Maltese

With their dark, expressive eyes and long, flowing coats, Maltese dogs are one of the 20 most popular breeds in the U.S.

These small dogs can be very energetic and enjoy playing games, and also make great little companions.

Personality

Energetic and lively
Loving and devoted to family
Gentle and good-natured
Intelligent
Seemingly fearless

Size

4-7 pounds
8-10 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Lifestyle

Suited to apartment living
Good companion to the elderly
Not particularly tolerant of small children because of their small size
Does well with other pets
Not suited to extreme heat or cold or damp environments

Training

Learn quickly
Need sufficient reward
Good at learning tricks
May be difficult to housebreak

Exercise

Need regular walks and playtime
Will be active indoors

Coat

Long, silky white coat
Daily, gentle grooming is necessary
No undercoat, thus little shedding
Regular grooming will prevent matting
Their coat can be clipped if they cannot regularly be groomed
Relatively hypoallergenic

Care

Clean their faces daily to avoid tear and food staining
If not clipped, tie back their long facial hair in a top knot
Diet must include dry food to help keep teeth clean and healthy
Take care that your Maltese does not get sunburned

Health

Prone to patella luxation, hypoglycemia, cryptorchidism, white shaker disease, blindness and deafness

Lifespan

14-16 years

Rescue

Visit Northcentral Maltese Rescue to learn more about adopting a Maltese

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.