Breed Guide
Maltese
Two thousand years of lap-dog perfection in a five-kilo package
Size
Small
Weight
3–5 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Origin
Malta / Mediterranean, ancient
Did you know?Maltese dogs have been companion animals for over 2,000 years, beloved by the Greeks.
4/10
Exercise
7/10
Trainability
8/10
Kid-friendly
8/10
Grooming
Personality at a glance
How this breed rates across key traits.
Lower is better
Lower is better
Lower is better
What it's actually like to own one
The Maltese has been doing one job for over two thousand years: being a devoted companion. And they've perfected it. They're gentle, affectionate, surprisingly playful into old age, and small enough to thrive in any Australian apartment. Their silky white coat doesn't shed like most breeds — a genuine plus for allergy-conscious households. They bond intensely with their people and are content wherever you are.
The honest catch: that beautiful coat is work. Daily brushing or a commitment to regular professional grooming ($80–$120 every 6–8 weeks) is non-negotiable — a neglected Maltese coat mats painfully against the skin. They're also prone to separation anxiety and can become dedicated barkers if under-stimulated or left alone too long. Tear staining needs daily attention. This is a high-maintenance small dog that repays the effort with extraordinary devotion.
🎓 Training snapshot
Malteses have an independent streak — early, consistent training is key. Short sessions with high-value treats work far better than repetition.
Lifestyle match
Is a Maltese right for you?
You'll love it if
- Apartment dwellers and retirees wanting a devoted companion
- Allergy-conscious households — low-shedding coat
- Owners home most of the day who want a constant shadow
- First-time owners willing to commit to grooming
- Gentle older children who understand small-dog handling
Pause if
- Households away 8+ hours daily — separation anxiety is common
- Families with boisterous toddlers — a 4kg dog is fragile
- Anyone unwilling to brush daily or pay for regular grooming
- Owners wanting an outdoor or backyard-living dog
Life in Australia
What Australian owners need to know.
Heat Tolerance
Moderate — small size helps them find cool spots, but the dense coat needs summer trimming. Walk early morning in Dec–Jan heat
Tick Risk
Lower than outdoor breeds but the long coat hides ticks well — thorough weekly checks during east coast tick season
Apartment Fit
Excellent — one of the best apartment breeds in Australia. Bark training matters for strata living
Monthly Cost
$120–$220 AUD including food, vet basics, and regular professional grooming
Health watchouts
Common conditions to be aware of with this breed.
Luxating Patella
Kneecap slipping is common in toy breeds — watch for skipping steps or sudden leg-lifting during walks
Dental Disease
Tiny jaws crowd teeth badly — daily brushing and annual dental checks from year one, not year five
Tear Staining
Cosmetic but constant — daily face wiping prevents staining and skin irritation under the eyes
Heart Murmurs
Mitral valve issues appear in older Maltese — annual vet auscultation from age 8
Your first year together
Key milestones from day one.
Gentle start
Maltese pups are tiny and fragile — supervise all handling, establish a safe crate den, and start alone-time practice in minutes-long doses from week one
Grooming habituation
Daily 2-minute brush sessions with treats now prevent a lifetime of grooming battles — handle paws, ears, and face daily
Bark management
Alert barking starts around now — reward quiet, never reward barking with attention, and give strata neighbours no reason to complain
Adult coat arrives
The puppy fluff gives way to the silky adult coat — decide now between full-coat maintenance or a practical short "puppy clip" every 6–8 weeks
What Malteses need
Vet-recommended picks sized for this breed.
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Complete Grooming Kit
A Maltese coat mats fast without daily attention. A slicker brush and comb kit used 5 minutes a day keeps the coat healthy between professional grooms.
KONG Classic — Small
Separation anxiety prevention starts with positive alone-time. A stuffed KONG given as you leave builds a calm association with your departure.
Royal Canin Small Breed Formula
Toy breeds need small kibble and calorie-dense nutrition. Breed-size formulas also support the dental and coat health Maltese need most.
Personalised for your dog
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