Maltese characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Very Small | 3% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | Medium | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very Low | 7% of breeds |
| Barking | High | 17% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Maltese right for you?
The Maltese is one of the smallest breeds you can own that takes up almost no room at home and is simple to transport. In terms of temperament, it usually does well with children given socialization and supervision and announces visitors but stops short of guarding. Day to day, the Maltese wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Maltese wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. With medium energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Maltese to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Maltese demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. It is considered hypoallergenic, which — combined with its low shedding — makes it one of the easier breeds to live with for allergy sufferers.
Temperament and training
The Maltese trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions and is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you. It prefers not to be left and handles short absences only, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Maltese
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Maltese genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Size: Very small — the Maltese is among the smallest breeds we score, small enough that supervision around toddlers matters. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Shedding: Very low — the Maltese sheds far less than most breeds. Only 7% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Athleticism: Low — the Maltese is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Maltese actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | More vocal than most; worth factoring into flat living. |
Where the Maltese fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Workable on space, but the barking needs managing where walls are shared. |
| Families with young children | Depends | Medium child tolerance: fine with supervision and older children, less so with toddlers. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Depends | Recorded as a low-allergen coat. No dog is truly hypoallergenic — meet the individual dog before deciding. |
Guides the Maltese is ranked in
The Maltese earns a place on 9 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Gentle families
- Apartment living
- Grooming enthusiasts
- Allergy sufferers
Things to consider
- Extensive grooming needs
- Can be delicate
- Separation anxiety prone
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Maltese good with children?
- The Maltese can be good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Does the Maltese shed a lot?
- The Maltese has very low shedding and is considered hypoallergenic.
- How much exercise does the Maltese need?
- With medium energy, the Maltese needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Maltese live?
- The Maltese typically lives around 14 years.
- Can the Maltese live in an apartment?
- The Maltese can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Maltese easy to train?
- The Maltese trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Maltese be left alone during the day?
- The Maltese prefers not to be left and handles short absences only. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.