Maltese
An aristocratic toy breed with a flowing white coat and gentle, playful personality. The Maltese has been a cherished lap dog for millennia and is surprisingly spirited for its tiny size.
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Quick Stats
Weight
1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)
Height
18–25 cm (7–10 in)
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat Type
long
AKC Popularity
#34
Good For
Apartments, Seniors, Singles, Allergy Sufferers
Breed Ratings
Personality
Intelligence
4/5
Trainability
3/5
Playfulness
4/5
Energy Level
3/5
Social
Good with Kids
2/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
Good with Strangers
4/5
Lifestyle
Apartment Friendly
5/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
Watchdog Ability
3/5
Barking Level
4/5
Care
Shedding
1/5
Grooming Needs
5/5
Health Robustness
3/5
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price
$600–$2,500
Monthly Food
$25
Annual Vet
$450
Annual Grooming
$500
Est. First Year Total
~$2,800
Est. Annual Total
~$1,250
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Common Health Issues
patellar luxationportosystemic shuntprogressive retinal atrophydental disease
Health robustness rating: 3/5. Malteses have average health. Regular vet visits and a healthy diet help prevent common issues.
Compare Maltese with Other Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Maltese cost?
A Maltese puppy typically costs $600–$2,500. The estimated first-year cost including food, vet visits, and grooming is around $2,800, with ongoing annual costs of approximately $1,250.
How long do Malteses live?
Malteses have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Common health concerns include patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease.
Are Malteses good with kids?
Malteses score 2/5 for being good with children. They may not be the best choice for families with young children and require careful supervision.
Do Malteses shed a lot?
Malteses have a shedding level of 1/5. They are minimal shedders, making them a good option for people concerned about pet hair.
Are Malteses good for apartments?
Malteses score 5/5 for apartment friendliness. They adapt very well to apartment living and don't require a large yard.