Best Gear for Malteses
Maltese are tiny (4-7 lbs), elegant companion dogs with a long, pure-white coat that requires extensive grooming. They're prone to patellar luxation, collapsed trachea, dental disease, and tear staining.
Height
7-9 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Energy
Moderate
Shedding
Minimal
Trainability
Moderate
Life with a Maltese
Your Maltese has decided that the dog across the street — who outweighs them by 60 pounds — has been insufficiently warned. The warning has been issued. Repeatedly.
You now have a skincare routine for your dog's face. It involves a specific cloth, filtered water, and a frequency that would embarrass you to say out loud.
You've spent more time researching tear stain solutions than you spent on your last major life decision.
Your Maltese got the zoomies at 10 PM and treated the hallway like a velodrome for four full minutes, then sat down and stared at you like it never happened.
Guests are always surprised by how much personality fits into a dog that weighs less than a bag of potatoes. You are never surprised anymore.
What Owners Say
“r/maltese owners say it often: don't be fooled by the floof. Under that white cloud is a dog with the confidence of a much larger animal and zero awareness of its actual size — and that combination is either hilarious or exhausting depending on the day.”
Games Malteses Actually Love
Treat Cup Shuffle
Place a treat under one of three cups on a hard floor and shuffle them — Maltese are sharper than they look and love the challenge of tracking the prize.
Indoor Mini Agility
Set up cushion tunnels and low hurdles for an indoor agility course. Maltese are surprisingly athletic and have the endurance for structured play — plus it channels the zoomie energy
Tug and Drop
Maltese love tug-of-war despite their dainty appearance — use a soft rope toy and practice 'drop it' between rounds. It burns energy, builds focus, and satisfies the surprisingly tenacious side
Top Picks for Your Maltese
| Spec | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy | |||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 85 Ingredients 75 Palatability 82 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 | Durability 94 Engagement 76 Safety 85 Value 88 Owner Satisfaction 89 | Durability 79 Comfort 91 Adjustability 79 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 |
| Bag Size | 35 lb | — | — |
| Protein Source | Chicken | — | — |
| Life Stage | Adult | — | — |
| Grain-Free | No | — | — |
| Special Feature | Live probiotics, shredded blend texture | — | — |
| Material | — | Natural red rubber | 300D polyester with foam padding |
| Size | — | Large (dogs 30–65 lbs) | — |
| Chew Strength Rating | — | Power chewers | — |
| Best For | — | Stuffing, freezing, solo play | — |
| Dishwasher Safe | — | No (hand wash) | — |
| Weight | — | 8.8 oz | 5.6–9.5 oz depending on size |
| Size Range | — | — | XXS to XL (13–42 in chest) |
| Clip Type | — | — | Aluminum V-ring (front and back) |
| Closure | — | — | Two side-release buckles |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About the Maltese
Origin & Build
- •One of the oldest toy breeds, with roots stretching back at least 2,000 years to the central Mediterranean,
- •They weigh 4 to 7 pounds and stand 7 to 9 inches, with a compact but elegant build
- •Their single-layer coat is pure white, long, silky, and straight, falling to the floor when fully grown out
Temperament
- •Maltese are lively, playful, and surprisingly bold for their size — they'll confidently approach much larger dogs without
- •They're deeply affectionate with their family and can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently
- •Trainability is good when you use positive methods, though they have a reputation for being difficult to housebreak
Exercise Needs
- •Twenty to 30 minutes of daily activity is plenty — indoor play, short walks, and interactive toys meet
- •Their small size means even a brisk walk around the neighborhood qualifies as real exercise
- •Despite low requirements, they're surprisingly energetic and playful indoors, often zooming around the house in bursts of energy
Health Watch
- •Patellar luxation is extremely common and can range from mild to requiring surgery
- •Collapsed trachea is a serious concern that mandates harness use over collars
- •Dental disease is virtually guaranteed without aggressive preventive care — their tiny jaws crowd teeth badly
- •Tear staining is cosmetically annoying and sometimes indicates underlying eye or dietary issues
Gear Tips
- A collar is off-limits for leash walking — always use a lightweight step-in harness to protect against tracheal collapse. The Puppia Soft
- A steel comb and pin brush are the essential grooming tools. Daily combing prevents the mats that form rapidly in their silky
- A tearstain remover and fine-toothed flea comb help manage the reddish-brown staining under the eyes that's nearly universal in white-coated Maltese.
- A fleece-lined coat or sweater is necessary for any cool weather since their single-layer coat provides no insulation. Even mild temperatures that
- A small pet carrier or sling is practical for outings — their tiny legs tire quickly on long walks, and being carried
- A finger toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste should be used daily. Dental disease is the Maltese's number-one ongoing health expense, and prevention is
Keep Them Happy
- Daily face cleaning is part of ownership, not optional grooming. Tear stains worsen without maintenance — keep the eye area dry
- Don't skip training because they're small. Maltese that aren't taught boundaries become barky, demanding, and difficult in social situations — size doesn't
- Break exercise into two short sessions (15 minutes each) rather than one long walk. Their stamina is real but limited, and overheating
- Protect their teeth. Maltese are prone to dental disease earlier than most breeds — daily brushing and annual cleanings extend their life
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you stop tear staining on a Maltese?
- Daily cleaning with a tear stain remover wipe or solution and a fine-toothed comb keeps stains manageable. Some owners find that switching to filtered water and a grain-free diet reduces staining. If staining is severe or sudden, see your vet to rule out blocked tear
- Should a Maltese wear a harness or collar?
- Always a harness for leash walking — Maltese are highly prone to collapsed trachea, and any collar pressure on the neck can worsen this condition. A lightweight step-in harness is the safest option. A flat collar can hold ID tags but should never be attached
- How often does a Maltese need grooming?
- If you keep the coat long, daily brushing and combing is truly necessary — their silky hair mats within days without it. Most pet owners keep their Maltese in a shorter puppy cut, which reduces brushing to every two to three days. Professional grooming every
- What is the best bed for a Maltese?
- A small, enclosed cave-style or bolster bed with soft, washable fabric works well. Maltese love burrowing and nesting, and the enclosed design helps them retain body heat since they chill easily. Choose something machine-washable — their white coat picks up everything and the bed will