Maltese Breed Guide: Health, Temperament and Care
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, with a history stretching back more than two thousand years to the ancient Mediterranean. Prized by Phoenician traders, revered by Greek and Roman nobility, and depicted in classical art, this small white dog has captivated humans across millennia. Today the Maltese remains a beloved companion, recognised by the FCI under Group 9 (companion and toy dogs). Despite its aristocratic appearance, the Maltese is an adaptable and affectionate breed that thrives in a wide range of living situations — provided its owners understand its specific health and grooming needs.
Origin and History
The breed takes its name from Malta, the small island nation in the central Mediterranean, though its exact origins remain debated among historians. Archaeological evidence and ancient writings suggest similar small white dogs existed across the Mediterranean basin, traded and gifted among cultures from Greece to Egypt. By the Renaissance, the Maltese had become a fashionable companion dog among European nobility, frequently depicted in portraits alongside queens and aristocrats. The modern breed standard was formalised in the nineteenth century in Britain, where selective breeding refined the long, silky white coat that defines the breed today.
Temperament and Personality
The Maltese is alert, lively and deeply affectionate with its family. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy close physical contact, often preferring to be carried or to sit on laps rather than walk independently for long periods. Despite their small size, Maltese dogs are confident and can be surprisingly bold, making them effective watchdogs — they will alert their owners to unfamiliar sounds or visitors without hesitation.
Early socialisation is essential. Maltese puppies that are not exposed to a variety of people, animals, sounds and environments can develop anxiety or excessive barking. Without proper socialisation, some individuals become clingy or develop separation anxiety, which can be distressing for both dog and owner. Enrolling in puppy classes and providing varied positive experiences during the first few months of life helps build a well-rounded, confident adult dog.
The breed is generally well suited to first-time owners, provided they are prepared for the grooming requirements and the emotional needs of a companion dog that thrives on human interaction.
Size and Exercise
The Maltese is a true toy breed, typically weighing between 2 and 4 kilograms at adulthood. Despite this small frame, Maltese dogs are energetic and enjoy regular play and short walks. Their exercise requirements are low to moderate — a couple of short walks per day combined with indoor play is generally sufficient. They are well suited to flat and apartment living, making them a practical choice for urban owners.
Key Health Conditions
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation — where the kneecap slips out of its normal position in the groove of the femur — is among the most common orthopaedic problems in toy breeds, and the Maltese is particularly predisposed. Mild cases (Grade 1 or 2) may cause occasional skipping or lameness but can often be managed conservatively. More severe luxation (Grade 3 or 4) may require surgical correction to prevent long-term joint damage and pain. Reputable breeders have their breeding stock assessed by a veterinary orthopaedic specialist before mating.
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)
A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver, meaning toxins that would normally be filtered out instead circulate in the bloodstream. The Maltese breed has a higher incidence of this condition than many other breeds. Signs in affected puppies include stunted growth, poor muscle development, increased thirst and urination, and — most characteristically — neurological signs after meals, such as disorientation, head pressing, staring into space or seizures. These neurological episodes occur because unfiltered ammonia from digested protein reaches the brain.
Diagnosis is confirmed via a bile acids test: blood samples are taken before and two hours after a meal, and elevated post-meal bile acid levels indicate impaired liver function. Ultrasound and specialist imaging can identify the abnormal vessel. Treatment may be surgical (placing an attenuator around the shunt vessel to gradually redirect blood flow) or medical (low-protein diet and medications to reduce ammonia production). Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes. Any Maltese puppy that is slow to grow, seems confused after meals or has recurrent neurological episodes should be assessed by a vet promptly.
Hypoglycaemia in Puppies
Toy breed puppies, including Maltese, have very little body fat and immature liver function, making them vulnerable to drops in blood sugar — a condition known as hypoglycaemia. Signs include weakness, trembling, glazed eyes, poor coordination and, in severe cases, collapse or seizures. Prevention centres on feeding small, frequent meals throughout the day — young Maltese puppies should eat every three to four hours and should not go more than four hours without food, particularly during the first few months of life. Any puppy showing signs of hypoglycaemia should receive a small amount of glucose gel or honey rubbed onto the gums and be seen by a vet immediately.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited conditions that cause gradual degeneration of the retina, eventually leading to blindness. The Maltese is among the breeds known to carry PRA mutations. The condition is painless but progressive, and there is currently no treatment. Responsible breeders should DNA test their breeding stock for known PRA variants — a clear DNA result means the dog cannot pass on the condition to its offspring.
Tear Staining (Epiphora)
The distinctive reddish-brown staining that often appears beneath the eyes of white-coated dogs is caused by excessive tearing — a condition called epiphora. In the Maltese, this is frequently linked to shallow eye sockets or blocked nasolacrimal (tear) ducts, which prevent tears from draining normally through the nose. The moisture creates a warm, wet environment that encourages the growth of yeast and bacteria, deepening the stain over time.
Management includes daily cleaning of the eye area with a damp cloth or specialist wipe, keeping the fur around the eyes trimmed short, and ensuring food and water bowls are made of stainless steel or ceramic rather than plastic, which can harbour bacteria. In some cases a vet may recommend flushing the tear ducts under sedation. Severe or sudden changes in tearing should always be investigated to rule out eye infection, corneal ulceration or entropion.
Grooming
The Maltese coat is one of its most distinctive features — long, straight and silky, falling to the floor in a parted curtain of white. This coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles, and regular bathing to maintain its white colour. Many pet owners opt for a shorter "puppy clip," which is easier to maintain and equally popular. Regardless of coat length, the area around the eyes and inside the ears requires regular attention to prevent infection and staining.
First-Owner Suitability
The Maltese is a good choice for first-time dog owners who are prepared for the grooming commitment and who can provide consistent company throughout the day. The breed is not well suited to households where the dog would be left alone for long periods. With proper socialisation, regular veterinary check-ups and attentive care, a Maltese can be a joyful and devoted companion for many years.