👉 Coming up with a pet name can be fun but tricky. Search no further! According to PetScreening’s 2024 database, the majority of our users name their male Malteses Bentley; Milo is the 2nd most popular male name. Meanwhile, most of our users with female Malteses love Bella, then Luna.
These dogs are happiest in your lap or by your side. Maltese are energetic and playful but don’t need constant exercise to keep them happy. Running around with the kids outside, playing with their favorite toys, or walking around the block is usually enough to keep this breed fit. And due to their calm and loving nature, they often do well with other, similarly-sized pets.
Maltese are generally quite friendly, but they can be very protective. They will likely bark when someone is at the door, but with proper puppy training and socialization, this breed often does well with strangers and is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners who have the time to devote to them. Maltese are prone to separation anxiety and may bark or chew when left alone.
Maltese are generally healthy and often live well past the age of 10. However, like any breed, they’re prone to certain health conditions of which you should be aware.
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy dog breeds and has been beloved by royals for centuries. Being a dog of royalty comes with a high price tag. A Maltese puppy can cost anywhere from $600 to $4,000 from a reputable breeder. Conformation quality puppies destined for the show ring can cost as much as $10,000 and up! And this is just an initial cost. Every year has expenses such as food, a bed, toys, vaccinations, vet checkups, and grooming. Many Maltese owners spend $1,500 to $3,000 for the first year and $1,200 on average for each year after.
Pet insurance is a great way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Sign your pet up early to reap the most benefits. A pet savings account is also a great option to help you prepare for anything your pup may need.
While exact origins remain unclear, the Maltese may have hailed from the island nation of Malta, south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. The island was a meeting place for pilgrims, mariners, and wealthy merchants. It was a clearinghouse for precious items like spices, silks, gemstones, and later, small, white lap dogs (eventually) known as Maltese.
The Greeks, Romans, and countless others were fascinated by the Maltese’s beauty. Its image was displayed on ceramics, paintings, and other works of art. These prestigious pups even became a fashion statement. Roman women weren’t fully dressed without a “Roman ladies’ dog” by their sides.
After the fall of Rome, breeders in China kept the Maltese from extinction during Europe’s Dark Ages. The Chinese crossed the Maltese with their native toy breeds and exported the more “refined” Maltese to Europe. With its charm, good looks, and adorable expression, the Maltese was a crown jewel of dog shows from the beginning. At the first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877, the breed entered as the Maltese Lion Dog.
Bringing a new member into the family is no easy task. From your first trip to the vet to puppy-proofing your home and preparing for teething, we can help you through it. Here are the basics of caring for Maltese to get you started.
Maltese love to play and are full of energy but only need occasional exercise to keep them healthy. Daily walks with their owner or playing with their favorite toys is often enough to keep this breed entertained. They do well in various living spaces as long as they get play time and attention from the people they love. However, these high-energy dogs are prone to separation anxiety and may bark or chew on your favorite shoes when left alone.
Maltese are famous for their stunning, floor-length white coats. But to keep their flowing manes clean and tangle-free, they’ll need to be brushed at least every two to three days, if not daily. These dogs also need regular baths and coat conditioning to keep their fur shiny and smooth and tear stain treatments to prevent fur discoloration. Other than these few extra steps to keep your pup in tip-top shape, regular maintenance like brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, and trimming their nails are all these pups need.
A high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog’s age is what these pups need to stay healthy. However, because the breed is so small, it’s prone to obesity. Watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level, especially when it comes to treats. Always check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Over centuries of being a human’s best friend, the clever Maltese learned exactly how to get what it wants. These dogs may be adorable, but stay consistent with their training. While they often learn new things quickly, they can be stubborn and determined. Positive training methods like praise and treats often work best with this breed, and they even do well in dog sports like obedience or agility.
Not quite sure that a Maltese is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:
Maltese are some of the sweetest, most loving pups you could have. But they often struggle with separation anxiety, excessive barking, and sometimes potty training.
Maltese are often great with younger children, but like any dog, they may snap or lash out when their fur is pulled, or little fingers go where they aren’t supposed to. As long as they’re treated with respect, a Maltese is one of the most loyal and loving family dogs you could have.
Maltese have a bad reputation for being excessive barkers. More often than not, this comes from their separation anxiety — trying to convince you to come back home and cuddle.
On the island of Malta, these dogs were bred to be companions and comforters, later becoming a fashion statement for Roman women.
