Maltese

The tiny Maltese, ‘Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,’ has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, these adorable dogs are trusting, charming, and affectionate, making them playful yet gentle companions.

Country of Origin

Malta
Breed Group

Toy Group
Height

Male 8-10 In
Female 8-9 In
Weight

Male 4-8 Ib
Female 3-7 Ib
Life Span

12-15 years

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In a Nutshell

Although looks aren’t everything, it’s hard not to be wowed by the Maltese. The luxurious silken white hair drapes their body in a way couturiers would envy. They are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and trusting, traits that make them great family dogs. In their centuries of being companions to humans, Maltese have learned how to get their way. In fact, the Maltese dog breed is known for getting precisely what they want, even from owners who firmly intend not to spoil them.

They are difficult to house train and tend to be finicky eaters, though even novice pet parents and apartment dwellers will find them to be excellent family members. They’re extremely alert and can spring into action if they perceive a threat to their humans. But it’s important to train your Maltese not to be overprotective because they can have a tendency to bark excessively and even bite someone they think is a danger. Oh, and allergy sufferers, take note: despite their eye-catching coats, Malteses are light shedders.

Life With a Maltese

Low (1) High (5)

Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

The Maltese’s irresistible face with its large, dark eyes and black gumdrop nose, can conquer even the most jaded observer. The long, silky coat that sweeps or hangs close to the ground gives the Maltese an almost ornamental appearance. The long hair on the head may be tied in a topknot or left hanging. The coat color is pure white.

Though this glamorous coat gives them a look of haughty nobility, the Maltese is a gentle yet fearless dog breed who likes to be around people and greets everyone as a friend. The Maltese make both an affectionate lap dog and an exuberant playmate. They are also playful and good with children, but children must be supervised as they could easily hurt such a small dog. While reserved toward strangers, they’re good with other dogs and pets, although may foolishly challenge larger dogs. As a bold and curious breed, some tend to bark a lot.

This is a vigorous dog who excels not only as a companion but also as a therapy dog and competitor in such dog sports as agility, obedience, rally, and tracking.

Common Health Problems

In general, the Maltese is a healthy, hardy little dog, but as in so many other breeds, certain health problems can arise. However, if owners are aware of the problems that can occur, they are undoubtedly in a position to deal with them in the best manner possible. Some problems are genetic and are carried via heredity, but others are not.

Did you know?

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A tip from a vet

The Maltese are a healthy breed with few health issues, usually living well into the double digits. Their coat requires daily gentle brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Regular baths are also recommended, along with nail trimming and ear cleaning. Owners should also brush their Maltese’s teeth frequently as they’re prone to dental disease when they are older. Also, make sure to visit the vet if they have excessive tear-staining around their eyes.

A tip from a trainer

Like most Toy breeds, Maltese pack a lot of energy into a tiny body. Without daily chances to release some energy, they may develop behavioral issues like excessive barking, destructive chewing, pacing, or general disobedience. Consistent training is recommended as they’re intelligent and stubborn and know precisely how to get what they want from their owners.

Did You Know

At some point or other, many Maltese develop reddish-colored stains around their eyes, muzzles, and toes. Known as tear stains, these red stains may reveal more about your dog’s health than at first impression.

Maltese are prone to chills, especially if they are damp or walking in damp areas.

Some Maltese have delicate digestive systems and may be picky eaters.

In The News

Leona Helmsley’s Maltese, Trouble, became one of the world’s most famous and wealthiest dogs in the world when Helmsley, the real estate mogul, left him a $12 Million trust fund. Her will also declared that the dog would be buried alongside her and her late husband in a mausoleum. She even left $3 million for the continuous care of the mausoleum. A judge later stepped in, awarding Trouble a smaller sum of $2 million in 2008. The pampered pooch passed away in 2011.

The History Behind the Breed

Malta lies 60 miles south of Sicily, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The island was a crossroads for wealthy merchants, pilgrims, and mariners from three continents during ancient times. As far back as 3500 B.C., it was a thriving seaport and a hub of culture and finance. For 2,000 years, it was conquered and occupied by waves of seafaring empire-builders — Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. The Maltese were likely introduced to Malta by the Phoenicians, who ruled the Mediterranean before the rise of Ancient Greece. In the fourth and fifth centuries B.C., the Greeks were fascinated by their geometric beauty. They left behind a rich legacy of breed-specific treasures. For instance, the “Melitaie Dog” is depicted in Golden Age ceramics. Aristotle referred to it as “perfectly proportioned,” notwithstanding a diminutive stature. After the fall of Rome, Chinese breeders kept the Maltese from extinction during Europe’s Dark Ages.

Throughout his long history, the Maltese has been given many names, such as the “Melitae Dog,” “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” the “Roman Ladies Dog,” “The Comforter,” the “Spaniel Gentle,” the “Bichon,” the “Maltese Lion Dog,” and the “Maltese Terrier.” Today, he is known simply as the Maltese.

Famous Maltese Owners

Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Lee Remick, Kristin Chenoweth, Mia Farrow, Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Josephine Bonaparte & Marie Antoinette

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