CanlıDostum⚡ At a glance
- Adult weight: 2–4 kg (4–9 lb)
- Life expectancy: 12–15 years
- Activity: Low–moderate · about 30 min a day
- Best suited to: Apartments, older owners, calm families
Key facts
| Origin | Mediterranean (Malta) |
|---|---|
| Height | 20–25 cm (8–10 in) |
| Adult weight | 2–4 kg (4–9 lb) |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Activity needs | Low–moderate · about 30 min a day |
| Coat | Long, silky, no undercoat; low shedding but daily care |
| Best suited to | Apartments, older owners, calm families |
Approximate ranges based on breed standards; individuals vary.
Temperament
Maltese are affectionate, playful and very attached to their owners. They enjoy being carried and can get anxious when left alone.
Daily exercise
About 30 minutes of short walks and indoor play a day is enough.
Feeding
Very small puppies can get low blood sugar if they go too long without food; feed frequent meals.
Example: a neutered adult Maltese at an ideal weight of 3 kg (7 lb) needs roughly 260 kcal a day (RER × 1.6). Work out your own pet's needs with the calorie calculator and check ideal weight with the ideal weight calculator.
Common health problems
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease
- Tear staining under the eyes
- Portosystemic shunt: congenital liver vessel anomaly; poor growth
- Tracheal collapse
Care tips
- Brush the long coat daily; many owners prefer a short "puppy cut"
- Wipe around the eyes daily
- Brush teeth several times a week
- Prevent jumping from heights
Frequently asked questions
Do Maltese shed?
Very little; they have no undercoat. But the coat keeps growing, so daily brushing or regular trims are needed.
Why are my Maltese's eyes stained brown?
Pigments in tears stain white fur. Daily wiping helps; excessive watering needs a vet.
Are Maltese good for allergy sufferers?
They shed little, so some people with allergies cope better. But no dog is completely hypoallergenic.