🐾 Small · Mediterranean region (Italy)
A small, friendly companion dog with a silky white coat — affectionate, well suited to apartment life, and easy for beginners.
The Maltese is a gentle, playful, and highly people-oriented companion dog. Open-minded, eager to learn, and rarely aggressive, it seeks close contact with its owner and stays playful well into old age.
Exercise needs are low: short walks and play sessions are enough, making the breed well suited to apartment living and to seniors. Mental engagement and affection matter more to it than long distances.
The long, silky white coat without an undercoat is the main commitment: it must be brushed daily to prevent matting, and many owners have it clipped shorter. The eye area needs regular attention because of tear staining.
Well suited to beginners thanks to its friendly nature, apartment suitability, and easy motivation. The prerequisite is a willingness to commit to intensive coat care — without it, the hair mats quickly.
Breed-typical conditions include patellar luxation, dental and gum problems, and watery eyes, with heart disease and liver disease (portosystemic shunt) occurring less often. Overall, well-bred Maltese are a robust, long-lived breed.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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