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.
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively
Size
Size: 7 to 9 inches tall. This is a Toy sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- Talkative
- Height
- 7 to 9 inches
- Lifespan
- 12 to 15 years
- Weight
- 4 to 7 lbs
The Maltese stands 7 to 9 inches tall and weighs 4 to 7 lbs. Malteses have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Malteses get?
- Malteses stand 7 to 9 inches tall and typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds.
- How long do Malteses live?
- The average lifespan of a Maltese is 12 to 15 years.
- Are Malteses good for first-time dog owners?
- Malteses are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Malteses bark a lot?
- Malteses are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Maltese health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Mid-life Malteses should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Luxated patella poses very high risk.
- Luxated patella
- Very High Risk
- Dental disease
- Moderate Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Moderate Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Senior Malteses face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Collapsed trachea and Cushings disease and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.
- Collapsed trachea
- Very High Risk
- Cushings disease
- Very High Risk
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
Maltese puppy
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Maltese puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Ear infection poses very high risk. Gastritis is at high risk.
- Ear infection
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- High Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
Young adult Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
As Malteses grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella poses very high risk.
- Luxated patella
- Very High Risk
- Dental disease
- Moderate Risk
- Gastritis
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Mid-life Malteses should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Luxated patella poses very high risk.
- Luxated patella
- Very High Risk
- Dental disease
- Moderate Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Moderate Risk
Senior Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Senior Malteses face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Collapsed trachea and Cushings disease and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.
- Collapsed trachea
- Very High Risk
- Cushings disease
- Very High Risk
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
Maltese puppy
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
Maltese puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Ear infection poses very high risk. Gastritis is at high risk.
- Ear infection
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- High Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
Young adult Maltese
Risk level for common Maltese conditions
As Malteses grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella poses very high risk.
- Luxated patella
- Very High Risk
- Dental disease
- Moderate Risk
- Gastritis
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Maltese's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 6 months)
- Ear infection: Very High Risk, Gastritis: High Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
- Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
- Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk, Gastritis: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
- Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk, Urinary bladder stones: Moderate Risk
- Senior (9+ years)
- Collapsed trachea: Very High Risk, Cushings disease: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk
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?
Should I trim my Maltese's coat?
How do I get my Maltese used to being brushed?
How do I get my Maltese used to being brushed?
How often should I bathe my Maltese?
How often should I bathe my Maltese?
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
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Malteses insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Maltese statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Malteses
Best. Maltese insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free