Maltese

Maltese are one of the lowest-shedding breeds — their long, silky white coat grows continuously and falls out very minimally, making them popular with people who have mild dog allergies. However, 'low-shedding' does not mean low-maintenance: their coat requires daily brushing to prevent painful tangles and matting, and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Many owners opt for a short 'puppy clip' for ease. Their coat needs proper care to stay healthy and mat-free.

Maltese are gentle and loving but delicate — their tiny size makes them vulnerable to injury from rough play or accidental drops, and they can nip if handled roughly or startled. They're better suited to families with older, calmer children (aged 8+) who understand how to interact gently with a small dog. In the right family environment, a Maltese is a devoted, affectionate companion; in a household with boisterous toddlers, there's a real risk of injury to the dog.

Maltese are generally healthy but prone to several small-breed conditions. Dental disease is common — their small jaws crowd the teeth, making daily brushing and regular dental cleans essential. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can affect puppies and very small adults. Luxating patellas, collapsing trachea (use a harness, never a neck collar), and liver shunts are also seen in the breed. White Shaker Syndrome — a condition causing whole-body tremors — is a Maltese-specific neurological condition that responds well to treatment.

Maltese are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, but housetraining is their biggest challenge — they have small bladders and are sensitive to cold and rain, which makes outdoor training less reliable. Many owners use indoor training pads alongside outdoor training. They're prone to 'small dog syndrome' if boundaries aren't set consistently from puppyhood. Beyond housetraining, they're quick learners who can pick up tricks and basic obedience easily when motivated with praise and small treats.

Maltese are classic companion dogs that bond intensely with their owners, which means separation can genuinely distress them. They're not suited to long hours alone and can develop anxiety-related behaviours (barking, destructiveness, or stress) when isolated for extended periods. Gradual alone-time training from puppyhood, enrichment toys, and ideally keeping their alone time to a few hours maximum all help. Some Maltese owners find that having a companion dog significantly helps their Maltese cope with solitude.

Maltese are one of the longer-lived toy breeds, typically reaching 12–15 years and sometimes beyond. Proactive dental care is the single biggest factor in their longevity — untreated dental disease leads to pain, infection, and organ damage that significantly shortens their lives. Keeping them at a healthy weight, using a harness to protect the trachea, and annual vet check-ups that include dental assessments all help Maltese live comfortably into their teens.

Maltese can be a good choice for first-time owners who are prepared for the grooming commitment and patient with housetraining. Their small size makes them manageable, and their affectionate, responsive nature is rewarding. The key pitfalls for new Maltese owners are: not training consistently (leading to small dog syndrome), skipping dental care, and using a neck collar instead of a harness. Research these breed-specific needs in advance and the Maltese can be a wonderfully rewarding first dog.

Maltese need only moderate exercise — short walks of 15–20 minutes once or twice a day suit them perfectly, supplemented by indoor play. They're more active than many toy breeds and enjoy exploring, but their tiny legs mean long walks tire them quickly. In cold or wet weather, they dislike going out (and a dog coat helps), so indoor games and short garden time can substitute on bad-weather days. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training is just as important as physical activity for keeping a Maltese content.