Maltese Maltese

Maltese

22
Gentle Playful Charming Devoted

About the Maltese

The Maltese is one of the most ancient toy breeds — pampered by royalty and aristocrats across the Mediterranean for at least 2,000 years, with origins possibly linked to the island of Malta, though their exact birthplace remains debated by historians. Standing 7–9 inches tall and weighing just 4–7 pounds, these delicate dogs are draped in a stunning floor-length coat of pure, silky white hair that flows like a mantle — completely lacking an undercoat, which gives the hair its signature straight, silky texture. Their dark, round eyes and black button nose set against the brilliant white coat create a face of undeniable charm.

Temperament & Personality

Maltese are lively, playful, and remarkably fearless for their tiny size — they carry themselves with an aristocratic confidence that has charmed dog lovers for millennia. They are deeply devoted to their owners and thrive on attention, often developing a charming repertoire of tricks and antics to keep the spotlight on themselves. While generally friendly, they can be suspicious of strangers and intolerant of rough handling, making them better suited to households with older children or adults.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic coat — no undercoat means minimal shedding and reduced allergen production
  • Compact size and low exercise needs — thrives in apartments and small living spaces
  • Long lifespan of 12–15 years with many individuals living well beyond that
  • Playful and entertaining personality without the hyperactivity of many small breeds

Cons

  • Luxurious white coat requires daily brushing, frequent baths, and professional grooming to prevent tangles and staining
  • Prone to tear staining — reddish-brown streaks below the eyes require constant maintenance
  • Susceptible to dental disease, patellar luxation, and liver shunt — a congenital condition common in the breed
  • Can develop small dog syndrome with excessive barking and snappiness if overindulged and under-trained

A Maltese could bring centuries of royal companionship into your home — explore adoptable Maltese dogs on Puplister.

Maltese Quick Facts

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–9 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Not recommended
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available Maltese

Keia
Young
Keia
M

Maltese / Dachshund

Heartland German Shepherd Rescue · Gretna, NE
Nyra
Adult 2
Nyra
S

Maltese / Mixed

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue · Washington, DC
Louie
Adult 1
Louie
S

Maltese

4ever Yours Rescue · Georgetown, CA
Darcy
Young 1
Darcy
S

Maltese / Mixed

Roxy's K-9 Rescue · San Antonio, TX
Delia
Adult 1
Delia
S

Maltese

REACH Rescue · Mundelein, IL
Jelly
Baby 2
Jelly
S

Maltese / Mixed

Starpaws Rescue · Marina Del Rey, CA
Donut
Baby 2
Donut
S

Mixed / Maltese

Starpaws Rescue · Marina Del Rey, CA
Fiona
Adult
Fiona
S

Maltese

Love & Second Chances · San Ramon, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Maltese?
The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming and devoted.
How many Maltese are available for adoption?
There are currently 63 Maltese available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Maltese from Puplister?
To adopt a Maltese, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.