Donna Connolly shares her top tips for caring for Maltese dogs: maintaining a snow-white silky coat, stopping tear stains permanently, and nurturing their loving companion nature.
Key Takeaways
- The Maltese is a 4 to 7 pound companion with a single-layer, silky white coat that sheds very little.
- Daily brushing, a regular bath, and a simple "puppy cut" keep the coat comfortable for most pet owners.
- Tear stains are common. Careful eye cleaning, clean bowls, and a veterinary check for underlying causes help most dogs.
- Watch for breed-specific health issues: dental disease, luxating patella, low blood sugar in puppies, collapsing trachea, and liver shunts.
- For allergy, size, and "teacup" questions, read our companion article on living with a Maltese: allergies, size, and teacup myths.
If French Bulldogs are the clowns of our farm, the Maltese are the princesses. Yes, they are small, and yes, they are prissy, and I mean both as compliments. A Maltese will march across the kitchen floor like she owns the house, then curl up in your lap as if nobody else in the world matters. In this complete guide I want to share what I have learned about keeping these elegant little dogs healthy, well-groomed, and happy, from their history to their haircuts to the health problems every owner should know.
A Very Old Companion
The Maltese is among the oldest toy breeds. Its history traces back more than two thousand years to the Mediterranean, where small white dogs were prized by traders, nobles, and royalty as lap companions. The American Kennel Club describes a gentle, playful, fearless little dog that is as happy in an apartment as on a farm.
Unlike many breeds, the Maltese was never developed to hunt, herd, or guard. Its entire purpose across the centuries has been to be a devoted human companion, and that shows in a dog that wants to be close to you every moment.
Temperament and Personality
Sweet, Spirited, and a Little Bossy
Maltese are affectionate, alert, and surprisingly bold for their size. They love to play, enjoy short bursts of zoomies, and then settle happily on a lap. They are quick learners, but they can also be strong-willed, and a spoiled Maltese will happily run your household.
Common Behavior Challenges
- Separation anxiety. Bred as constant companions, many Maltese struggle when left alone for long hours.
- Barking. They make good alarm dogs and may bark at every sound unless trained.
- House training. Small bladders and stubbornness make this a slow process for some. Consistency and patience matter.
- "Small dog syndrome." If they are never given rules because they are small, they may become demanding or snappy.
Good with Children?
Maltese can be great family dogs, but because they are so small and fragile, they are best with gentle, older children who can be taught how to hold and handle them. Always supervise young kids.
Size, Lifespan, and the Breed Standard
The Maltese breed standard calls for dogs under seven pounds, with four to six pounds preferred. Most healthy adults fall between four and seven pounds. With good care, Maltese often live twelve to fifteen years. In our companion article we explain why extremely tiny "teacup" dogs are a health risk, not a mark of quality: the truth about teacup Maltese.
Understanding the Maltese Coat
The Maltese coat is long, straight, and silky, and it is a single layer without the dense undercoat found in many breeds. That is why Maltese shed far less than most dogs. It is also why the hair behaves a lot like human hair: it keeps growing, and it tangles.
Coat Colors
The standard calls for pure white, though slight lemon or light tan shading on the ears is acceptable. A truly snow-white coat takes maintenance.
Grooming: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly
Daily
- Brush the coat with a pin brush and a metal comb, working in layers down to the skin so mats cannot hide underneath.
- Wipe the eyes with a soft damp cloth or a vet-approved eye wipe.
- Wipe the face and beard after meals.
Weekly
- Check the ears and clean them gently if needed. Maltese can grow hair inside the ear canal, which may need to be tidied by a groomer or veterinarian.
- Brush the teeth (more on that below).
- Check between the toes and pads.
Every Three to Four Weeks
- Bathe with a gentle dog shampoo and a conditioner, then dry thoroughly. Brush before bathing, because water tightens mats.
- Trim nails, and trim hair around the feet and sanitary area.
The Puppy Cut: The Practical Choice
A full, floor-length show coat takes hours every week. For most pet owners, I recommend a "puppy cut," in which the hair is clipped to roughly one to two inches all over. It is easier to brush, keeps the dog cooler, and cuts mat risk dramatically. A professional groomer can trim every four to six weeks.
Mats: Prevent Them, Do Not Pull Them
Mats pull on the skin and can hide sores. Work them out gently with a detangling spray, or ask a groomer to clip them. Never cut mats near the skin with scissors, because a Maltese's skin is thin and easily nicked.
Tear Stains: What Causes Them and What Helps
The reddish-brown streaks beneath a Maltese's eyes are the top complaint of owners. The color comes from porphyrins, pigments found in tears and saliva that darken when exposed to light and air.
Why Tear Stains Happen
- Overproduction of tears from irritation, allergies, or teething.
- Blocked tear ducts, which are common in small breeds.
- Hair or eyelashes rubbing the eye.
- Dental problems and ear infections, which can indirectly affect the eyes.
- Diet and water in some dogs.
What You Can Do
- See your veterinarian first. Heavy or sudden tearing may signal an eye problem that needs treatment, such as an ulcer or blocked duct.
- Keep the face clean. Wipe daily with a soft, damp cloth, and dry the area.
- Trim the hair around the eyes so it does not poke the eye surface.
- Use clean, non-plastic bowls (stainless steel or ceramic), and wash them often.
- Try filtered water if your tap water is very mineral-rich. It helps some dogs, although results vary.
- Ask about diet. Some owners see improvement when switching foods, but results are not guaranteed.
Be Careful with "Miracle" Products
Avoid products that claim to remove stains by adding antibiotics or harsh chemicals to your dog's food or water. Never put bleach or peroxide near the eyes.
Common Maltese Health Issues
Dental Disease
Small dogs with small mouths have crowded teeth, and Maltese are especially prone to plaque, tartar, and early tooth loss. Daily or near-daily brushing with dog toothpaste, plus professional cleanings as your veterinarian recommends, is the best protection. The American Veterinary Dental College offers resources on pet dental care.
Luxating Patella
The kneecap slips out of place, causing a skipping step. Mild cases need only monitoring, while severe cases may need surgery. Ask your breeder about the parents' knees.
Hypoglycemia in Puppies
Tiny puppies can crash when their blood sugar drops, showing weakness, shakiness, or collapse. Feed small, frequent meals, keep your puppy warm, and contact a vet immediately if you see signs. This is another reason to avoid very tiny dogs.
Collapsing Trachea
The windpipe's cartilage rings weaken and flatten, causing a honking cough. Use a harness instead of a collar, keep your dog at a healthy weight, and ask your veterinarian about management.
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)
A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that lets blood bypass the liver. Signs include stunted growth, odd behavior, and seizures. Maltese and other toy breeds are overrepresented. Ask breeders about its history in their lines.
White Shaker Syndrome
Some small white dogs develop full-body tremors. It is treatable with veterinary care, so do not ignore shaking.
Health Testing and Parent Club Resources
The American Maltese Association is the breed's parent club and is a good starting point for health and breeder information.
Feeding and Weight
Maltese have small stomachs and quick metabolisms, so feed measured portions of a high-quality small-breed diet, two or three times a day for adults and more often for young puppies. Obesity strains small joints, so keep treats tiny. Fresh water should always be available.
Training and Exercise
Use short, upbeat, reward-based sessions. Start socialization early, introducing your puppy to new sights, sounds, and gentle people. Teach quiet on cue, so barking does not become a habit. Maltese need only moderate exercise, such as a few short walks and indoor play, and they should be kept safe from larger dogs and from falls.
Safety Tips for a Tiny Dog
- Use a harness, not a collar.
- Never let a Maltese jump from furniture or arms, since a short fall can break a leg.
- Watch out for larger dogs, birds of prey, and open doors.
- Keep house plants, chocolate, xylitol-containing products, and medications out of reach.
Is a Maltese Right for You?
A Maltese is a wonderful match if you want a devoted lap dog, are home often, and enjoy grooming. It is a poor match if you are away for long hours, want a rough-and-tumble dog, or dislike brushing. For allergies, read our guide on living with a Maltese and allergies before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maltese
Do Maltese shed?
Very little. Their single-layer coat sheds far less than most breeds, though they still need regular brushing to prevent mats.
How often should a Maltese be groomed?
Brush daily. Bathe every three to four weeks. With a puppy cut, professional grooming every four to six weeks works for most dogs.
How big will my Maltese get?
Most adults weigh between four and seven pounds.
Are Maltese easy to house train?
They can be challenging. Use a consistent schedule, frequent trips outside, and plenty of praise.
How long do Maltese live?
Commonly twelve to fifteen years with good care.
Final Thoughts from Donna
I adore my little princesses. They are small, yes, and a little prissy, but there is real courage and heart in that tiny body. Treat your Maltese gently, brush her daily, brush her teeth, and keep her close, and she will repay you with the sweetest company you could ask for. If you have questions about grooming, health, or choosing a Maltese, please ask Donna directly.