Maltese — Complete Breed Guide
Toy · from Malta · AKC rank #37 (2025)
Key facts
| Breed group | Toy |
| Origin | Malta |
| Weight | 2–4 kg (4–9 lbs) |
| Height | 20–25 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Coat | long silky hypoallergenic |
| AKC popularity rank (2025) | #37 of 202 recognized breeds |
Trait ratings
Our editorial 1–5 scoring, based on breed-standard temperament data.
Monthly cost
Expect roughly $80–$160 per month (estimate: food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance). Larger breeds and heavy groomers sit at the higher end. Price out the years, not just the day, with our monthly dog cost calculator.
Maltese puppies: what to expect
A Maltese puppy is a 2–4 kg toy breed — delicate as a young pup, so rough handling and boisterous larger dogs are real risks in the early months. The non-negotiables: a vet check in the first week, vaccinations on schedule, and gentle, consistent training from day one, plus a grooming routine for that signature white coat.
Budget beyond the monthly figure above for year one: vet visits, supplies, and maybe training help. If you can, meet the mother — temperament is partly inherited, and her behavior is your best preview.
Common Maltese mixes
Designer mixes get a lot of searches, so here's an honest map: a mix inherits unpredictably from both parents — no guarantees on size, coat, or temperament. If a mix catches your eye, read both parent profiles where they exist and judge the dog in front of you.
- Maltese × Shih Tzu — read the Shih Tzu profile too; a mix can inherit either parent's traits.
Health issues to know
- dental disease
- luxating patella
- liver shunt
- eye disorders
- Apartment / city living
- First-time owners (easy to train)
- Low-shedding households
- You need a quiet dog (thin walls, close neighbors)
- You want a wash-and-go, low-maintenance coat
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Maltese live?
Typically 12–15 years. Larger individuals and lines with known health issues tend toward the lower end.
How much does a Maltese cost per month?
Roughly $80–$160 per month for food, routine vet care, grooming and insurance — an estimate that varies by location.
Is the Maltese good for apartments?
It scores 5/5 for apartment suitability. Yes — a solid apartment dog with regular walks.
Is the Maltese good with kids?
It scores 2/5 for kid-friendliness. Better with older, dog-savvy kids than toddlers.
Does the Maltese shed a lot?
Shedding scores 1/5. Minimal shedding.
Is a Maltese high maintenance?
In grooming, yes — the long silky coat scores 5/5 for grooming need and mats without regular attention (many owners keep it clipped short). In everything else, no: exercise 1/5, apartment 5/5, and a sturdy 12–15 year lifespan. The maintenance is a brush, not a lifestyle.
Maltese or Shih Tzu — which is better?
Both are 5/5 apartment dogs with 1/5 exercise needs, so lifestyle fit is nearly identical. The Maltese (2–4 kg, shedding 1/5) is smaller and lighter-shedding but barkier (4/5 vs 3/5); the Shih Tzu (4–7 kg) is sturdier and quieter but needs the same intense grooming. For tiny-space living pick Maltese; for a slightly sturdier lapdog pick Shih Tzu.
Can a Maltese be left alone all day?
Not happily — Maltese are companion dogs prone to separation anxiety, and 8+ hours alone as a routine is unfair to any dog. With gradual training, most adults handle a normal workday absence, especially with a midday break. If your days are routinely long, this breed will be miserable; the breed selector quiz can suggest more independent matches.
Do Maltese dogs like to be cuddled?
Very much — the Maltese was bred purely as a companion and is famously affectionate and lap-oriented. Expect a shadow that wants physical contact most of the day. If you want an independent dog, this is not it.
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Health information is for general guidance only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your individual dog. Cost figures are rough estimates and vary by location.