Last Updated: 09/03/2026
Maltese Breed Guide
Thinking of a Maltese? Our breed guide covers facts, health, and care.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
Maltese are the quintessential lap dogs - gentle, playful, and deeply devoted to their people. Known for their stunning floor-length white coats and lively expressions, they are surprisingly sturdy and love a good game of fetch as much as a snuggle on the sofa. Because of their fine hair and small size, they require daily grooming to prevent tangles and high-quality nutrition to support their skin and dental health.
All about Maltese
Place of origin
Central Mediterranean Area
Weight range
3-4kg
Breed size
Toy/Small
Height range
20-25cm
Breed group
Toy
Life expectancy
12-15 years
Coat colours
White
Grooming needs
High
Coat type
Long/Silky
Health issues
Dental; Patellar Luxation
Shedding factor
Low
Exercise needs
Low
Play style
Gentle/Playful
Housing needs
Apartment/Indoor
Trainability
Moderate
Social needs
High
Family suitability
High
Tendency to bark
Moderate
Nutrition
Providing precise nutrition is vital for Maltese to manage their energy levels and support their distinctive silky white coats. A balanced diet helps prevent weight gain, which can exacerbate joint issues like patellar luxation.
Best food for adult Maltese
Adult Maltese benefit most from a small-breed specific kibble that is designed for their tiny jaws and high metabolic rates. The kibble should have a mechanical cleaning effect to help reduce plaque build-up, given their high risk for dental disease. Owners should look for formulas rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to maintain skin health and the lustre of their long hair. High-quality proteins are essential to support lean muscle mass without providing excessive calories.
What to look for
A small, uniquely shaped kibble that encourages chewing and provides mechanical dental cleaning to reduce tartar build-up.
High levels of omega fatty acids and biotin to nourish the skin barrier and maintain the signature white silky coat.
Precisely balanced calorie content and L-carnitine to support a healthy weight and prevent unnecessary strain on small joints.
Best food for Maltese puppies
Maltese puppies require a nutrient-dense diet to support their rapid growth phases and high energy needs while remaining gentle on their small stomachs. DHA is a critical inclusion for brain and vision development, ensuring they reach their full cognitive potential during training. The food must be highly palatable to entice sometimes finicky eaters while providing the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for sturdy bone development. Antioxidants are also important to help bolster their developing immune systems during the first year of life.
What to look for
A tailored complex of antioxidants including Vitamin E to help support the puppy's natural defences and immune health.
Optimal levels of DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development during the crucial early learning months.
Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics to support a sensitive developing digestive system and ensure maximum nutrient absorption.
Flea & worming
Regular flea, tick, and worming prevention is crucial for Maltese to prevent skin irritations and life-threatening parasite infections. Their small size makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of heavy parasite loads.
Best flea and worming treatments for Maltese
For the Maltese, look for an all-in-one parasite protection that is easy to administer, such as a small, palatable chew or a precise spot-on treatment. Since these dogs spend a lot of time indoors but are still at risk during walks, the product must cover heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas, and paralysis ticks. It is important to choose a product specifically weight-ranged for toy breeds to ensure safety and efficacy.
What to look for
A highly palatable oral chew or a quick-drying spot-on that is easy to administer to small, long-haired dogs.
Comprehensive "all-in-one" protection that covers heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas, and paralysis ticks in a single dose.
A product specifically formulated and safety-tested for toy and small breeds weighing between 2kg and 4kg.
Health
Using targeted health products allows owners to manage common breed issues like tear staining and dental health effectively. These small interventions can significantly improve the daily comfort and appearance of a Maltese.
Products to keep Maltese healthy
Tear stain removers and specialised eye wipes are essential for Maltese to keep their facial hair clean and prevent irritation from discharge. Given their high risk for periodontal disease, dental kits including small-headed toothbrushes and pet-safe toothpaste are among the most important health investments for this breed. Water additives or dental gels can also provide a helpful secondary layer of protection for their teeth. For older Malteses, joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help support mobility in their later years.
What to look for
Gentle, pH-balanced tear stain removers or wipes designed to safely clean the area around the eyes and prevent discolouration.
Dental care kits featuring small-sized brushes and enzymatic toothpaste to combat plaque and prevent the onset of periodontal disease.
Joint support supplements with high-quality ingredients like green-lipped mussel or omega-3s to maintain cartilage health and mobility.
Training and activity
Choosing the right toys and walking accessories ensures the Maltese remains mentally stimulated and physically safe during exercise. Their small size requires lightweight products that do not put undue pressure on their neck or joints.
Best toys for Maltese
Maltese enjoy soft, plush toys that are easy for their small mouths to carry and "mother" around the house. Interactive puzzle toys that dispense small treats are excellent for keeping their intelligent minds busy and preventing boredom-related barking. Since they are playful, lightweight fetch toys like mini balls or small squeakers are perfect for indoor play sessions. Owners should avoid toys that are too heavy or hard, which could potentially damage their delicate teeth.
What to look for
Lightweight, plush materials that are easy for a toy breed to pick up, carry, and squeak without much effort.
Small-scale interactive puzzles or treat dispensers that provide mental enrichment and slow down treat consumption.
Soft-texture fetch toys designed specifically for tiny mouths to prevent jaw strain during play.
Best harnesses, collars and walking accessories for Maltese
A lightweight, step-in harness is the best choice for a Maltese to avoid pressure on their delicate trachea, which can be prone to collapse in small breeds. Leads should be thin and light so they do not weigh the dog down or cause discomfort during walks. For those in cooler climates, a well-fitted coat is a necessary walking accessory as Maltese have no undercoat and feel the cold very quickly. Ensure all clips and hardware are small and scaled appropriately for a dog under 5kg.
What to look for
A comfortable, Y-shaped or step-in harness that distributes pressure across the chest rather than the throat to protect the trachea.
Lightweight leads with small, secure clips that provide control without being heavy or cumbersome for a tiny dog.
Insulated or water-resistant coats and jumpers designed for small frames to provide essential warmth during outdoor excursions.
Grooming
Daily grooming is a non-negotiable part of Maltese ownership to maintain their stunning coat and prevent painful matting. Using the correct tools makes this process more enjoyable for the dog and more effective for the owner.
Best grooming products for Maltese
A high-quality slicker brush and a fine-toothed metal comb are the primary tools needed to keep a Maltese's hair tangle-free and flowing. Because their hair is similar to human hair, a detangling spray or conditioning mist can be very helpful in preventing breakage during brushing sessions. Regular bathing with a whitening shampoo helps maintain the brilliant white colour of the coat while removing environmental stains. Blunt-nosed safety scissors are also useful for carefully trimming the hair around their paws and eyes between professional grooms.
What to look for
Whitening or brightening shampoos that are soap-free and specifically formulated to remove stains without drying out the skin.
A combination of a soft slicker brush for daily maintenance and a metal comb for checking for deep mats near the skin.
Detangling sprays and high-quality conditioners that help the comb glide through the hair and reduce static and breakage.
Sleep and home
A dedicated, comfortable sleeping area provides a sense of security for the Maltese and helps protect them from floor draughts. Their small bodies lose heat quickly, so their bedding should be both supportive and warm.
Best beds for Maltese
Maltese generally prefer "donut" or bolstered beds that allow them to curl up and feel secure while resting their heads on the raised edges. An orthopaedic foam base can provide excellent support for their joints, especially as they age and become more prone to stiffness. Because they can be prone to feeling the cold, self-warming beds or those with plush, faux-fur linings are particularly popular with this breed. The bed should be easy to wash to keep their white coat clean and the sleeping environment hygienic.
What to look for
Bolstered or hooded designs that offer a "den-like" feel and provide security for small, sensitive companion dogs.
High-quality, machine-washable covers that allow for frequent cleaning to keep the bed smelling fresh and looking bright.
Soft, plush interior fabrics or self-heating materials that help maintain body temperature during naps and overnight.
Maltese FAQ
