The Maltese is one of the oldest and most distinguished toy breeds in the world — records of small white companion dogs from Malta extend back over 2,000 years. Romans, Greeks, and Renaissance nobles prized them; they appear in Renaissance paintings and historical records throughout European aristocracy. Today they are cherished UK companions, prized for their elegant flowing coats, affectionate personalities, and suitability for various living situations. Understanding their health profile ensures owners can give them the best possible care.
Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Toy (under 3.5 kg; 20–25 cm at shoulder) |
| Coat | Long, silky, pure white single coat — low shedding but daily grooming required |
| Exercise | 20–30 minutes per day |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Good for? | Individuals, couples, elderly owners, flats — not suited to rough play with young toddlers |
| Good for first-time owners? | Yes — trainable and manageable; the grooming commitment is the main challenge |
| Puppy cost (UK 2026) | £700–£2,000 |
| KC group | Toy |
Health Conditions
White Shaker Syndrome (Idiopathic Steroid-Responsive Tremor Syndrome)
White Shaker Syndrome (WSS) is a neurological condition causing full-body tremors that disproportionately affects small white dog breeds — Maltese, Bichon Frisé, West Highland White Terriers, and Poodles. Key facts:
- Onset: Typically sudden onset between 6 months and 3 years of age
- Appearance: Fine, generalised whole-body tremors — which worsen during stress or excitement and may decrease at rest or during sleep
- Cause: Unknown — thought to be immune-mediated (similar mechanism to autoimmune encephalitis in humans)
- Diagnosis: By ruling out other causes (head trauma, toxin, metabolic disease) — an MRI and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) analysis may be performed to confirm an inflammatory process
- Treatment: Corticosteroids (usually prednisolone) typically produce dramatic improvement within 1–2 weeks. Most dogs go into remission; some require low-dose maintenance medication long-term
- Prognosis: Generally good with appropriate treatment — most Maltese manage the condition well
Dental Disease — The Number One Ongoing Health Issue
Dental disease is the most common health issue in Maltese throughout their life. Their small mouths lead to overcrowded, rotated teeth, which accumulate tartar faster than larger breeds. Without management:
- Severe gingivitis and periodontitis lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss
- Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart and kidney problems
Dental management protocol for Maltese:
- Teeth brushing daily — start from 8 weeks to habituate the puppy. Use a dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste and small finger brush or toothbrush
- Dental chews approved by VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) — daily
- Annual or bi-annual professional dental scale-and-polish under anaesthesia
- Monitor for loose teeth, red gums, bad breath — these require vet assessment
Luxating Patella
Luxating patella (kneecap dislocation) is common in toy breeds; Maltese are affected at moderate rates. Grade 1–2 manifests as occasional skipping lameness that self-resolves. Grade 3–4 requires surgical correction. Reputable breeders have parent dogs examined for patella status.
Liver Shunt
Portosystemic shunt (PSS) — abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver — appears in Maltese at higher rates than many other breeds. Signs in puppies/young adults: poor growth, disorientation after eating, head pressing, seizures. This is typically a congenital defect (present from birth) and is manageable surgically or medically depending on severity and type.
Grooming — The Full Reality
| Option | Daily home work | Professional cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full long coat | 15–30 minutes daily brushing; topknot maintenance | Monthly grooming: £45–£65 |
| Puppy cut / short clip | 5–10 minutes daily brushing to prevent undercoat mats | Every 6–8 weeks: £40–£60 |
Tear staining: The white face fur around the eyes stains reddish-brown from tear overflow (epiphora). Management: daily wipe around the eyes with damp cotton wool; keep facial hair trimmed or tied up to prevent it rubbing the eye. If staining is sudden and heavy, have the vet check for blocked tear ducts or eye irritation.
Warning — Never shave a Maltese double-coat to the skin: This can permanently damage the coat growth cycle. A puppy cut maintains 2–5 cm of coat, which is sufficient for summer comfort without skin damage.
Temperament
- Affectionate and devoted — Maltese form close bonds and enjoy being with their person almost constantly
- Intelligent and trainable — they respond enthusiastically to positive reinforcement; they enjoy learning tricks and basic obedience
- Alert watchdogs — vocal; will bark at visitors and unusual sounds. Nuisance barking must be managed from puppyhood
- Children: Generally okay with older, gentle children; too fragile and potentially snappy with rough-handling toddlers
FAQs
Are Maltese high-maintenance dogs?
The grooming is high-maintenance if the full coat is maintained. Owners who keep their Maltese in a short clip significantly reduce this burden. Otherwise, their exercise, training, and care needs are relatively modest — making them genuinely manageable dogs for most owners who commit to their dental and grooming requirements.
