An ancient Mediterranean lapdog with a floor-length white coat, the Maltese has been kept purely as a companion for well over two thousand years.
Small white companion dogs of the Mediterranean are recorded by Greek and Roman writers — Aristotle refers to a small dog of Melita, and the type appears on Greek amphorae from the fifth century BCE.2 Whether "Melita" meant Malta or a Sicilian or Adriatic town is disputed, but the association with Malta became fixed.
The Maltese was a luxury companion in Roman, Renaissance and later European courts, appearing in portraiture across centuries. It reached Britain in the sixteenth century and the United States in the late nineteenth; the AKC recognised the breed in 1888.1
From the island of Malta, or from the ancient place name Melita which was applied both to Malta and to Meleda in the Adriatic. The Roman naturalist Pliny and the poet Callimachus both connect the small white dog with Melita, and the association has persisted since.2
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
|---|---|
| Height — male | 7–9 in (18–23 cm) |
| Height — female | 7–9 in (18–23 cm) |
| Weight — male | under 7 lb (3 kg) |
| Weight — female | under 7 lb (3 kg) |
| Coat type & colors | Single, long, silky, straight; pure white |
| Shedding | Very low — hair grows continuously |
| Exercise needs | Low — short walks and indoor play |
| Country of origin | Malta / Mediterranean |
| AKC group | Toy Group (AKC) |
| Prestige Breed size class | Small Breed · Under 25 lbs |
The AKC describes the Maltese as gentle, playful and charming.1 Bred for companionship alone, the breed is affectionate, people-focused and remarkably bold for its size.
Maltese are lively and playful into old age and generally adaptable to apartment living. They are prone to becoming demanding if indulged, and separation distress and nuisance barking are the most common complaints. Housetraining can be slow, as with most toy breeds.
The Maltese has no undercoat, and its single silky coat grows continuously — a show dog's coat reaches the floor and is kept in wraps between appearances.2
A long single coat mats within days. Either commit to daily combing or keep the dog in a short "puppy clip."
White facial hair stains readily. Wipe under the eyes daily and keep the hair trimmed clear of the eye.
Toy breeds develop periodontal disease early. Daily brushing and regular professional cleaning.3
Patellar luxation and collapsing trachea are documented in the breed; use a harness and report any hopping gait.3
This guide is educational and is not veterinary advice. Breed standards, measurements and health information are drawn from the sources listed above; consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog.
Prestige Breed makes a small breed multivitamin designed for breeds like the Maltese — see the Maltese Multivitamin.