Affectionate and Loyal

Maltese dogs are known for their strong bond with their owners and are incredibly loving and loyal.

Great for Apartments

Their small size and low exercise needs make them ideal for apartment living.

Low Shedding

Maltese dogs have a long, silky coat that sheds minimally, making them suitable for some allergy sufferers.

Easy to Train

They are intelligent and responsive, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.

High Grooming Needs

Their long coat requires regular grooming, including daily brushing and regular trims, to keep it tangle-free and clean.

Prone to Separation Anxiety

Maltese dogs are highly attached to their owners and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Fragile with Small Children

While friendly, their small size makes them more prone to injury if handled roughly by young children.

Prone to Dental Issues

Maltese dogs are prone to dental problems, requiring regular dental care and cleanings.

Exercise Needs

Maltese dogs have low to moderate exercise needs. They enjoy short daily walks and indoor playtime but do not require extensive physical activity. Mental stimulation through games and toys is also beneficial to keep them engaged.

Walks

One or two short walks per day, along with indoor play sessions, are usually enough to meet a Maltese’s exercise requirements.

Training

Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods, and early obedience training is essential to ensure good behaviour. However, due to their small size, housebreaking may take extra patience and consistency.

Purchase Price

$2,500 - $5,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

PuppyPal encourages you to explore rescue and shelter adoption options—these can be more affordable and offer a loving dog a much-deserved second chance at a forever home

Initial Setup

Around $400 - $600 AUD (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $400 - $700 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs and size.

Grooming

Due to their high grooming needs, Maltese dogs require regular professional grooming, which can cost $600 - $1,000 AUD per year. Daily at-home brushing is also essential to maintain their coat.

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $400 - $600 AUD per year, with additional expenses for dental care.

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 12-15 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $20,000 - $35,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Size and Weight

Maltese dogs typically stand 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) tall and weigh between 2-4 kg (4-9 lbs).

Coat

Maltese dogs have a long, silky, and straight coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting. While they shed minimally, their coat can require daily care, especially if kept long.

Colour Options

The breed standard for Maltese is always pure white, which enhances their elegant and pristine appearance.

Temperament

Maltese dogs are known for their playful, affectionate, and friendly personalities. They are confident, lively, and thrive on human companionship. While they are alert and make good watchdogs, they are generally gentle and well-mannered.

Good with Children

Maltese dogs are good with older children who know how to handle small dogs gently. Due to their small size, they may not be ideal for homes with very young children who might inadvertently handle them too roughly.

Socialisation

Early socialisation is important to help Maltese dogs become comfortable around new people, pets, and environments. They are naturally friendly but can be a bit wary of strangers without proper socialisation.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Maltese dogs are best suited to indoor living with their families. They enjoy spending time outside for short walks or playtime but should not be left outdoors for extended periods due to their small size and sensitivity to temperature extremes.

Apartment Living

Due to their small size and low exercise needs, Maltese dogs are perfect for apartment living. They are generally quiet indoors and do not require a lot of space as long as they receive regular attention and playtime.

Time Alone

Maltese dogs are very attached to their owners and do not do well when left alone for long periods. They can develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviours if isolated for extended periods. They are best suited for homes where someone is around for most of the day or where they have another pet for companionship.

Climate Adaptability

Maltese dogs can adapt to a range of climates but may struggle in extreme heat or cold due to their small size and long coat. It’s important to provide plenty of water, shade, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day in warmer climates.

Common Health Issues

Maltese dogs are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain conditions, including dental issues, luxating patella (dislocated kneecap), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular vet check-ups, proper dental care, and maintaining a healthy weight are important to keep them in good shape.

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain health issues, such as dental problems and luxating patella, it’s important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.

Guarding Ability

While not aggressive, Maltese dogs are alert and may bark to warn their owners of strangers or unusual noises. However, they are usually friendly once they become familiar with new people.

Affectionate Nature

Maltese dogs are affectionate and enjoy being close to their families. They often seek attention and love being involved in family activities, making them excellent lap dogs.

Suitability for Dog Parks

While generally social with other dogs, Maltese dogs can be intimidated by larger or more energetic dogs. Supervision is recommended in social settings like dog parks to ensure positive interactions.