The Complete Maltese Guide

You didn’t land on the Maltese by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Gentle, affectionate, and deeply people-devoted, surprisingly bold and confident for their size, and low-shedding coat in a compact, elegant package, they’re a natural fit for apartment dwellers, singles, seniors, and anyone who wants a graceful, affectionate companion with a long and storied history who want a devoted, elegant little companion who has been making people feel special for thousands of years. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Maltese?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Maltese? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	4 out of 5	Maltese are smart and generally eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement when sessions are kept short, fun, and consistent
Obedience	3 out of 5	Willing to follow direction when properly motivated, but they have an independent streak that can surface if training becomes repetitive or dull
Focus	3 out of 5	Curious and easily drawn to activity around them. Short, engaging sessions with high-value rewards work far better than long structured drills
Stubbornness	3 out of 5	Can show a stubborn streak, particularly around house training, which is notoriously challenging with this breed. Patience and consistency are essential

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	4 out of 5	Deeply devoted to their family and thrives on closeness and being the center of attention. Bonds form quickly and tend to be intense
Good with children	3 out of 5	Affectionate and gentle with children, though their small size makes them vulnerable to rough handling. Best suited to households with older, respectful kids
Good with strangers	3 out of 5	Generally warm and friendly with strangers once comfortable. Early socialization helps them stay confident rather than anxious in new situations
Good with other dogs	3 out of 5	Can coexist well with other dogs and household pets, though their bold personality means they will not hesitate to stand their ground with much larger animals

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	5 out of 5	One of the best apartment dogs in the world. Small, low-shedding, quiet when trained, and perfectly content without access to a yard
Cold weather	2 out of 5	Sensitive to cold due to their small size and single coat. A warm sweater or coat in cool weather is a practical necessity
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Better heat tolerance than brachycephalic small breeds, but their small size means they can overheat quickly. Avoid prolonged outdoor activity in hot or humid weather
Routine flexibility	4 out of 5	Highly adaptable to different routines and living situations. Their compact size and modest exercise needs make them one of the more flexible companion breeds
First time owner	4 out of 5	A good choice for first-time owners in terms of size and exercise needs, though house training challenges and grooming demands require awareness and commitment

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	2 out of 5	Low energy overall. Maltese enjoy short play sessions and leisurely indoor activity, followed by long stretches of lounging and companionship
Endurance	2 out of 5	Limited stamina due to their small size. Keep activity sessions short and watch for signs of fatigue
Exercise needs	2 out of 5	Around 20 minutes of gentle daily exercise is enough. A short walk and indoor playtime covers most of what a Maltese needs each day
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Curious and clever with a busy little mind. Puzzle toys, short training games, and interactive play keep them mentally satisfied
Grooming needs	5 out of 5	High grooming needs. Their long, silky single coat grows continuously, tangles easily, and requires daily brushing or regular professional trims to stay healthy and tangle-free

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	3 out of 5	Playful and spirited in short bursts. Maltese enjoy interactive games and toys, though they are equally happy being carried and adored
Affection	5 out of 5	Among the most affectionate toy breeds. Maltese crave closeness and physical contact with their people and do not handle long stretches alone well
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Loyal and bonded to their family. Many Maltese pick a favorite person and devote themselves with considerable intensity
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. Maltese thrive on constant company and are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods
Alertness	4 out of 5	Alert and attentive to their surroundings. They will bark to alert their family to anything unfamiliar, and some individuals can be quite vocal

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	4 out of 5	Maltese have a known tendency to bark, particularly at unfamiliar sounds or visitors. Early training helps manage this before it becomes a persistent habit
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Not a natural digger. Occasional digging may occur out of boredom, but it is not a defining tendency of the breed
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Not known as strong chewers. Soft toys are generally preferred, and destructive chewing is uncommon in a well-exercised, well-companioned Maltese
Prey drive	1 out of 5	Very low prey drive. Maltese are companion dogs through and through, with little interest in chasing or hunting
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Alert and vocal enough to serve as a watchdog, but far too small to follow through on any real threat

What are common health issues of a Maltese?

Like all breeds, Malteses are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Malteses? 

Your Maltese can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• Patellar luxation evaluation (OFA, from age 1)
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist (OFA, annually from age 1)
• ACVO ophthalmologist eye exam (OFA Eye Registry, annually from age 1)
• Bile acids test for liver shunt screening (recommended by the American Maltese Association, once between 8 and 12 weeks)

Do Malteses need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Maltese owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Maltese owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Maltese specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Malteses are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Malteses age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Maltese owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$45-$50
2 years old	$45-$50
3 years old	$45-$50
4 years old	$45-$50
5 years old	$50-$55
6 years old	$55-$60
7 years old	$60-$65

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Maltese?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Maltese and your budget.

History of the Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in recorded history, with a lineage that stretches back at least two thousand years and possibly much further. The breed takes its name from the island of Malta in the central Mediterranean, where small white dogs matching the Maltese description appear in ancient Greek and Roman art, literature, and artifacts dating as far back as 500 BCE. Greek philosopher Aristotle mentioned a small dog from Malta in his writings, and the breed was a prized possession among aristocratic women in ancient Rome, where they were carried in sleeves and depicted in mosaics and paintings. The Romans called the breed Canis Melitaeus, the Melitaean dog, after the ancient name for Malta. Despite its long history, the Maltese's exact origins remain debated. Some historians believe the breed predates its association with Malta and may have originated in ancient Egypt or the Middle East, where small white companion dogs were known centuries before the Roman era. Genetic studies have confirmed the Maltese as one of the most ancient of all toy breeds. The breed survived the fall of the Roman Empire largely through the care of Chinese breeders, who preserved the line during the European Dark Ages and may have influenced the breed's modern form. By the Renaissance, the Maltese had become fashionable again across Europe, beloved by royalty and aristocracy including Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. The AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888, making it one of the earliest breeds on the register. Today the Maltese remains one of the most recognizable and consistently popular toy breeds in the world.

Caring for a Maltese

Training

Training a Maltese takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are clever but strong-willed and prone to stubbornness, which means owners need to be consistent and avoid reinforcing demanding or bossy behaviors. Short, reward-based sessions with high-value treats and clear, consistent expectations tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Malteses have a long, silky single coat that requires high grooming. Daily brushing is required for dogs kept in a full-length coat, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended for dogs maintained in a shorter puppy or teddy bear trim.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Maltese looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Malteses have low to moderate energy levels and need 30 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and gentle interactive games are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Malteses are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become clingy, yappy, and prone to attention-seeking and anxious behaviors. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Maltese will actually love.

Nutrition

Malteses are small dogs with low to moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 300 to 400 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $20 to $35 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Maltese here.

Maltese costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Maltese?

Before your Maltese even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$500-$2,000	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$500	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$100-$300	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$100-$200	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Maltese each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Maltese owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$200-$500	Based on the recommended portion for your Maltese
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$400-$800	Every Every 4 to 6 weeks, Long silky single coat requires daily brushing between professional appointments.
Toys and Supplies	$100-$300	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Maltese names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Maltese we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Maltese puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Maltese puppies are graceful, affectionate, and surprisingly bold for a dog that weighs under seven pounds. That ancient elegance and a warmth and devotion that has captivated people for thousands of years is part of what makes them consistent grooming, daily companionship, patient house training, and regular dental care, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Maltese brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Maltese’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Malteses are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

2. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

3. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

4. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

5. New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Maltese? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Maltese right for you?

Malteses reward the right owner with a devoted, graceful companion that brings genuine warmth and elegance to any home and a long, healthy life in a low-exercise, apartment-friendly package. They just need daily grooming, consistent dental care, patient house training, and an owner who genuinely enjoys a close, constant companionship with their dog in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Maltese. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.