Maltese Care Guide 2026: Coat Care, Small-Breed Health, and Apartment Fit

The Maltese is one of the oldest companion breeds in the world, with a documented history going back more than 2,000 years to the Mediterranean. The breed is small (4 to 7 pounds), low-shedding, friendly, and well-suited to apartment life. New owners regularly underestimate three things. First, the coat needs daily brushing. Second, dental disease in the breed is common and starts early. Third, the small size means the dog is fragile, and households with toddlers, large dogs, or high foot traffic need to plan accordingly. With those three handled, the Maltese is one of the most loyal, long-lived small companions you can live with.

Maltese temperament

The breed profile in a typical home:

• Confident. Despite the size, Maltese carry themselves with toy-breed boldness.
• Friendly with people. Most greet strangers without fear or aggression.
• Playful into old age. The breed retains a youthful temperament past age 10.
• Velcro to family. Many Maltese follow their primary person from room to room.
• Alert but not yappy. Most are moderate-volume alarm barkers, not constant barkers.
• Sensitive. Harsh corrections shut down the dog quickly.

Properly socialized Maltese are stable, confident toy dogs. Under-socialized puppies can become fearful, especially of strangers, large dogs, and loud noises. The 8 to 16 week socialization window is the most important one in the breed.

Exercise needs

Plan for 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity for an adult Maltese:

• A morning walk of 10 to 15 minutes.
• An evening walk or indoor play session.
• Indoor fetch, trick training, or food puzzles.
• Occasional small-dog playgroups if temperament suits.

The breed is small and gets meaningful exercise from indoor activity alone. Outdoor walks matter for socialization, mental stimulation, and bowel/bladder regularity, but distance is not the goal.

Maltese cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold for long. In summer, walk before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. In winter, use a sweater or jacket and limit time below 35°F.

Coat work

The single coat is the breed’s defining feature and the biggest care commitment. The hair grows continuously, like human hair, rather than shedding seasonally.

A realistic routine:

• Daily brushing with a pin brush and a fine metal comb. 10 minutes.
• Bath every 1 to 2 weeks with a whitening dog shampoo, fully blow-dried.
• Professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain length or a pet trim.
• Daily face cleaning to manage tear staining and food debris.

Owners who skip the daily brushing for more than 2 to 3 days usually find mats forming behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the chest. Mats pull the skin painfully and can hide skin infections beneath.

Two coat options for pet homes:

• Long coat (show length): requires the most home grooming, looks classic.
• Puppy cut: trimmed short all over, much easier home care, popular with most owners.

Tear staining

The all-white coat shows tear stains clearly. Manage with:

• Daily under-eye wipes with a damp cloth.
• Trim the hair around the eyes (have the groomer handle this).
• Filtered or distilled water if tap is hard.
• Vet check if stains suddenly worsen (could indicate blocked tear ducts).

A faint stain is realistic. Full elimination is rarely possible.

Dental care

This is the second biggest commitment of Maltese ownership. Crowded small mouths plus genetic predisposition make dental disease almost universal in the breed without preventive care.

Routine:

• Daily tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste.
• Dental chews approved by VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council).
• Professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months from age 2.
• Extractions when needed (most Maltese will lose some teeth in adulthood).

Owners who neglect dental care end up with dogs needing 8 to 12 extractions at age 5 or 6. The procedure is expensive and uncomfortable for the dog. Daily brushing is much cheaper.

Tracheal care

Many Maltese develop mild to moderate tracheal collapse with age. Prevention and management:

• Use a vest-style harness, never a collar with a leash.
• Avoid pulling on the leash for any reason.
• Manage weight strictly (obesity worsens the condition).
• See the vet at the first sign of a goose-honk cough.

Mild cases manage well with weight control and harness use. Severe cases sometimes require surgery.

Training

Maltese are smart and biddable but sensitive. Plan for:

• Puppy class at 10 to 12 weeks.
• Foundation obedience installed by 6 months.
• Housebreaking patience. Small bladders need frequent outings.
• Crate training to support alone time.

The breed excels at trick training and therapy work. Harsh corrections backfire badly. A Maltese that has been yelled at becomes anxious and may urinate submissively.

Common health issues

Reputable breeders screen for:

• Patellar luxation (OFA).
• Cardiac disease (cardiologist exam).
• Eye conditions: PRA, cataracts. Annual CAER exam.
• Liver shunts (bile acids test).
• Hypoglycemia in puppies.

Common acquired issues:

• Dental disease (very common).
• Tracheal collapse.
• Allergies.
• Tear staining.
• Hypoglycemia in puppies (small breeds with small fat reserves).

Vet schedule:

• Puppy series through 16 weeks.
• Annual exams plus dental check.
• Dental cleanings every 12 to 18 months.
• Bloodwork yearly from age 7.

Living with a Maltese

A Maltese does well in households that:

• Can commit to daily brushing and dental care.
• Want a small, low-shedding, portable companion.
• Have older children or no young children.
• Include the dog in daily life.

The breed does poorly in:

• Homes with toddlers (size mismatch).
• Households gone 10-plus hours daily without backup care.
• Owners who want a low-maintenance short-coat dog.
• Homes with multiple large, boisterous dogs.

Apartment, condo, and small-home living suit the breed well.

Cost in 2026

Annual budget for one Maltese:

• Food: $200 to $350.
• Vet care: $400 to $800.
• Insurance: $300 to $500.
• Professional grooming: $700 to $1,400.
• Dental cleanings: $400 to $700 annualized.
• Tear stain wipes, dental supplies, harness: $150 to $250.

Total: roughly $2,150 to $4,000 per year, with grooming and dental as the swing factors. Puppies from a reputable breeder run $1,800 to $3,500. Rescue Maltese, including seniors, appear in small-breed rescues for $300 to $600.

Who should get a Maltese

Get one if:

• You want a small, friendly, low-shedding companion.
• You can commit to daily brushing and dental care.
• You live in an apartment, condo, or smaller home.
• You have older children or no young children.

Skip if:

• You see grooming as a hassle.
• You have toddlers or boisterous large dogs in the home.
• You are gone for long workdays without backup care.
• You want a hiking, running, or sport dog.

A well-cared-for Maltese is a loyal, friendly companion that often lives well past 15. A neglected Maltese is a matted, dentally compromised, anxious dog whose later-life vet bills can be substantial.

Frequently asked questions