Should You Get a Maltese Dog?
The Maltese is a classic companion breed known for its affectionate personality and close attachment to its owners. These small dogs thrive on human interaction and often enjoy being involved in everyday family life. Gentle, playful, and surprisingly confident for their size, Maltese dogs can make excellent companions for families, seniors, and apartment dwellers. However, their long silky coat requires regular grooming, and they tend to do best in homes where they receive plenty of attention and companionship.
Maltese — At a Glance
Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, lively
Breed Type: Toy companion dog
Height: 7–9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Shedding: Very low (long coat requires grooming)
Exercise Needs: Low
Good for Families: Yes
Best for Owners: Companion-focused households
Origin: Mediterranean region (Malta)
Size: Toy
Maltese dogs have a long and fascinating
history dating back to 3,000 years ago. The breed is believed to have originated on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, which is where they get their name. They were highly valued by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, who believed that the small dogs had healing powers and could ward off evil spirits. They are believed to have originated through the crossbreeding of an ancient Egyptian dog breed and a Maltese “wolfdog.” This hypothesis is supported by paintings and statues in Egyptian tombs.
Maltese dogs were traditionally
used as companion animals by aristocrats and royals. They were particularly popular in the courts of Europe, where they were often pampered and dressed in luxurious outfits. In fact, they were so popular that they were frequently given as gifts between royals and even used as diplomatic offerings to foreign dignitaries.
The Maltese breed has been around
for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the 1800s that the modern version of the breed began to take shape. The Maltese we know today is the result of careful breeding and refinement from a variety of different breeds, including the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Miniature Spaniel. This has resulted in a dog that is elegant, intelligent, and full of personality.
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the Maltese has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Havanese
Coton De Tuelar
Bichon Frise
The Maltese is considered to be
a breed with “hair,” even though its coat consists of an estimated 98% air. They shed very little but their coats should be brushed and trimmed regularly to avoid matting and tangles.
According to AKC Breed Standard
the Maltese can reach up to 9 inches in height and UNDER 7 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“Pure white with or without lemon or light tan markings around the ears.“
The Maltese was recognized
in the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service Program in 1888, but became eligible for full registration only after its second generation offspring were born.
Have pictures of your dog as a puppy and an adult? We give-away free random videos of dogs growing up every month. You can enter pictures here!
How Fast Can a Maltese Dog Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Maltese is about 15 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Maltese was by a dog named Sawyer Brown at 21.21 mph!
The average price of a purebred Maltese
puppy is $2580+. It is advised only to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder as unscrupulous people are known to pass of small mixed-breed dogs with a white coat as a purebred Maltese.
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research
study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Maltese ranks 20 out of 124 breeds in attention seeking behaviors. If their owners give attention to another pet or person, Maltese will tend to get jealous and may act out. They rank even higher in separation anxiety. Maltese do not like to be left alone!
In this Same Research
the Maltese ranks VERY high (16 out of 124 breeds) in excitability. Essentially, they will get “worked up” when a stimulating event occurs such as: the doorbell ringing, getting ready for a walk or car ride, guests entering the house etc. It will also take them some time to calm down after such an event.
Maltese Humor!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Maltese ranks 59 out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 40 to 80 repetitions and obey first commands more than 30% of the time. This puts them in the “fair working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Maltese Have an Average
lifespan of 12-15 years, with 18-19 years not being uncommon. Although a relatively healthy breed with a long lifespan, the Maltese does suffer from certain health conditions. Liver Shunt, Patellar Luxation, Dental Problems and White Dog Shaker Syndrome are a few of them.
Check Your Maltese Dog Facts and Take a Fun Maltese Quiz!
Facts About the Maltese Dog-Final Thoughts
Maltese dogs are great little dogs with a unique set of characteristics. Their small size and compact body make them ideal for both apartment living and households with limited space. Despite their long hair, regular grooming can help keep their coats looking pristine. Daily walks and positive reinforcement training are essential to ensure they remain well-behaved and happy companions. With their friendly demeanor and affectionate nature, Maltese dogs make great companions for individuals and families. They can be picky eaters so it may take some time to find them the “right” dog food. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or have had experience with small breeds before, a Maltese can be a good choice for those seeking the love and loyalty that companion dogs offer.
