Maltese Care Guide

Few dogs carry the weight of history the way the Maltese does. Archaeological evidence and ancient writings place this breed in Mediterranean culture more than 2,000 years ago -- depicted in Greek pottery, praised by Roman aristocrats, and treasured by royalty across centuries. What has remained constant through all of that time is the unmistakable silhouette: a small, compact dog draped in a flowing white coat that seems almost architectural in its perfection.

The AKC standard puts the Maltese under 7 pounds, with 4 to 6 pounds preferred, placing it firmly in the toy group. But do not let the size fool you. This is a dog with a personality several times larger than its frame. Maltese are alert, curious, and genuinely bold -- they will not hesitate to challenge a much larger dog if they feel their territory is threatened. That confidence is one of the breed's defining traits and part of what made them such valued companions for centuries of nobility who wanted small dogs that still behaved like real dogs.

The coat itself is the most misunderstood thing about the breed, and the usual explanation — that a Maltese grows hair rather than fur — is not what the standards say. The AKC's standard is precise: the coat is single, that is, without undercoat, hanging long, flat and silky over the sides of the body. The Royal Kennel Club says the same, silky and never woolly, without a woolly undercoat. That is the real difference: no undercoat to blow out seasonally, and a long growth phase that means trimming rather than shedding. It is often taken as a promise about allergies, but canine allergens live in dander and saliva rather than in coat type, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

That white coat comes with a maintenance cost. Without daily combing, the hair mats quickly, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the collar. Pet owners who keep their Maltese in a short "puppy" cut visit the groomer every six to eight weeks and brush two to three times per week. Show dogs maintained in full coat require daily attention from an experienced handler. The show grooming culture around the Maltese is genuinely competitive -- maintaining a floor-length, parted coat on a moving 5-pound dog is considered one of the more technically demanding grooming disciplines in the sport.

Tear staining is the thing owners ask about most. The reddish-brown discoloration that appears beneath the eyes is caused by porphyrins -- iron-containing compounds found in tears, saliva, and urine that oxidize to a rust color when exposed to air and light. On a white coat, the staining is highly visible and cosmetically significant for show dogs.

Staining is influenced by genetics (some lines stain more than others), diet, water mineral content, blocked tear ducts, and minor eye irritation from incoming coat hairs. Management involves keeping the face clean and dry, using stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead of plastic, and addressing any underlying eye issues with a veterinarian. Antibiotic treatments marketed for staining are not the answer: VCA's guidance states that low doses of some antibiotics are no longer recommended, because of the risk of driving bacterial antibiotic resistance. That is a poor trade for a cosmetic problem.

The Maltese is an engaged, people-oriented dog that bonds tightly to its household. They do well in apartments, adapt readily to urban living, and thrive with owners who want a constant companion. The flip side is that they can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods, and they are prone to the "small dog syndrome" behaviors -- excessive barking, resource guarding, and pushiness -- that emerge when owners over-accommodate because of the dog's size.

With proper veterinary care and good genetics, a Maltese typically lives 12 to 15 years. This is one of the longer-lived toy breeds, which makes the investment in early health screening and dental care pay dividends across a long relationship.

The Maltese suits owners who want an engaged, alert companion dog that travels well, adapts to smaller living spaces, and does not leave fur on every surface. The coat requires real commitment regardless of whether you maintain a show cut or a pet trim. Dental care is not optional -- it is the single most important health intervention for this breed. And anyone expecting a placid, easy-going lap dog may be surprised by how much attitude comes in this small package.

A healthy adult Maltese at 5 to 7 pounds typically requires 150 to 250 calories per day, though activity level, age, and whether the dog is spayed or neutered all affect this number. On a ration that small, an extra treat is a large proportion of the day's calories, which is why weight creeps up on toy breeds so quickly.

Feed adults twice daily on a consistent schedule. Puppies under 6 months should eat three to four small meals per day to prevent hypoglycemia. Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) is not recommended -- it makes it impossible to monitor how much the dog is actually eating and obscures early signs of illness.

High-quality commercial kibble formulated for toy breeds is the starting point for most Maltese owners. Toy breed formulas use smaller kibble sizes appropriate for a small jaw and are typically calorie-dense. Look for a named protein (chicken, salmon, turkey) as the first ingredient and avoid formulas heavy in corn or wheat as primary fillers.

Wet food can supplement dry kibble or serve as the primary diet -- it helps with hydration and is easier for dogs with dental issues. If feeding wet food primarily, dental hygiene becomes even more critical since the food does not provide any mechanical cleaning.

The usual canine hazards apply -- grapes, raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free products), chocolate, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts are all toxic. For Maltese specifically, watch high-mineral water. Switching from tap to filtered water is a common suggestion for tear staining, but we could not find a source establishing that water minerals affect porphyrin production, so treat it as an experiment rather than a fix.

Given the breed's extreme susceptibility to periodontal disease, nutrition intersects with dental health in meaningful ways. Dental chews designed for toy breeds provide mechanical cleaning between brushings. Hard kibble is marginally better for dental health than wet food. Some veterinarians recommend a therapeutic dental diet for a Maltese with established dental disease; the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal is the check that a product has actually demonstrated dental efficacy.

Owners make a fundamental choice early in a Maltese relationship: show coat or pet cut. Show coat means maintaining the natural, long, silky hair that can reach the floor at maturity. Pet cut means keeping the coat trimmed to a length that requires significantly less daily attention. Most companion owners choose a pet cut, typically 1 to 2 inches, trimmed every six to eight weeks by a professional groomer.

Neither choice is wrong. The show coat is genuinely beautiful but requires daily combing, wrapping in protective papers for sleeping, and extensive knowledge of coat care techniques. The pet cut is practical, still charming, and allows the dog to move freely without coat interference.

Always use a pin brush or slicker brush, followed by a fine-toothed comb to check for any mats the brush missed. Work in sections from the skin outward -- do not brush only the surface layer. Mats that form against the skin are painful and, once tight, require professional removal or careful cutting. Apply a light detangling spray before brushing to reduce breakage and static.

Bathe every two to three weeks for a pet-cut dog, more often for a show coat. Use a shampoo formulated for white coats or for sensitive skin -- harsh shampoos strip the natural oils and can cause dryness and flaking. Follow with a conditioner designed for silk or fine dog coats. Rinse thoroughly -- residue left in the coat attracts dirt and can cause skin irritation.

Dry completely with a low-heat blow dryer while combing. Air drying is inadequate for a Maltese coat and leaves the dog cold and damp in skin folds.

Nails should be trimmed every three to four weeks. Ears should be checked weekly for redness or odor. The AKC standard describes drop ears, rather low set and heavily feathered with long hair that hangs close to the head, so check them properly rather than assuming an upright-eared dog's odds. Hair growing inside the canal can also trap debris — a groomer or veterinarian can remove this carefully.

Dental care is the most important grooming task for this breed. Brush teeth with a dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste at minimum three times per week. Daily is better. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia are typically needed annually by age three.

A Maltese from a health-testing breeder in the United States typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500. Show-line dogs from proven pedigrees command more. Rescue organizations and breed-specific rescues occasionally have Maltese available for $200 to $500 in adoption fees -- these dogs are often adults, which means the expensive puppy phase is already behind you.

Budget $400 to $700 per year for routine veterinary care including annual exams, vaccines, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick prevention. Dental cleanings are the significant add-on for this breed -- professional cleanings under anesthesia run $300 to $800 depending on the level of disease and geographic location. Budget for at least one cleaning per year by age three.

Professional grooming every six to eight weeks runs $50 to $90 per session for a pet cut on a Maltese, or $480 to $720 annually at the high end. Owners who learn to do basic maintenance between appointments can reduce this. At-home grooming equipment (pin brush, fine comb, detangling spray, shampoo, nail clippers) runs $80 to $150 upfront.

Monthly food costs for a Maltese on quality kibble run $30 to $60, or $360 to $720 annually. Dental chews add another $15 to $30 per month.

Patellar luxation surgery, if needed, costs $1,500 to $4,000 per leg. Hypoglycemia treatment ranges from minimal if caught early to several hundred dollars for an emergency visit. Pet insurance purchased in puppyhood (before conditions are diagnosed) costs $25 to $50 per month for a toy breed and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for unexpected events.

Including purchase price, setup costs, and first-year veterinary and grooming expenses, expect $3,500 to $6,500 in the first year. Subsequent years typically run $2,000 to $3,500 depending on dental and health needs.