Maltese dog
Small breed regular energy Long coat Toy Group

Maltese

Gentle, Playful, Charming

Maltese are affectionate toy dogs weighing less than seven pounds, covered by a long, straight, silky coat. Beneath the all-white mantle is a compact body moving with a smooth and effortless gait. The overall picture depicts free-flowing elegance and balance. The irresistible Malโ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 7โ€“7 lbs (3.18โ€“3.18 kg) ๐Ÿ“ 7โ€“9" ๐ŸŽ‚ 12โ€“15 yr lifespan ๐Ÿง  Intelligence #59 (Fair)

Maltese Characteristics

Energy

60%

Shedding

20%

Trainability

60%

Grooming

80%

Friendliness

100%

Coat Type

Long coat

Daily Brushing

Breed Data

๐Ÿง 
#59
Intelligence
๐ŸŽ‚
12.2yr
Avg lifespan
๐Ÿ’ฐ
$19K
Lifetime cost
๐Ÿ–
$270/yr
Annual food
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
Great
With kids
๐Ÿฉบ
1
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: heart problem

Expert Picks for Malteses

โญ Top Pick Taste of the Wild High Prairie

dog food

Taste of the Wild High Prairie

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

Best value grain-free option โ€” great for active dogsโ€ฆ

West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone

toys

West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best eco-friendly toy โ€” great for moderate chewersโ€ฆ

FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger

beds

FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best affordable comfort bed โ€” ideal for dogs who just want cozyโ€ฆ

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

health

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best DNA test overall โ€” unmatched health screening depthโ€ฆ

Whistle Go Explore GPS Tracker

training

Whistle Go Explore GPS Tracker

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.2

Best budget GPS tracker โ€” lighter and cheaper with health monitoringโ€ฆ

Andis Premium Dematting Comb

grooming

Andis Premium Dematting Comb

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best dematting tool โ€” essential for long-coated breeds prone to tangleโ€ฆ

Maltese Care Tips

โœ“

Benefits from 30-60 minutes daily exercise โ€” walks, play sessions, or swimming.

โœ“

Low shedding โ€” regular brushing prevents tangles; minimal shedding management.

โœ“

Coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting; professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

โœ“

Very sociable and people-oriented โ€” early socialization keeps friendliness well-directed.

All Maltese Guides

FCI Classification

FCI Group

Group 9 โ€” Companion and Toy Dogs

Section

Bichons

Status

recognized