Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
With 9 identified health issues, the Malteser faces an above-average health burden for a small breed. Patellar luxation, as well as dental and jaw anomalies, are particularly well-known weaknesses in this breed that must be ruled out through mandatory health tests. Furthermore, the risk of epilepsy requires a very careful selection of parent animals, which is why prospective buyers should look closely at the breeder's documentation.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
20–25 cm
Weight
3–4 kg
Practical
Typical coat colors
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Maltese, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →The Malteser is a cheerful, extremely loyal companion dog—bred for thousands of years to provide constant company to its human. This very nature makes them the perfect, sensitive shadow, though they struggle to be left alone.
The real vibes check
A Malteser is like a living, fluffy shadow that adapts seamlessly to your daily life, as long as they can be by your side. They don't demand complex tasks, just your undivided presence. If you are looking for an independent dog, you will find this absolute fixation overwhelming; if you are looking for a true soulmate in miniature form, this is exactly what you get.
The Maltese is a small, elegant dog with a beautiful, long, silky coat that touches the ground. His large, dark eyes and fluffy tail that drapes over his back give him an adorable appearance that many people find irresistible. As a member of FCI Group 9, the Maltese is a companion and companion dog. There are no specific line differences between show and performance dogs in the Maltese, as this breed is primarily bred as a companion dog. Although small, Maltese are robustly built and have a well-proportioned body.
| Height | 20 - 23 cm (Female), 21 - 25 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 3 - 4 kg (Female), 3 - 4 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Affectionate, playful, intelligent |
| Coat | Long, silky, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Pure white |
| Price | 1500 - 3000 € |
The Maltese is one of the oldest known dog breeds and its history goes back more than 2,000 years. It comes from the central Mediterranean and was named after the island of Malta, although its origin is not exactly located there. The breed was mentioned in the writings of the Greek philosopher Aristotle and was very popular among nobles and royalty in ancient Greece and Rome. Over the centuries, the Maltese has been valued for its adorable looks and charming personality. The breed was recognized as a separate breed by the FCI at the end of the 19th century.
The Maltese was bred as a companion dog for the aristocracy and is known for its long, silky coat.
Mediterranean area
Antike
The Maltese is a dog with a heart of gold. He is known for his devotion and affection towards his owners. This little dog wants to come with you everywhere and be a part of everything you do. He is very playful and enjoys playing with toys and learning tricks. Despite his small size, he has a cheerful and sometimes even clownish temperament that puts you in a good mood. Since Maltese are sociable by nature, they do not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. It's important to slowly get them used to short periods of separation right from the start. Maltese are not known for having strong hunting behavior, but they can be curious and sometimes chase small animals or movements. Maltese are often alert and will alert you if someone is at the door, but they are usually not aggressive. They are often wary of strangers, but once they realize there is no danger, they can be very friendly. In terms of intelligence, Maltese are surprisingly smart for their size. You learn quickly and enjoy intellectual stimulation. At the same time, they are very sensitive to their owners' moods and can sometimes even be a little 'feeling'. appear as if they know exactly how you feel. Although they are not herding or working dogs, Maltese can be used in various activities such as agility, trick training and even as therapy dogs as they often have a calming effect on people. As companion dogs, Maltese are ideal for people who want to spend a lot of time with their dog. Their size makes them ideal apartment dogs, but they still need regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. It is also important to note that the Maltese's long coat requires grooming. The coat can easily tangle and needs to be brushed regularly. Many owners choose to keep the coat shorter to make grooming easier.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Greets everyone as a friend — no natural guarding instinct. | Very low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy dog breeds and is believed to have existed for over 2,000 years, with even aristocrats in ancient Rome valuing them as a companion dog.
Maltese are intelligent and alert dogs that like to move and be exercised.
Maltese are well suited as city dogs because they are small and do not need a large garden to run around in. Still, they need regular walks and mental stimulation. Because Maltese are very affectionate, they often get along well with children, but due to their small size, caution is advised, especially with very young children. Maltese can also get along well with other pets, including cats, if properly socialized.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Gets on well with children — with adult supervision. | With supervision |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all. | Ideal city dog |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Maltese are intelligent and trainable dogs that benefit from regular training. It is important to start training early and use positive reinforcement methods. Although they aren't necessarily ball junkies, they enjoy playtime and can engage in interactive play like ball fetching. Since they also have a sensitive side, it is important not to overstress them and to give them enough rest periods. It is also important for the Maltese to learn frustration tolerance and impulse control. Patient training with clear instructions helps them understand what is expected of them. The Maltese is not a working dog, but he enjoys activities that stimulate his brain and body. Agility, obedience training or simple trick training at home can be a lot of fun and exercise him mentally and physically.
Maltese benefit from a balanced diet that supports their energy and health. High quality food suitable for small breeds is often recommended. Make sure that the food contains all the necessary nutrients and is as free of artificial additives as possible. When it comes to grooming, the Maltese requires regular grooming due to its long, silky coat with no undercoat. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles. The breed copes well with the climate in Germany, although it may require a coat in very cold weather. Maltese don't shed heavily, which makes them attractive to people with allergies.
| Care Level Needs regular professional grooming — time-consuming and costly. | High-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Solid
With 9 identified health issues, the Malteser faces an above-average health burden for a small breed. Patellar luxation, as well as dental and jaw anomalies, are particularly well-known weaknesses in this breed that must be ruled out through mandatory health tests. Furthermore, the risk of epilepsy requires a very careful selection of parent animals, which is why prospective buyers should look closely at the breeder's documentation.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
You should focus on consistent dental care, regular cleaning of the eye area, and maintaining a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise to relieve pressure on the knees and airways.
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees, eyes, heart, and liver function checked and prioritize strong teeth and clear airways to reduce risks within the bloodline.
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Unser Malteser ist mittlerweile drei Jahre alt und ein absolut treuer, freundlicher Begleiter. Er bellt kaum, beißt nicht und geht auf Menschen wie auch auf andere Tiere extrem offen und gutmütig zu. Manchmal ist er in seiner freundlichen Art fast schon ein wenig zu naiv und arglos. Für uns als Familie ist er perfekt, zumal er überhaupt nicht haart – was für uns im Haus ein riesiger Vorteil ist.
Allerdings muss man sich darüber im Klaren sein, dass diese Hunde trotz ihrer geringen Größe echte Beschäftigung brauchen. Unser Kleiner liebt es, draußen über Wiesen und Felder zu flitzen. Nach regnerischen Spaziergängen sieht er mit seinen Matschepfötchen dann natürlich nicht mehr ganz so strahlend weiß aus, und das anschließende Baden gehört bei uns einfach zum Alltag dazu. Wer einen völlig pflegefreien Hund sucht, ist beim Malteser falsch, aber wer einen aktiven, sauberen und fröhlichen Kumpel sucht, wird ihn lieben.
Ich habe die Erfahrung gemacht, dass viele Menschen den Malteser unterschätzen und ihn nur als süßen Schoßhund sehen. Mein Rüde fordert aber wie jeder andere Hund eine konsequente Erziehung ein. Wenn man hier von Anfang an schludert, können diese kleinen Hunde ganz schnell zu anstrengenden Kläffern werden. Man muss von Welpenbeinen an liebevoll, aber bestimmt Grenzen setzen.
Ein weiteres Thema, das uns leider sehr beschäftigt, ist die Gesundheit. Unser Malteser leidet unter extremen Futtermittelallergien, was laut Bluttest leider gar nicht so selten vorkommt. Die Suche nach dem passenden Futter, das er verträgt und gleichzeitig auch gerne frisst, gleicht einer Wissenschaft für sich. Man sollte sich also darauf einstellen, dass die Rasse in puncto Ernährung und Gesundheit manchmal etwas sensibel reagieren kann.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
Breeding Maltese? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
The Malteser is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Malteser is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Malteser grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Malteser can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Find verified Maltese breeders in your region
Other breeds with available puppies from verified breeders
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.