VCA Animal Hospitals
Challenges
The Maltese is a devoted companion that thrives on close contact with its owner, and that closeness is where the real work lives. The breed's long, silky coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting, regular bathing, and routine cleaning around the eyes to reduce staining. Dental care is not optional here; dental disease is among the most common issues in the breed and often begins early, so daily brushing is essential. Because of their small size (under 7 pounds), Maltese are sensitive to rough handling and to cold weather. They have limited tolerance for being alone and may become vocal or anxious without enough activity or companionship. A working household should plan for someone at home during the day or arrange midday breaks. They do best with gentle, respectful children and benefit from consistent routines. Their small stature also carries a higher risk of low blood sugar in puppies and airway issues later in life.
“Dental disease is one of the most common issues in Maltese and often begins early, making daily dental care essential.”
VCA Animal Hospitals
The fun part
A Maltese is a small, playful companion that fits comfortably into a working household. At under 7 pounds and 7 to 9 inches tall, this breed was built for close quarters. They adapt well to indoor living and are well suited for apartments or small homes.
Daily activity is moderate: short walks and indoor play are usually enough to keep them happy and at a healthy weight. What makes a Maltese a joy at home is their temperament. They are affectionate, alert, and happiest when close to their owners. Many enjoy close physical contact and companionship throughout the day.
Their small size and adaptability suit a household that values a companion close by. For a working household, a Maltese suits a routine that includes daily interaction and gentle handling. They are suitable for most owners and usually compatible with other pets given proper introduction. The breed's playful, charming nature makes them a rewarding companion for someone who wants a small dog nearby.
“Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions.”
AKC
Living with kids, cats and other dogs
Maltese are small companion dogs known for a gentle temperament and strong attachment to their owners. They are affectionate, alert, and happiest when close to their people, making them well suited to households where someone is home during the day. Their small size—under 7 pounds, standing 7 to 9 inches—means they are sensitive to rough handling, so they do best with gentle, respectful children who understand how to interact with a small dog. With other pets, Maltese are usually compatible given proper introduction, though their preference for close companionship means they may want to stay near their person rather than roam freely around a busy household. They adapt well to indoor living and apartment settings, and short walks plus indoor play meet their moderate activity needs. Consistent routines and daily interaction help them feel secure. A working household can provide a good fit if the dog has a calm space to rest during work hours and receives regular companionship when the family is home.
“Their small size makes them sensitive to rough handling.”
VCA Animal Hospitals
What to ask the rescue
Ask the rescue about this dog's daily routine and what it takes to keep them comfortable. Maltese are happiest close to their owners and have limited tolerance for being alone, so ask how many hours the dog has spent in a kennel or crate and how they handled that time. Inquire about the dog's current grooming schedule, coat condition, and whether the eye area is being cleaned regularly to prevent staining. Ask whether a dental exam has been done, since dental disease is common in the breed and often begins early. Request any health screening results, particularly for tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, and chronic heart valve disease, which are listed as breed concerns. Ask about the dog's exercise routine—short walks and indoor play are typically sufficient—and how they respond to being handled, given their fine-boned build and sensitivity to rough contact. Finally, ask whether the dog has shown signs of anxiety or vocalization when left unattended, so you can plan for a work schedule that keeps them near you.
“Maltese are small companion dogs known for a long white coat, gentle temperament, and strong attachment to their owners.”
VCA Animal Hospitals