9 Things To Know Before Getting A Maltese Puppy
The honest 10-second verdict
If you're home most of the day, can budget around $150–$200/month, and want an unwavering companion that has been enchanting humans for 8,000 years — a Maltese will genuinely amaze you. But that silky white coat, the separation anxiety, and those tiny puppy sugar crashes are real. This guide covers all of it, so you can decide with your eyes open.
What's in this guide
Is a Maltese Right for You?
Before anything else — run through this checklist honestly. The Maltese is one of the most devoted breeds on the planet, but that devotion cuts both ways. The best owners aren't necessarily experienced dog people — they're just realistic.
✓A Maltese is a great fit if you…
- •Work from home or are home for most of the day
- •Live in an apartment — this breed was made for compact spaces
- •Have allergies and want a genuinely low-shedding dog
- •Want a long-lived companion (12–15+ years)
- •Are retired, a senior, or have a calm, consistent lifestyle
- •Have older children (6+) who understand gentle handling
✕You might want to reconsider if you…
- •Work long hours away from home with no backup plan
- •Want a wash-and-go, low-maintenance coat
- •Have toddlers at home — the size mismatch is a real injury risk
- •Have limited patience for potty training challenges
- •Live in an extreme climate without reliable indoor heating/cooling
↓Let's bust the biggest myths about this breed before we go further.
5 Maltese Myths — Debunked
A lot of what people assume about Maltese dogs is wrong. Tap each myth to see the real story.
They're surprisingly sturdy for their size. The AKC notes they possess "the vigor needed for a satisfactory companion." They love to run, play, and explore — just avoid rough play with very young kids.
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Maltese produce far less airborne dander because their single-layer coat sheds minimally. But allergens also live in saliva and urine. Spend time with one before committing.
Maltese are intelligent and eager to please — but also stubborn. Potty training is genuinely harder than with most larger breeds. Tiny bladders, strong will. Consistent crate training from day one is non-negotiable.
"Teacup" isn't a real breed variant — it's usually the result of breeding runts together. This creates compounding health problems, shorter lifespans, and extreme fragility. Please avoid supporting this trend.
Maltese are bred exclusively for close human companionship. A Maltese left alone for 8+ hours will likely develop severe separation anxiety: excessive barking, destructive behavior, and self-harm through repetitive licking.
↓Here's the full personality picture — including the parts that surprise first-time owners.
Fearless, Affectionate, and Surprisingly Bold
The Maltese personality is a paradox: they are among the most gentle and affectionate companions you'll ever meet, yet they carry a fearless confidence that defies their tiny frame. The AKC breed standard describes them as "gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and, despite his size, possessed of the vigor needed for a satisfactory companion."
They form unbreakable bonds with their owners and become true shadows — following you room to room, sleeping against your leg, and monitoring your every move with an expression of absolute devotion. According to the American Temperament Test Society, 82.4% of Maltese pass the temperament test, a solid score reflecting their overall emotional stability.
"My Maltese figured out which drawer held his treats within the first week. He'd sit in front of it and stare at me when he wanted one. Seven pounds of pure emotional manipulation — and I fell for it every time."
Maltese owner, r/maltese
Shadow-Level Devotion
Will follow you from room to room and notice instantly when your mood changes. Exceptional therapy and emotional support animals.
Fearless to a Fault
Will stand up to dogs ten times their size. Endearing — but always supervise at dog parks and during introductions.
Emotionally Intelligent
Picks up on owner moods, offers comfort when you're sad, and shares in moments of joy. Sensitive souls that don't do well with harsh environments.
The Sassy Streak
An over-coddled Maltese develops "small dog syndrome" — insecure, anxious, and demanding. Treat them like a dog, not a handbag accessory.
How the Maltese Compares to Similar Breeds
| Feature | Maltese | Bichon Frise | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Under 7 lbs | 7–13 lbs | 9–16 lbs |
| Coat colors | White only | White | Many colors |
| Coat type | Single, silky | Double, curly | Double, flowing |
| Shedding | Very low | Low | Low–moderate |
| Temperament | Affectionate, bold | Friendly, social | Calm, stubborn |
| Barking | Moderate–high | Moderate | Low–moderate |
| AKC rank | #37 | #46 | #20 |
↓That devotion has a dark side — here's the #1 challenge every Maltese owner faces.
Separation Anxiety: The Maltese Achilles Heel
The same intense love that makes the Maltese such an extraordinary companion creates its biggest challenge. A Maltese left alone doesn't just sit quietly waiting for you — it suffers. This isn't drama or bad behavior; it's what happens when a breed designed over millennia for close human contact is suddenly isolated.
Signs of separation anxiety in Maltese:
- •Excessive barking and howling that starts the moment you leave
- •Destructive chewing — furniture, shoes, baseboards, whatever they can reach
- •Inappropriate urination even in house-trained dogs
- •Compulsive licking or self-chewing (can lead to skin sores)
- •Depression and refusal to eat while you're away
How to Prevent and Manage It
Gradual Desensitization
Start with 30-second absences, then 1 minute, then 5. This teaches the dog that departures are temporary — not catastrophic. The key is staying below the anxiety threshold every single time.
Create a Safe Space
Set up a comfortable corner with familiar bedding, toys, and an old worn shirt. A crate the dog chooses to enter voluntarily is the gold standard.
Background Noise
Leave a radio or TV on — classical music or audiobooks work especially well. Familiar human voices reduce the feeling of isolation significantly.
Interactive Toys
A Kong stuffed with frozen peanut butter or kibble buys time and builds a positive association with alone time. Rotate toys to keep things novel.
Exercise Before Leaving
A walked, played-with Maltese is dramatically calmer than one with pent-up energy. Even 15 minutes of active play before you leave makes a real difference.
The rule of thumb
Keep departures and arrivals calm. Dramatic goodbyes and ecstatic greetings teach the dog that separations are a big deal — and amplify anxiety. The calmer you are, the calmer they'll be.
↓Now the thing that surprises almost every new owner — that gorgeous coat is serious work.
Grooming: Beautiful Coat, Real Commitment
The Maltese's most iconic feature — its long, flowing, pure white coat — is also its most demanding care requirement. Unlike most dogs, the Maltese has hair rather than fur, with a single-layer coat (no undercoat) that grows continuously like human hair. This gives them their hypoallergenic quality, but also means the coat is extremely prone to tangling and matting if not maintained religiously.
The 10–14 month danger zone
Between 10 and 14 months of age, the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat. The previously easy-care fur becomes extremely tangle-prone almost overnight. Owners who skipped grooming during puppyhood often get blindsided. Start daily brushing habits from day one — even before the coat technically needs it.
Grooming Schedule at a Glance
| Task | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|
| 🪮 | Brushing (long coat) Line brush section by section; always spritz detangler first | Daily |
| 🪮 | Brushing (puppy cut) Much more manageable — popular choice for pet owners | Every 3 days |
| 🫧 | Face wipe Prevents tear and saliva staining under the eyes | Twice daily |
| 🛁 | Bathing Always condition after — closes cuticle, reduces knots | Every 3–4 weeks |
| ✂️ | Professional groom Full trim, nails, ear cleaning, ear hair removal | Every 4–6 weeks |
| 🪥 | Teeth brushing Non-negotiable — dental disease hits 80% of toy breeds | Daily |
Long Coat vs. Puppy Cut
Show Length (Long Coat)
- • Daily brushing — line brush section by section
- • Always spritz detangling spray before brushing (water tightens mats)
- • Condition after every bath — mandatory, not optional
- • Stunning to look at; significant time investment
Puppy Cut (Short Trim)
- • Brushing every 3 days is sufficient
- • Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
- • Dramatically reduces daily maintenance
- • Most popular choice for pet (non-show) Maltese
"I kept the long coat for eight months because it was so beautiful. Then I got a puppy cut and never looked back. The dog is happier, the grooming is manageable, and honestly? She still turns heads everywhere we go."
Maltese owner, r/maltese
↓That white coat is unforgiving — 93% of owners face this next challenge.
Tear Staining: The Maltese Owner's Constant Battle
In a survey of 600 Maltese owners, 93% reported having a tear staining problem. Those reddish-brown marks under the eyes are caused by porphyrins — iron-containing molecules in tears — combined with bacteria and yeast that thrive in perpetually damp fur. On a pure white coat, any discoloration is impossible to ignore.
Maltese are especially susceptible because of their short muzzles, shallow eye sockets, and narrow tear ducts that can block drainage. This isn't vanity — chronic dampness under the eyes causes real skin irritation and discomfort.
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Low-quality food with artificial additives | Switch to premium food without artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives |
| Tap water with high mineral content | Use filtered or distilled water in a stainless steel or glass bowl |
| Plastic bowls harboring bacteria | Switch to stainless steel or ceramic — plastic scratches harbor bacteria |
| Wet facial hair / yeast growth | Wipe face at least twice daily; use a gentle tear stain remover on dry fur |
| Hair falling into eyes | Keep facial hair trimmed or use a topknot; check that hair doesn't irritate the eye |
| Blocked tear ducts or allergies | Vet examination — may need flushing, antihistamines, or allergy testing |
The American Maltese Association recommends a multi-pronged approach: address diet, water quality, and bowl material simultaneously while maintaining a daily cleaning regimen. Even the best tear stain removers will only provide temporary relief if the underlying cause isn't fixed first.
↓Health is where new owners get the biggest surprises — including a puppy emergency 80% face.
Health: What Every Maltese Owner Must Know
The Maltese is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12–15 years — about 25% above average for dogs overall. The oldest recorded Maltese lived to at least 20 years. However, several health conditions are more prevalent in this breed, and one in particular is a genuine emergency risk for puppies.
The #1 Puppy Emergency: Hypoglycemia
- •Up to 80% of Maltese puppies are susceptible to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Toy breed puppies have limited fat stores and high metabolic rates — even a missed meal can trigger a crisis.
- •Warning signs: Weakness, lethargy, confusion, or wobbly "drunken" gait; frothing or drooling, seizures, pale or grayish gums.
- •Emergency: Rub Karo syrup, honey, or Nutri-Cal directly on the gums immediately.
- •Wrap the puppy warmly — hypothermia compounds the crisis.
- •If no improvement in 10 minutes, emergency vet immediately.
- •Puppies must have food available at all times in the first months.
Health Issues by Prevalence
Most Common Maltese Health Issues
Tear staining: cosmetic. Hypoglycemia + dental: potentially life-limiting.
Other Conditions to Watch For
| Condition | What to know |
|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Kneecap pops out of place; causes limping or skipping. Screenable via OFA evaluation. |
| Tracheal Collapse | Weakening of tracheal rings causes a honking cough. Always use a harness — never a collar on walks. |
| Patent Ductus Arteriosus | Inherited heart condition from birth; a blood vessel connection fails to close. |
| Chronic Valve Disease | Heart valves weaken with age; a leading cause of death in older Maltese. Regular cardiac checks after age 5. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | Gradual vision loss from genetic mutation. DNA testable — ask breeders for test results. |
| Liver Shunts | Blood bypasses the liver; toxins accumulate. Symptoms appear early — stunted growth, behavior changes. |
Dental Care: Non-Negotiable
- •Approximately 80% of dogs develop dental disease by age three — and Maltese are disproportionately affected because their tiny mouths crowd teeth together. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, jaw bone deterioration, and secondary infections affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- •Brush teeth daily with canine toothpaste and a finger brush
- •Supplement with VOHC-approved dental chews
- •Schedule professional dental cleanings as your vet recommends
↓They're intelligent and eager — but housebreaking is where new owners hit a wall.
Training: Easy to Teach, Harder to Housebreak
Maltese are intelligent, eager to please, and genuinely enjoy learning. They respond beautifully to positive reinforcement — treats, praise, and play. Harsh corrections, yelling, or punitive methods will cause a Maltese to shut down or become fearful. Training sessions should be short (5–10 minutes), frequent, and always end on a positive note.
Their intelligence is a double-edged sword: Maltese learn bad habits just as quickly as good ones. If begging at the table gets results even once, that behavior is locked in. Consistency from every family member is non-negotiable.
The golden rules for training a Maltese
- 15–10 minute sessions max.Short, successful, and frequent beats long and exhausting.
- 2Always end on a win.Ask for something easy right before wrapping up.
- 3Tiny treats.Pea-sized rewards — you'll use 20+ per session.
- 4Every family member must be consistent.One soft touch undoes everyone else's work.
- 5Redirect, never punish.Interrupt calmly and show what you want instead.
Potty Training: The Real Challenge
Potty training is widely regarded as the most challenging aspect of Maltese ownership. Their tiny bladders physically cannot hold urine as long as larger breeds, and some dogs have a stubborn streak that adds real friction.
| Key Principle | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Start the first day home | Every day you wait creates harder-to-break habits |
| Designate one potty spot | Changing the location confuses the dog and resets progress |
| Take outside after every meal, nap, and play session | Maltese puppies need to go 8–12 times a day |
| Use crate training | Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area — teaches bladder control |
| Never punish accidents | Creates anxiety that makes accidents worse, not better |
| Celebrate every success | Enthusiastic praise + treat immediately after going in the right spot is the whole system |
Realistic timeline: Most Maltese are reliably housebroken within 2–4 months with consistent crate training. Dogs from puppy mills or kennels where they were confined with their waste will take significantly longer — sometimes 6+ months of patient retraining.
Socialization: The Key to a Confident Dog
The critical socialization window is 3–16 weeks of age. A Maltese puppy that meets a wide variety of people, dogs, environments, sounds, and situations during this window grows into a confident, friendly, adaptable adult. One that doesn't becomes the stereotypical anxious, yappy small dog. Early socialization is the most important thing you can do — more than any training command.
↓Despite their lapdog reputation, they need real daily activity — here's what that looks like.
Exercise and Living Needs
The Maltese has moderate exercise needs — around 30 minutes of daily activity is sufficient, which can be split into two walks of 10–15 minutes each plus indoor playtime. They are energetic and playful, not couch potatoes. An under-exercised Maltese is a bored Maltese, and a bored Maltese invents its own entertainment.
Daily Walks
10–15 min × 2, always on harness not collar
Indoor Fetch
Soft toys — perfect for apartment play
Puzzle Toys
Mental stimulation counts as real exercise
Hide & Seek
Uses their natural scent instincts; tires them out fast
Heat: Watch Carefully Above 80°F
White coats absorb less heat but Maltese are prone to overheating. Walk in early morning or after sunset. Never leave in a parked car — even for minutes.
Cold: They Feel It Below 45°F
Tiny body mass and no undercoat mean they get cold fast. A fitted sweater or coat is non-optional in cold weather. Keep walks short in freezing temps.
🏢 Perfect apartment dog. The Maltese excels in small spaces. They can meet much of their exercise needs through indoor play alone — one of the most apartment-compatible breeds in existence. In a calm home, barking is minimal. In an under-stimulated or anxious environment, it can become a problem — training commands like "quiet" and daily exercise prevent this.
↓Feeding a Maltese puppy has one non-negotiable rule that could save their life.
Feeding and Nutrition
Maltese have specific nutritional needs driven by their tiny size and high metabolic rate. The AKC estimates they require approximately 40–50 calories per pound of body weight daily — a higher ratio than large breeds.
| Life Stage | Meals / Day |
|---|---|
| Puppy (8–12 wks) | Free-feed / 4x |
| Puppy (3–6 months) | 3–4x / day |
| Adult (1–7 yrs) | 2x / day |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | 2x / day |
Foods to never give a Maltese:
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (artificial sweetener), and foods with artificial coloring or preservatives. Inferior food with artificial additives can directly worsen tear staining and coat quality.
↓Now the part most people skip — the real financial picture before you fall in love.
What It Actually Costs to Own a Maltese
Maltese are a meaningful financial commitment. Expect to spend $1,000–$3,000 from a reputable breeder for a pet-quality puppy, or $2,000–$5,000+ for show and champion lines. Adoption through rescue typically runs $100–$600. Be wary of prices under $800 with no health certs — that almost always means a puppy mill.
First Year vs Annual Costs
First-year: ~$4,560 | Ongoing: ~$2,360/yr
💰 Annual Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Food & Treats | $360–$720 |
| Professional Grooming | $480–$900 |
| Vet / Preventive Care | $400–$800 |
| Pet Insurance | $360–$720 |
| Dental Cleanings | $200–$800 |
| Supplies & Toys | $200–$400 |
| Est. Annual Total | $2,000–$4,340 |
"The puppy was $2,200. I thought that was the big expense. Then the first professional grooming, the dental cleaning at age 2, and the quality food... I'd still do it all again in a heartbeat. But I wish someone had given me the real number upfront."
Maltese owner, r/maltese
↓Eight thousand years of history explains why this breed is the way it is.
8,000 Years Old: The World's First Lap Dog
The Maltese is one of the most ancient dog breeds in recorded history, with origins estimated as far back as 6,000 B.C. Unlike hunting breeds or working dogs, the Maltese was designed entirely for companionship from the very beginning. That context explains everything about their temperament — the devotion, the separation anxiety, the need to be close. It's not a quirk; it's 8,000 years of selective breeding.
Origins in the Mediterranean
The earliest ancestors of the Maltese appear in ancient records around Malta and the surrounding region. Artifacts at Fayum, Egypt (600–300 B.C.) show Maltese-like dogs placed beside the sick, believed to have healing powers.
Greek and Roman aristocracy adopts the breed
Pictorial representations appear on Greek ceramic art found at Vulci. Aristotle, Pliny the Elder, and Strabo all mention the breed. Roman aristocratic women tucked them into their sleeves as fashion accessories and companions.
Chinese breeders help preserve the line
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Chinese breeders crossed the Maltese with Eastern breeds like the Tibetan Terrier to refine its appearance and preserve the bloodline through turbulent centuries.
European royalty's favorite
The breed became a status symbol among European royalty and aristocracy. Queen Victoria kept Maltese in her palace. The pure white coat became a symbol of nobility.
Westminster debut as "Maltese Lion Dog"
The Maltese was among the first breeds exhibited at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, appearing under the designation "Maltese Lion Dog." The American Maltese Association was later founded to preserve breed standards.
#37 in America, beloved worldwide
Currently ranked #37 by the AKC, the Maltese remains one of the most popular toy breeds globally. Owners through history include Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Halle Berry, and Leona Helmsley — who left her Maltese "Trouble" a $12 million trust fund.
↓Ready to get one? Here's how to avoid the most expensive mistake new owners make.
Puppy, Adult, or Rescue — and Where to Get One
This is the section most articles skip, and it's the one that matters most before you spend a cent. The difference between a well-bred Maltese and one from a puppy mill isn't just price — it's potentially thousands in vet bills, years of behavioral challenges, and a much shorter, harder life for the dog.
Compare Your Options
Reputable Breeder
Best for first-time owners✓Pros
- • Health tests on both parents
- • Lifetime breeder support
- • Predictable temperament
- • Properly socialized puppies
✕Cons
- • Higher upfront cost
- • Long waitlist
- • Full puppy energy for 2+ years
Rescue / AMAR
Excellent for experienced owners✓Pros
- • Lower cost (includes vet care)
- • Often adult — temperament is known
- • Saving a life
- • AMAR covers all medical bills
✕Cons
- • Usually adults, rarely puppies
- • Unknown early history
- • May need extra patience
Pet Store / Online Listing
Avoid if possible✓Pros
- • Immediate availability
✕Cons
- • Likely puppy mill sourced
- • No health history
- • Hidden vet bills ahead
- • No support after sale
Breeder Red Flags vs. Green Flags
A reputable breeder will ask you as many questions as you ask them. That's the single best sign. Use this checklist when evaluating any Maltese breeder:
Finding a Reputable Breeder
Start with the American Maltese Association (americanmaltese.org) — their breeder referral list only includes members who agree to their code of ethics. For rescue, contact the American Maltese Association Rescue (AMAR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating since 2012, 100% volunteer-run, with foster homes across the country. Avoid Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and any site with Maltese puppies always in stock.
The Bottom Line: Is a Maltese Worth It?
The Maltese has endured as a beloved companion for 8,000 years for good reason. Few breeds match its combination of devotion, intelligence, compact size, and genuinely low-shedding coat. But this ancient aristocrat comes with real demands. Here's the honest at-a-glance verdict:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection & Loyalty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Apartment Living | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hypoallergenic Coat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trainability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Exercise Needs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Grooming | ⭐ |
| Alone Time | ⭐ |
| With Toddlers | ⭐⭐ |
| Potty Training | ⭐⭐ |
| Lifetime Cost | ⭐⭐ |
| Lifespan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The bottom line
For those ready to invest the time, love, and resources, the Maltese repays that commitment many times over — with 12–15+ years of unwavering loyalty, playful energy, and a unique emotional sensitivity that makes this tiny dog feel like a full-sized soulmate. Whether you go through a reputable breeder or adopt through AMAR, a well-cared-for Maltese doesn't just become a pet. It becomes a constant companion whose entire purpose — bred over millennia — is to love and be loved.
