Dog Breeds
Maltese
The Maltese is an elegant toy breed famously known for its silky white coat and affectionate nature.
Dog Breeds
Maltese
The Maltese is an elegant toy breed famously known for its silky white coat and affectionate nature.
Dog Breeds
Maltese
The Maltese is an elegant toy breed famously known for its silky white coat and affectionate nature.
Dog Breeds
Maltese
The Maltese is an elegant toy breed famously known for its silky white coat and affectionate nature.
Other Names
Bichon Maltese, Melitae Dog, Roman Ladies' Dog
Other Names
Bichon Maltese, Melitae Dog, Roman Ladies' Dog
Other Names
Bichon Maltese, Melitae Dog, Roman Ladies' Dog
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, KC (UK)
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, KC (UK)
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, KC (UK)
Country of Origin
Malta
Country of Origin
Malta
Country of Origin
Malta
Popularity in the UAE
Relatively popular
Popularity in the UAE
Relatively popular
Popularity in the UAE
Relatively popular
Primary Use
Companion dog, watchdog, therapy dog
Primary Use
Companion dog, watchdog, therapy dog
Primary Use
Companion dog, watchdog, therapy dog
Maltese
Maltese
Maltese
Breed History
The beautiful breed hails from the Mediterranean island of Malta and was loved by such cultures as the Greeks and Romans. Maltese dogs were lap dogs for the aristocrats and even found some features in literature and art.
These dogs were also referred to in ancient literature and art as status symbols. In the Renaissance era, the Maltese were a favorite among royalty and nobility in Europe. They were also very valuable for medicinal and therapeutic use during this time.
As the years went by, the Maltese turned out to be an extremely sought-after pet for people all over the world. To this day, it still continues to bring warmth and comfort to families and homes.
The beautiful breed hails from the Mediterranean island of Malta and was loved by such cultures as the Greeks and Romans. Maltese dogs were lap dogs for the aristocrats and even found some features in literature and art.
These dogs were also referred to in ancient literature and art as status symbols. In the Renaissance era, the Maltese were a favorite among royalty and nobility in Europe. They were also very valuable for medicinal and therapeutic use during this time.
As the years went by, the Maltese turned out to be an extremely sought-after pet for people all over the world. To this day, it still continues to bring warmth and comfort to families and homes.
Health and Medical Concerns
Cancerology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Hemangiosarcoma
This form of cancer starts in the lining of the blood vessels and is highly malignant. Hemangiosarcomas usually happen in the spleen, heart, and liver of the affected dogs. (Parambeth et al., 2018)
Health and Medical Concerns
Cancerology
Cancerology
Cancerology
Cardiology
Cardiology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Hematology & Immune System
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Neurology
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Orthopedics
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Pulmonology
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Reproduction
Reproduction
Temperament and Common Traits
Personality
Maltese are affectionate and playful with their owners. They are also highly intelligent and responsive.
Maltese are affectionate and playful with their owners. They are also highly intelligent and responsive.
Distinct Habits
They may become anxious whenever they're alone and separated from their owners. Maltese dogs can also become alert when something strange catches their attention.
They may become anxious whenever they're alone and separated from their owners. Maltese dogs can also become alert when something strange catches their attention.
Suitability for Work
Maltese are excellent therapy dogs as they are soothing and affectionate. They can also be used as guard dogs due to their alertness and responsiveness.
Maltese are excellent therapy dogs as they are soothing and affectionate. They can also be used as guard dogs due to their alertness and responsiveness.
Lifespan
Maltese can live for an average of 13 to 14 years.
Adult Malteses generally live from 12 to 15 years. However, some can reach 17 years. The oldest was able to live up to 20 years.
Adult Malteses generally live from 12 to 15 years. However, some can reach 17 years. The oldest was able to live up to 20 years.
Training and Care
Trainability
Maltese are intelligent and responsive, which makes training easier compared to other dog breeds. However, they do require consistency to combat their mild stubbornness.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Maltese are intelligent and responsive, which makes training easier compared to other dog breeds. However, they do require consistency to combat their mild stubbornness.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Maltese are intelligent and responsive, which makes training easier compared to other dog breeds. However, they do require consistency to combat their mild stubbornness.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Maltese dogs are prone to overheating and heat strokes because of their thick coats.
Precautions
Early mornings or late evenings are good times for exercise since temperatures are cooler. Provide the Maltese with a good supply of water and paw protection pads.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Maltese dogs are prone to overheating and heat strokes because of their thick coats.
Precautions
Early mornings or late evenings are good times for exercise since temperatures are cooler. Provide the Maltese with a good supply of water and paw protection pads.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Maltese dogs are prone to overheating and heat strokes because of their thick coats.
Precautions
Early mornings or late evenings are good times for exercise since temperatures are cooler. Provide the Maltese with a good supply of water and paw protection pads.
Diet & Nutrition
Dietary Needs
Due to their size, Maltese dogs need a nutrient-dense diet to make the most out of the diet.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
Due to their size, Maltese dogs need a nutrient-dense diet to make the most out of the diet.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
Due to their size, Maltese dogs need a nutrient-dense diet to make the most out of the diet.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Suitability as a Pet
Ideal Owners
Maltese dogs are great for families who love to spend time with dogs. They thrive in households that can provide a lot of time and affection.
Maltese dogs are great for families who love to spend time with dogs. They thrive in households that can provide a lot of time and affection.
These dogs are great for older children who know how to handle small dogs and toy breeds. Malteses are also able to socialize well with other dogs, given time.
These dogs are great for older children who know how to handle small dogs and toy breeds. Malteses are also able to socialize well with other dogs, given time.
Compatibility with Children & Pets
First-Time Owner Friendly
Yes, Maltese puppies are good choices for first-time dog owners because they are easy to train and groom.
Yes, Maltese puppies are good choices for first-time dog owners because they are easy to train and groom.
Physical Characteristics
Head
They have a slightly rounded skull with a muzzle that is medium in length. This muzzle tapers toward a cute, black nose.
They have a slightly rounded skull with a muzzle that is medium in length. This muzzle tapers toward a cute, black nose.
Eyes
A Maltese’s eyes are almost perfectly round and dark in color.
A Maltese’s eyes are almost perfectly round and dark in color.
Ears
Their floppy ears hang close to the head with heavy feathering.
Their floppy ears hang close to the head with heavy feathering.
Body
Maltese dogs have a compact body that arches upward a bit. The neck has a sufficient length to carry the head high.
Maltese dogs have a compact body that arches upward a bit. The neck has a sufficient length to carry the head high.
Limbs
Both the front and rear legs are fine-boned and straight. The feet are small, round, and have black pads.
Both the front and rear legs are fine-boned and straight. The feet are small, round, and have black pads.
Tail
A Maltese’s tail curves toward the back with feathering.
A Maltese’s tail curves toward the back with feathering.
Coat
Their coat is dense and long with a silky texture. It is commonly known to be white, but other colors are white with slight accents of tan and faint lemon.
Their coat is dense and long with a silky texture. It is commonly known to be white, but other colors are white with slight accents of tan and faint lemon.
Size
Male adults have a height of 21-25 cm (8-10 inches), while females have an average height of 21-23 cm (8-9 inches).
Male adults have a height of 21-25 cm (8-10 inches), while females have an average height of 21-23 cm (8-9 inches).
Weight
Male Maltese dogs weigh 2.2-3.2 kg (5-7 lb), while females are usually 1.8-2.7 kg (4-6 lb) heavy.
Male Maltese dogs weigh 2.2-3.2 kg (5-7 lb), while females are usually 1.8-2.7 kg (4-6 lb) heavy.
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Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2024 Noble Veterinary Clinics
Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA