Everything you need to know about living with a 5-7 lb pure white Maltese. From indoor paper training to dental care and debunking dangerous 'teacup' breeding myths.
This article is part of our complete guide: Small & Prissy: The Complete Maltese Guide to Grooming, Health, and Care. Read the full guide for grooming routines, tear stains, and health issues.
True Companion Dogs in a Petite Package
Maltese do not have hunting, herding, or guarding instincts. For more than two thousand years their purpose has been to be a gentle, devoted human companion. At our home in Monett, our Maltese follow me from room to room and curl up beside me while I read or work. For a full picture of their personality and care, see our complete Maltese guide.
Are Maltese Really "Hypoallergenic"?
Here is the honest answer: no dog is completely hypoallergenic. People are allergic to proteins found in a dog's dander, saliva, and urine, not to the hair itself. Every dog produces these proteins.
That said, many allergy sufferers find that Maltese are easier to live with than most breeds. Here is why:
- A single-layer coat with no heavy undercoat means very little shedding, so less dander is scattered around the house.
- Small size means less total dander and saliva overall.
- Regular bathing and brushing removes dander before it spreads.
Individual dogs and individual allergies vary. If someone in your home has asthma or significant allergies, spend time with the specific dog before committing, and talk with your doctor. The AKC's Maltese page lists the breed among low-shedding dogs, but even they do not promise allergy-free living.
Living with a Maltese and Allergies: Practical Tips
- Brush your dog daily, ideally outdoors or in an easy-to-clean room.
- Bathe every three to four weeks with a gentle shampoo.
- Wash bedding weekly and vacuum often.
- Use a HEPA air filter in the main living area.
- Keep the dog out of the allergic person's bedroom.
Our guide to Maltese grooming has the full routine.
The Truth About "Teacup" Maltese
I need to be blunt about this: "teacup," "micro," and "pocket" are marketing words, not real varieties. The breed standard calls for dogs under seven pounds, with four to six preferred. Dogs bred deliberately smaller than that are at higher risk for serious problems, including:
- Hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
- Open fontanels, soft spots in the skull that may never fully close.
- Liver shunts and other organ problems. Read about portosystemic shunts.
- Fragile bones and dental crowding.
- Shortened lifespan.
A healthy five- or six-pound Maltese has all the petite charm you could ask for and the vitality to live a long, happy life of twelve to fifteen years. Choose health over tiny.
Daily Life Tips for a Sensitive Toy Breed
- Dental care. Brush frequently. Small mouths crowd teeth, and dental disease is common.
- Safe handling. Always support the body, and never let a tiny dog jump from furniture.
- Harness, not collar, to protect the windpipe.
- Warmth. Small dogs get cold quickly in winter.
- Company. Maltese hate long periods alone. Plan for companionship.
Questions about Maltese care? Ask Donna directly.