The Maltese is one of the oldest companion dog breeds in recorded history — images resembling the breed appear in ancient Greek and Roman art. They've been doing essentially the same job for thousands of years: being beautiful, charming, and devoted to their person. They're very good at it.
Personality
Playful, lively, and surprisingly bold for their size. Maltese have no apparent awareness of how small they are and approach life with a confidence that makes them entertaining companions. They bond strongly with their person and can be suspicious of strangers initially, warming up once they've assessed the situation.
Exercise
Low — 20 minutes of gentle daily exercise is sufficient. They're small enough that indoor play sessions count meaningfully toward their daily activity. Mental enrichment matters — a snuffle mat sized for small dogs provides excellent nose work for this intelligent breed.
The Coat
The iconic white silky coat requires significant maintenance. Daily brushing to prevent tangles, regular professional grooming, and careful attention to the eye area where tear staining is common. Most Maltese owners eventually opt for a shorter puppy cut for manageability. A grooming glove helps with between-session maintenance.
Cold Sensitivity
Minimal body fat and a single coat make Maltese cold-sensitive. A warm fleece blanket and a self-warming bed are practical necessities in cooler climates.
Collar Choice
Tracheal collapse is a risk in small breeds — always use a lightweight harness for walking, never a collar. A small collar with bell for ID only.
Built with love, in memory of JJ. 🐾💛
