Maltese
瑪爾濟斯
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Maltese is an ancient Mediterranean toy breed — an all-white, silky-coated lapdog of under about 3 kg with a gentle, fearless, affectionate character. Maltese are lively and playful yet need only minimal exercise, making them a favourite Hong Kong apartment dog; the long coat needs daily brushing unless kept in a short pet clip, and tear-staining and dental care are routine concerns.
Facts
| Size | Toy |
|---|---|
| Height | 18–25cm |
| Weight | 2–3.2kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: toy FCI: 9 |
| Role | Toy |
| Coat | Long coat |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 20–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Liver shunt (portosystemic shunt)
Liver shunts are reported in the breed, particularly in small dogs. Ask your vet if a puppy is small, unwell after meals or slow to grow.
Behaviour
Gentlest of the little dogs
The CKC says the Maltese is among the gentlest-mannered of all little dogs — intelligent, affectionate and seemingly fearless; the AKC notes that centuries as a companion have taught it exactly how to get what it wants from its people, so training must be consistent.
Minimal exercise, big personality
The AKC says Maltese are full of energy but need only occasional exercise — daily walks or play indoors or in a small yard suffice; the CKC calls it a vigorous little dog always ready for a romp, well suited to limited accommodation.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 30 minutes per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Maltese
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Maltese (Toy Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Maltese
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 30 minutes per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Maltese (standard no. 65, group 9)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club says the Maltese coat is not difficult to care for if you do a daily once-over with a pin brush or steel comb to catch mats early; pet owners who cannot commit to keeping a long coat clean and brushed can opt for a short cut done periodically by a groomer, and a good breeder should start you off with grooming lessons.”
— American Maltese Association — Maltese Grooming via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Maltese — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Maltese — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Maltese — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Maltese — FCI standard no. 65 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Maltese Grooming — American Maltese Association — American Maltese Association — Maltese Grooming (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.