Most important facts
- Group
- Toy
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 2–4 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Long, silky
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- 20–25 cm
- Colours
- White
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£11/mo
- Gear to consider
- Small-breed slow-feeder bowl, soft harness (rather than a collar, to protect the trachea), fine-tooth grooming comb and detangling brush
Typical dry food, adult
About the Maltese
The Maltese is among the oldest of the Mediterranean lapdogs and takes its name from the island of Malta. Greek and Roman ladies of rank prized the little white dogs and reputedly carried them in their sleeves. Aristotle mentioned the type approvingly, and it changed astonishingly little over two millennia of court and companion life. It has been a favourite of royalty from Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Victoria.
The Maltese is affectionate, alert and thrives on close human company. It was bred purely as a companion and forms strong bonds with its household, often following owners from room to room and settling happily on a lap at the end of the day. It gets on well with gentle children and other small dogs.
Lively and playful indoors, the breed doesn't need vigorous exercise, though short daily walks and some mental stimulation keep it content and help prevent boredom-driven fussiness at mealtimes. Maltese can be prone to separation anxiety, so gradual training to tolerate time alone is worthwhile.
Common health conditions
Things Maltese owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Luxating patella
The kneecap slips out of position in this common inherited knee condition of toy breeds. Keep the Maltese lean through accurate portioning.
Dental disease
Toy breeds are especially prone to periodontal disease because of their small, crowded jaws. Use dental-support kibble textures and chews alongside routine brushing.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
A congenital heart defect reported in the breed where a fetal blood vessel fails to close. Have puppies checked for heart murmurs by a vet early on.
Liver shunts and microvascular dysplasia
Some Maltese have congenital liver conditions. Follow your vet's advice on bile acid testing and a liver-support diet if this is suspected.
Tear staining and eye irritation
The prominent eyes and white coat make tear staining very visible. Keep the face clean and hydration good, and flag worsening staining to a vet.
Feeding a Maltese
A fully grown Maltese may weigh as little as two kilograms, so small differences in portion size have a proportionally large effect. An energy-dense, small-kibble complete food designed for toy breeds is easier to measure and feed accurately than a scaled-down standard recipe. Weigh food rather than estimating by eye, and adjust in small increments.
The breed's known predisposition to dental disease makes texture worth considering alongside nutrients. Kibbles designed to scrape plaque, or vet-approved dental chews, support the teeth from puppyhood. Given the sensitive digestion some individuals have, introduce any new food gradually and keep the feeding routine consistent.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Maltese needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
2–4 kg
Est. daily calories
140–320 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Malteses eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.37
- Per month
- ~£11
- Per year
- ~£136
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Maltese
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Maltese by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs3/10
- Appetite6/10
- Trainability6/10
- Good with children5/10
- Shedding1/10
- Tolerates being alone3/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Affectionate, devoted companion that thrives on being close to its owners
- Minimal shedding, which suits owners managing allergies or a fur-free home
- Compact size makes it easy to feed accurately and manage in small living spaces
Worth knowing
- Long white coat needs daily brushing and regular bathing to prevent matting
- Prone to dental disease, so teeth need active attention from puppyhood
- Can develop separation anxiety and is not naturally suited to long periods alone
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed my Maltese?
Portion size depends on adult weight, age and activity, but because Maltese are so small, even a few extra grams can tip the balance. Weigh food on kitchen scales, follow a small-breed feeding guide as a starting point, and adjust with regular body condition checks. The Food Finder can help match a suitable recipe.
Why does my Maltese have tear staining?
Tear staining is common in the breed because its prominent eyes and pale coat make even normal tear production visible. Gentle daily cleaning, good hydration and a quality diet help, though persistent staining should be checked by a vet.
Is the Maltese a fussy eater?
Some Maltese become selective eaters, particularly if fed inconsistently or given frequent scraps. Stick to a set feeding routine with a palatable, complete small-breed food to maintain a steady appetite.
Does the Maltese need a special diet for its teeth?
Given the breed's tendency towards dental disease, a kibble formulated to help reduce plaque, alongside vet-approved dental chews and regular brushing, supports oral health over the dog's lifetime.