5 Types of People Who Should Get a Maltese
Dreaming of a fluffy little companion but dreading the thought of dog hair on every couch cushion, sweater, and dark pair of pants? You’re not alone — and you picked a smart breed to research.
Here’s the good news: Maltese dogs really don’t shed much. In fact, they’re one of the go-to breeds for people with allergies or a low tolerance for fur tumbleweeds.
But there’s a catch, and it’s a big one. Low shedding doesn’t mean low maintenance — and skipping that fine print is how new owners end up overwhelmed.
Below, we’ll break down exactly why Maltese barely shed, what grooming really takes, whether they’re safe for allergy sufferers, and what to do if your pup suddenly starts losing more hair than usual.
Almost none
How much a healthy Maltese sheds compared to double-coated breeds
Why Maltese Dogs Don’t Shed (Much)
Let’s start with the science — it’s simpler than you’d think.
Most heavy-shedding dogs have a double coat: a fluffy insulating undercoat beneath a coarser outer layer. That undercoat blows out seasonally, which is why some breeds leave fur drifts on the floor.
The Maltese? No undercoat at all.
Their coat is a single layer of fine, long, silky hair — much closer to human hair than typical dog fur. So instead of shedding in clumps, they lose the occasional strand here and there, just like you do in the shower.
“Maltese hair behaves more like human hair than dog fur — which is exactly why it doesn’t fly around your house.”
What this means in practice: your furniture stays cleaner, your clothes stay fur-free, and you spend far less time with the vacuum. But that silky, human-like hair comes with a trade-off — which brings us to the part most people underestimate.
Here’s where the real work begins.
Grooming a Maltese: It’s a Real Commitment
If you spend any time around long-haired breeds, you learn one truth fast: that gorgeous flowing coat doesn’t maintain itself.
Maltese hair mats easily. It traps dirt like a magnet. And without regular cleaning, it can stain around the eyes, mouth, and paws.
So while you won’t be chasing fur across the living room, you will be picking up a brush — often.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | |
| Grooming effort | |
| Matting risk | |
| Best for small homes |
Your Grooming Game Plan
Here’s the rhythm that keeps a Maltese coat healthy and tangle-free:
- Brush daily to prevent mats before they form
- Bathe roughly weekly to control odor and buildup
- Use a detangler spray plus a wide-tooth comb
- Wet a matted coat before brushing it out
- Wait until knots are severe before dealing with them
One more thing that pays off big: start grooming early. A puppy who learns to enjoy — or at least tolerate — brushing becomes an adult who sits calmly for it. That single habit makes years of coat care dramatically easier for both of you.
Now, the question every allergy sufferer is really asking.
Allergies: Can a Maltese Still Set Them Off?
You might be hoping for a flat “no.” Here’s the honest answer: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
That’s because most dog allergies aren’t triggered by hair at all. The real culprits are proteins found in a dog’s saliva, dander, and urine.
So why do Maltese get the allergy-friendly reputation? Simple — because they shed so little, those allergens don’t spread around your home nearly as easily.
So what does this mean for you? If you’re mildly allergic, a Maltese may be very livable — especially with the right routine.
How to keep allergens low
- Groom regularlyFrequent brushing and bathing removes dander before it spreads.
- Clean oftenWash bedding, vacuum, and wipe surfaces on a schedule.
- Add a HEPA filterIt captures airborne dander and makes a noticeable difference.
- Talk to your doctor firstTest your sensitivity before committing to any breed.
But what if the shedding suddenly ramps up?
What If Your Maltese Is Shedding More Than Expected?
Since Maltese shed so little, a sudden spike in loose hair is worth paying attention to. It’s often your dog’s way of telling you something’s off.
Here are the usual suspects:
Stress
Big changes — a move, a new pet, or a shift in routine — can trigger extra shedding.
Poor diet
Coat health starts with nutrition. Cheap, low-quality food often shows up as a dull, thinning coat.
Skin irritation
Allergies, dryness, or matting can inflame the skin and loosen hair.
Health issues
Excess shedding can signal an underlying problem — when in doubt, see your vet.
Not sure the Maltese is your match? Consider these.
Other Low-Shedding Breeds Worth Considering
The Maltese isn’t the only clean-living companion out there. If the grooming load or size doesn’t fit your life, one of these might be a better match.
Bichon Frise
A similar cottony coat and sweet temperament — also delightfully low-shedding.
Yorkshire Terrier
Long, silky hair much like the Maltese; expect the same regular grooming.
Boston Terrier
Short-haired, low-odor, and famously easy to live with.
Portuguese Water Dog
Highly intelligent and social, with a low-shedding curly coat.
Greyhound
Very short hair and minimal shedding — but they need the right home and lifestyle.
Pros
Why people love the Maltese
- Barely sheds — great for tidy homes
- Often works for mild allergy sufferers
- Small, adaptable, and perfect for apartments
- Affectionate, loyal, and cuddly
Cons
What to be ready for
- Coat mats fast without daily brushing
- Weekly bathing is part of the deal
- Tear staining needs regular cleaning
- Grooming costs and time add up
Frequently Asked Questions
No dog is fully hypoallergenic, but Maltese come close for many people. Because they barely shed, the allergens in their dander and saliva don’t spread as easily. If you’re mildly allergic, regular grooming and a HEPA filter can make living with one very manageable.
Plan on daily brushing to prevent mats and roughly weekly baths to keep the coat clean and odor-free. Many owners also schedule professional grooming every few weeks, especially if they keep the coat short.
Since they normally shed so little, a spike usually points to stress, a poor diet, skin irritation, or a health issue. Try improving nutrition and reducing stress first — but if it continues or comes with itching or bald spots, see your vet.
Yes, with one caveat. They’re small, affectionate, and adaptable to apartments — but the grooming commitment is real. If you’re willing to brush daily and stay on top of coat care, a Maltese is a wonderful first dog.
Very little. Their single, silky coat means loose hairs are rare compared to double-coated breeds. That’s exactly why they’re popular with people who want a clean home.
Moisture and buildup in the fine white coat around the eyes cause the reddish-brown staining. Gentle daily cleaning and keeping that facial hair trimmed and dry go a long way toward preventing it.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.