Breed guide
Maltese
A source-linked starting point for Maltese: The tiny Maltese, 'Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,' has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Use this as context for the individual dog's routine, not as a prediction of behaviour or health.
About this breed
How to use this Maltese profile
For Maltese, the verified profile records Height, Weight, Life expectancy. These references explain what to observe and what to adjust in daily life; they do not establish a guaranteed behaviour rate, diagnosis, or outcome for an individual dog.
How to recognize the breed
Use the whole outline, coat, proportions, and movement together. A single photo or colour is not enough to establish breed identity.
7-9 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > heightunder 7 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight12-15 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancyThe long, white coat of the Maltese is eye-catching and glorious. It requires daily gentle brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats and tangles. Maltese should also have regular baths and coat conditioning to keep their hair looking its best. They have fast-growing nails that should be trimmed regularly. Check their ears weekly, and remove any…
AKC page Grooming > official section copyBody condition and trend
Height and weight references are already shown above; they are context, not a personal target. Use the BCS tool and the individual dog's ribs, waist, abdominal tuck, age, and trend.
Daily life priorities
Maltese are full of energy but require only occasional exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks with their owner or bouncing around in their fenced yard, or even indoors, will usually suffice to keep them fit.
AKC page Exercise > official section copyMaltese are very intelligent, and in centuries of being companions to humans they have learned how to get exactly what they want from their people. It is important to be consistent with their training. Maltese are athletic and talented and make a fun choice as competitive companions in dog sports such as obedience or agility. They can be stubborn and…
AKC page Training > official section copyThe long, white coat of the Maltese is eye-catching and glorious. It requires daily gentle brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats and tangles. Maltese should also have regular baths and coat conditioning to keep their hair looking its best. They have fast-growing nails that should be trimmed regularly. Check their ears weekly, and remove any…
AKC page Grooming > official section copyAdjust difficulty, duration, and handling for the individual dog. The linked long-tail pages turn these profile facts into practical routines.
Health checks and when to call the vet
If you are choosing a puppy or checking a breeding record, ask for the named test, result, date, and scheme. These checks help assess breeding risk; they are not a diagnosis of an individual dog.
Questions owners ask about Maltese
Verified facts
| Height | 7-9 inches AKC page PageMap DataObject > height |
|---|---|
| Weight | under 7 pounds AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight |
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy |
| Grooming | The long, white coat of the Maltese is eye-catching and glorious. It requires daily gentle brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats and tangles. Maltese should also have regular baths and coat conditioning to keep their hair looking its best. They have fast-growing nails that should be trimmed regularly. Check their ears weekly, and remove any… AKC page Grooming > official section copy |
| Exercise | Maltese are full of energy but require only occasional exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks with their owner or bouncing around in their fenced yard, or even indoors, will usually suffice to keep them fit. AKC page Exercise > official section copy |
| Training | Maltese are very intelligent, and in centuries of being companions to humans they have learned how to get exactly what they want from their people. It is important to be consistent with their training. Maltese are athletic and talented and make a fun choice as competitive companions in dog sports such as obedience or agility. They can be stubborn and… AKC page Training > official section copy |
| Official breed description | The tiny Maltese, 'Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,' has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions. AKC page About the Breed > official breed description |
| Recommended parent-club health tests | ['Patella Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Serum Bile Acids'] AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club |
| Official breed standard | http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Maltese.pdf AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard |
How to use this profile
Use the facts on this page as a starting point, then observe the individual dog. A breed label does not establish behaviour frequency, diagnosis, or a guaranteed outcome. Medical and screening claims remain subject to review.
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