Maltese – The Gentle and Graceful Toy Companion

The Maltese is a centuries-old breed from the island of Malta, celebrated for its long, silky coat and affectionate nature. Famous as a loyal lapdog of nobles and aristocrats, this small yet confident toy breed continues to win hearts with its charm, intelligence, and devotion. Perfect for apartment living, the Maltese thrives on love and companionship.

Temperament & Personality

Maltese dogs are known for their gentle, playful, and affectionate personalities. They are alert and fearless despite their delicate size. Social and intelligent, they enjoy being near their families and can be protective in a charmingly assertive way. Ideal for calm households, they do best with older children or adults who can handle them carefully.

• Personality traits: Gentle, playful, charming, fearless
• Energy level: Medium
• Trainability: Moderate – responds well to positive reinforcement
• Intelligence level: Above average, quick learners
• Socialization needs: Medium
• Good with children: Best with older, gentle children
• Good with pets: Yes, friendly with other small pets
• Stranger friendliness: Outgoing and sociable
• Barking tendency: Moderate – alert but manageable
• Apartment friendly: Excellent, well-suited for small spaces

Physical Characteristics

The Maltese is a showstopper with its pure white, flowing coat and dark, expressive eyes. Despite its delicate appearance, it is sturdy and agile, moving gracefully with a buoyant gait.

• Size: Small
• Male weight: 3–4 kg | Female weight: 2–3 kg
• Male height: 21–25 cm | Female height: 20–23 cm
• Coat type: Long, straight, silky, and white
• Coat pattern: Solid white only
• Distinctive features: Drooping feathered ears, topknot style, black nose
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years

Care & Maintenance

Though small in size, Maltese dogs require consistent grooming and moderate exercise. Their luxurious coat needs daily attention to remain tangle-free, and their cheerful disposition thrives with interactive play and affection.

• Exercise needs: Low to medium (20–30 minutes of daily walks or play)
• Grooming frequency: Daily brushing; regular bathing; tear-stain cleaning
• Dietary needs: High-quality, small-breed formula
• Feeding schedule: 2–3 small meals per day
• Space requirements: Ideal for apartments

Health & Wellness

Maltese dogs are sturdy but may face small-breed health sensitivities. With proper diet and regular checkups, they can enjoy long, happy lives.

• Common issues: Luxating patella, hypoglycemia, collapsed trachea
• Genetic predispositions: White shaker dog syndrome
• Recommended screenings: Patella evaluations, cardiac echo
• Vaccination schedule: Standard canine protocol
• Veterinary care: Routine wellness checks for longevity

Registration & Certification

All Maltese placements are backed by verified registration and pedigree documents, ensuring complete transparency and responsible ownership.

• KCI recognized: Yes
• International recognition: AKC and FCI
• Registration requirements: Pedigree papers and microchip
• Microchip: Mandatory
• Pedigree documentation: Provided with placement