Maltese
Sweet, smart and snuggly
Malteses 101
Toy groupSweet, gentle and affectionate, the Maltese is a little dog who’s a good match with older singles or couples, but may be a little too fragile for families with small children. They are smart and outgoing, and good with other family pets.
Maltese love to be the center of attention. They are a perfect purse dog who’ll happily go wherever their families do. Eager to please, they’re easy to train and easier still to spoil. Early manners training and socialization will set the stage for a lifetime of good behavior.
What we love about Malteses
One of the sweetest of breeds. Smart, too!
Maltese have bright, expressive eyes and a black shoe button nose. Their long, silky white coats are difficult to maintain, so most are kept clipped short.
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Luxated patella
Dental disease
Urinary bladder stones
Senior Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Collapsed trachea
Cushings disease
Valvular heart disease
Maltese puppy
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Ear infection
Gastritis
Trauma
Young adult Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Luxated patella
Dental disease
Gastritis
Mature adult Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Luxated patella
Dental disease
Urinary bladder stones
Senior Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Collapsed trachea
Cushings disease
Valvular heart disease
Maltese puppy
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Ear infection
Gastritis
Trauma
Young adult Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Luxated patella
Dental disease
Gastritis
Nationwide can help you save on your Maltese's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
Get your Maltese’s health information in a free report
Elvis Presley had a beloved Maltese named Foxhugh, who often accompanied him on tour and even had his own custom-made outfits.
Maltese coat care and colors
The silky, floor-length coat of the Maltese tangles easily, which is why most are kept clipped short by a professional groomer. While that makes home coat care easier, dogs may get chilly on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater or two on-hand for added warmth. Eye stains can be a problem most notable in small white-colored dogs, so health issues should be ruled out before attempting cleanup. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.
Should I trim my Maltese's coat?
The long, silky white coat of the Maltese is impractical for most people to maintain. For this reason, Maltese are typically kept clipped short, with a trip to the groomer every 6 to 8 weeks.
How do I get my Maltese used to being brushed?
You can get your Maltese used to being brushed with praise, small treats and patience. Keep sessions short as your Maltese becomes more tolerant. If you keep your Maltese clipped short, regular brushing will minimize any shedding and coat maintenance will be easier on you both.
How often should I bathe my Maltese?
There’s no need to wait until your Maltese is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Most Maltese do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. Make sure to comb or cut out any mats before bathing, since water makes mats even more difficult to remove. You can extend the time between baths with regular brushing and combing. Keeping your Maltese clipped short will also help with maintaining a clean-smelling coat.
Maltese exercise & training
Maltese fun facts
Top girl names for Malteses
of Malteses are female
of Malteses are male
Top boy names for Malteses
Nationwide loves Malteses of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like Malteses
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