The Maltese is one of the oldest and most refined of the toy breeds — a small, silky-white dog that has been treasured as a companion by humans since antiquity. Depicted in ancient Greek and Roman art, described in the writings of Aristotle, and kept by aristocrats across civilizations for at least 2,500 years, the Maltese is a breed whose history mirrors the history of human refinement and luxury. In a modern home, it brings grace, affection, and a personality of surprising liveliness into a compact, low-shedding package.
Origins: The Ancient Mediterranean
The Maltese's history stretches back to at least 1500 BCE in the Mediterranean basin. The exact origin of the breed's name has been debated — Malta is the most commonly cited origin, and archaeological and artistic evidence from Malta does support the presence of small white companion dogs there from an early period. However, similar small white dogs appear in ancient Phoenician, Greek, and Egyptian art, suggesting a broader Mediterranean origin or distribution rather than a single birthplace.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle mentioned the breed circa 350 BCE, describing a "perfectly proportioned" small dog named Melitaie — a name that refers to the ancient Greek name for Malta (Melita). Greek and Roman women of wealthy families kept these dogs as companions, sometimes allowing them to share beds and meals. Their small size and white coat made them symbols of luxury and delicacy.
Roman times saw the Maltese appear prominently in mosaic art and literature. The Roman governor Publius, based on Malta in the 1st century CE, is described in an epigram by the poet Martial as keeping a Maltese-type dog named Issa that he loved with exceptional devotion. The breed appears consistently in European aristocratic households throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, featured in paintings by Titian, Raphael, and other masters.
The AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888, placing it in the Toy Group.
Physical Characteristics
The Maltese's appearance is defined above all by its coat — a long, pure white, silky, flat coat that hangs to the ground when fully grown. Unlike most dogs, the Maltese has a single-layer coat with no undercoat, which is the source of its well-known low-shedding characteristic. The breed's small, compact body, black eyes, and black nose create a striking visual contrast with the white coat.
| Physical Characteristic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 20-25 cm (8-10 in) |
| Weight | Under 3.2 kg (7 lbs); show standard typically 2-3 kg |
| Build | Compact, fine-boned |
| Head | Rounded; black nose; low-set, heavily coated ears |
| Eyes | Dark, round, black-rimmed |
| Coat | Long, straight, silky — pure white; single layer, no undercoat |
| Tail | Carried over the back |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
The show-standard Maltese coat requires extraordinary grooming commitment to maintain in full show condition — a floor-length, continuously growing white coat that mats easily and requires daily care. Most pet owners choose a "puppy cut" — a short, practical trim that dramatically reduces grooming demands while preserving the dog's essential character.
Temperament: Gentle, Playful, Devoted
The Maltese's temperament combines qualities that have made it a treasured companion for millennia: gentleness, affection, playfulness, and a lively intelligence that belies its toy size. These are not passive lap dogs that simply sit and look beautiful — they are alert, curious, and engaged dogs that participate actively in family life.
"The Maltese temperament has been remarkably consistent across thousands of years of recorded history as a companion dog. These are dogs that have been selected exclusively for their relationship with human beings, and their emotional attunement, affection, and desire for close companionship reflect that long selection history." — Dr. James Serpell, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People (2017)
Maltese are generally good with older children and with other pets when socialized appropriately. They can be cautious with very young children because of their small size and fragility — a young child can accidentally injure a Maltese through rough handling or dropping. They tend to be devoted to their primary family and can be somewhat reserved with strangers initially.
Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them excellent apartment dogs — see Best Dogs for Apartments.
Health: Patellar Luxation and Orthopedic Issues
Patellar luxation — dislocation of the kneecap from the femoral groove — is common in Maltese and in toy breeds generally. Many Maltese carry grade I or II patellar luxation that is subclinical or causes only occasional skipping. Grade III-IV luxation requires surgical correction.
OFA patellar evaluation of breeding stock is recommended. Breeding dogs should have a grade I or better evaluation before being used for reproduction.
| Health Condition | Prevalence/Notes | Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Patellar luxation | Very common in toy breeds | OFA examination |
| Dental disease | Very common | Regular dental exams |
| Tracheal collapse | Common in toy breeds | Radiographs |
| Portal systemic shunts (liver) | Reported in breed | Bile acids test |
| Tear staining (epiphora) | Very common | Ophthalmological exam |
| Hypoglycemia | Puppies and small adults | Blood glucose monitoring |
| Heart disease (mitral valve) | Common in older toy dogs | Cardiac auscultation |
Health: Tear Staining
The characteristic reddish-brown staining around the eyes of white-coated Maltese — known as tear staining or epiphora — is among the most visible and commonly discussed management challenges in the breed. The staining is caused by porphyrins — iron-containing compounds that are natural waste products of red blood cell breakdown, excreted in tears, saliva, and other secretions. Porphyrins are colorless in fresh form but oxidize to red-brown when exposed to air and light.
In Maltese, several factors contribute to tear staining: the white coat makes staining maximally visible; their facial anatomy predisposes to increased tear production; and some dogs have conformational issues (rolled inward lower eyelid, narrow tear ducts) that cause excessive tearing.
Management includes daily cleaning of the face with warm water or specialized pet eye wipes, keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed, and veterinary evaluation to rule out treatable underlying causes (entropion, blocked tear ducts, ocular surface disease).
Health: Liver Shunts
Portal systemic shunting (portosystemic shunts, or PSS) — an abnormal vascular connection that allows blood from the intestines to bypass the liver and enter the general circulation — occurs in Maltese at rates higher than in many other breeds. Maltese with liver shunts often present with stunted growth, neurological signs (head pressing, circling, seizures — known as hepatic encephalopathy), and gastrointestinal signs.
Liver shunts in toy breeds are typically single, extrahepatic (outside the liver tissue) shunts that are often amenable to surgical correction. Untreated, they cause progressive liver disease and neurological deterioration. Diagnosis involves measurement of bile acids (pre- and post-prandial), ammonia levels, and imaging (ultrasound or scintigraphy). A DNA test for liver shunts in Maltese has been studied but is not yet commercially available for all forms.
"Portosystemic shunting in Maltese dogs typically presents before 12 months of age and should be considered in any toy breed puppy with unexplained neurological signs, stunted growth, or recurrent gastrointestinal disturbance. Early surgical intervention, where feasible, offers the best long-term prognosis." — Dr. Karen Tobias, DVM, DACVS, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Health: Dental Disease
Like all toy breeds, Maltese are prone to significant dental disease resulting from the crowding of 42 adult teeth into a very small jaw. Periodontal disease progresses rapidly without preventive care. Daily brushing, appropriate dental chews, and regular professional dental cleaning under anesthesia are essential maintenance.
For comprehensive guidance see Dog Dental Care Complete Guide. For comparison with related small breeds see Yorkshire Terrier and Havanese.
Grooming: The White Coat Challenge
The Maltese coat requires more attention than almost any other breed for owners choosing to maintain the full-length show coat. Daily brushing with a soft pin brush and comb is essential to prevent matting; the fine, silky coat tangles at contact points (armpits, behind ears, under the chest). Show-dog owners typically wrap the coat in papers or rollers to prevent breakage.
Most pet owners choose a short "puppy trim" that dramatically reduces daily maintenance while leaving the dog comfortable and charming. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is typical for pet Maltese in puppy trim.
The white coat shows soiling readily — post-walk feet wiping and regular face cleaning are daily requirements. Bathing frequency (every 1-3 weeks for pets) is higher than for many other breeds because of the white coat's visibility.
Exercise and Training
The Maltese's exercise needs are modest — consistent with its history as an exclusively companion breed. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise daily is typically sufficient: a walk or two, indoor play, and mental engagement through training. They are agile enough to enjoy learning tricks and participating in low-impact dog sports.
Training the Maltese is generally pleasant. They are intelligent, food-motivated, and responsive to gentle, positive reinforcement approaches. Housetraining can be a challenge in toy breeds generally — patience, consistency, and a regular schedule are more effective than frustration. Many Maltese owners use indoor pee pads as a supplement to outdoor toilet training.
Summary
The Maltese is a breed of extraordinary historical significance, genuine beauty, and appealing temperament. Its 2,500+ year history as a human companion is a testament to the qualities that make it enduringly appealing: gentleness, affection, playfulness, and remarkable longevity. Health priorities include monitoring for patellar luxation, dental disease, and liver shunts — the last being a particular concern in puppies from lines where the condition has occurred. For owners willing to commit to the grooming requirements, the Maltese is a graceful and devoted companion.
References
Tobias, K.M., Rohrbach, B.W. (2003). Association of breed with the diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: 2,400 cases (1980-2002). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 223(11), 1636-1639. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2003.223.1636
Serpell, J.A. (Ed.). (2017). The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Reiter, A.M., & Gracis, M. (2018). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry and Oral Surgery (4th ed.). British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Englar, R.E. (2019). Patellar luxation in dogs. Today's Veterinary Practice, 9(3), 44-52.
American Kennel Club. (2023). Maltese breed information. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/
Aristotle. (c. 350 BCE). Historia Animalium, Book IX. (Translated by D.M. Balme, 2002, Cambridge University Press.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maltese dogs shed?
Maltese shed very little compared to most breeds. Their single-layer coat lacks an undercoat, which is the primary source of shedding in double-coated breeds. Loose hairs tend to get caught in the long coat rather than falling out, which is why regular brushing and grooming are essential to prevent matting.
What causes tear staining in Maltese?
Tear staining in Maltese is caused by porphyrins — iron-containing compounds excreted in tears that oxidize to reddish-brown when exposed to light. White-coated dogs like the Maltese show the staining maximally. Daily face cleaning, keeping the eye area hair trimmed, and veterinary evaluation for underlying causes (entropion, blocked tear ducts) help manage staining.
What is a liver shunt in Maltese?
A portosystemic (liver) shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that allows blood from the intestines to bypass the liver, leading to toxin accumulation in the bloodstream. Maltese are predisposed. Signs include stunted growth, neurological symptoms (circling, seizures), and gastrointestinal disturbance, typically appearing before 12 months. Surgical correction offers good prognosis when performed early.
Is the Maltese a good apartment dog?
Yes. The Maltese is an excellent apartment dog. Its small size, low exercise requirements (30 minutes daily), low-shedding coat, and gentle temperament make it well-suited to smaller living spaces. Managing barking through training is advisable for apartment residents.
How long has the Maltese breed existed?
The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds in recorded history, with evidence of small white companion dogs in the Mediterranean dating to at least 1500 BCE. The Greek philosopher Aristotle described the breed around 350 BCE. The breed appears consistently in art and literature from ancient Greece, Rome, and throughout the European Renaissance.
How much grooming does a Maltese need?
This depends entirely on the coat style chosen. Show-standard full-length coats require daily brushing, regular bathing (every 1-3 weeks), and expert maintenance. Most pet owners choose a short 'puppy trim,' which reduces daily maintenance to a brief brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Face cleaning and dental care are daily requirements regardless of coat style.