The Maltese is easy to fall in love with. This small companion dog has a silky white coat, dark expressive eyes, and an affectionate personality. But living with one involves more than cuddles and cute photos.
Daily coat care, careful handling, consistent training, and plenty of companionship are all part of owning a Maltese. These needs are manageable for the right household, but they may be frustrating for someone expecting a completely low-maintenance pet.
Before bringing one home, consider these 10 challenges to decide whether a Maltese fits your routine, budget, and expectations.
1. The Coat Needs Regular Grooming
The Maltese's long, silky coat is one of its defining features, but keeping it in good condition takes time. Daily gentle brushing and combing help prevent tangles and mats, while regular bathing and coat maintenance keep the hair clean.
Even if you choose a shorter puppy cut, you will still need to maintain the coat, trim the nails, check the ears, and keep the area around the eyes clean. Mats can pull on the skin and become uncomfortable if they are left unattended.
If you enjoy grooming your dog or can budget for regular professional appointments, this may not be a problem. If you want a wash-and-go companion, a Maltese may demand more work than you expect.
2. Their Small Size Requires Careful Handling
Maltese dogs generally weigh under 7 pounds, so they can be vulnerable to injuries from falls, accidental stepping, rough play, or being dropped. Jumping from high furniture can also put a small dog at risk.
This does not mean a Maltese cannot live with children or other pets. It means interactions need to be managed carefully, particularly with toddlers and larger, energetic dogs.
Teach children to sit calmly while handling the dog, support the dog's body when lifting them, and provide a safe place where they can retreat undisturbed. If your household is very rough-and-tumble, a sturdier breed may be a better match.
For more ideas, see our guide to dog breeds suited to apartment living.
3. They Are Not Completely Hypoallergenic
Maltese dogs shed relatively little, which can appeal to people who dislike finding loose hair around the house. However, low shedding does not mean allergen-free.
Dog allergens can be present in dander, saliva, and other materials. A Maltese can still trigger symptoms in someone who is allergic to dogs, and individual reactions vary.
If allergies are a concern, spend time around Maltese dogs before committing to one. Even then, a brief visit cannot guarantee that you will not react later.
Related reading: Small Dogs That Shed Less Hair.
4. They Need Companionship and May Struggle When Left Alone
Maltese dogs are companion animals that often form close bonds with their people. Some become distressed when left alone for long periods, particularly if they have not learned gradually how to cope with time apart.
Separation-related distress can involve persistent barking, pacing, attempts to escape, or destructive behavior. However, these problems do not occur in every Maltese, and barking or chewing can have other causes.
If you spend most of the day away from home, consider how you will meet the dog's social needs. Gradual alone-time training, a trusted pet sitter, or help from family may be useful. Do not assume that simply adding another pet will solve separation anxiety.
A Maltese may be a difficult fit if you regularly leave home for long hours and cannot arrange appropriate care.
5. House Training Takes Patience and Consistency
Maltese dogs can learn household rules, but house training requires a reliable routine. Their small size means they may need frequent toilet opportunities, particularly as puppies, and accidents can happen when owners miss the signs that they need to go out.
Take your dog out after waking, eating, drinking, playing, and before bedtime. Reward them immediately for going in the right place, and clean accidents thoroughly without punishment.
Small dogs are not inherently impossible to house-train, and a Maltese is not necessarily stubborn. Progress depends on consistency, timing, individual temperament, and whether a medical issue is affecting toilet habits.
If your dog suddenly starts having accidents after previously being reliable, consult your veterinarian rather than assuming it is a training problem.
6. They Can Be Vocal
Maltese dogs are alert and may bark at unfamiliar people, sounds in the hallway, passing dogs, or activity outside a window. In an apartment or shared building, frequent barking can become a challenge.
Early socialization, reward-based training, enough mental stimulation, and managing triggers can help. For example, closing curtains may reduce barking at movement outside, while rewarding quiet behavior can teach your dog what you want them to do instead.
Avoid shouting at your dog to stop barking. Your reaction may add excitement or anxiety without teaching a better response.
Some Maltese are quieter than others, so excessive barking is not inevitable. However, if you need a dog that rarely vocalizes, consider this trait carefully.
7. Dental Care and Other Health Needs Require Attention
Maltese dogs can live long lives, but they still need preventive veterinary care. Dental disease is an important concern in small breeds, and daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste can help maintain oral health.
The breed can also be affected by conditions such as patellar luxation, in which the kneecap moves out of its normal position, and congenital liver disorders such as portosystemic shunts. These are possible health risks, not conditions every Maltese will develop.
Routine veterinary examinations, appropriate dental care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and a sensible emergency fund are important parts of ownership. If you are choosing a puppy, ask the breeder about health screening and the medical history of the parents.
Veterinary care can become expensive, especially as a dog ages. Consider whether your budget can cover both routine costs and unexpected treatment.
8. They Need More Than a Life on the Sofa
A Maltese does not need the same exercise routine as a high-endurance working breed, but that does not mean it should spend every day indoors without activity.
Daily walks, indoor games, short training sessions, and opportunities to sniff and explore help keep a Maltese physically and mentally engaged. Many enjoy learning tricks and can participate in activities such as obedience or agility when trained appropriately.
Their small size and physical limits should guide the length and intensity of outings. Take care in very hot or cold weather, and allow your dog to rest when needed.
If your ideal companion is a dog that can regularly join you on long, strenuous hikes or runs, a Maltese may not be the most practical choice. If you enjoy moderate walks and interactive play, its activity needs may suit you well.
9. Feeding and Appetite Can Require Extra Attention
Some Maltese dogs are selective about food, but picky eating is not a defining trait of every dog in the breed. Frequent changes to food or adding tempting extras whenever a dog refuses a meal can make feeding routines harder to manage.
Offer a complete and balanced food appropriate for your dog's age and health, use consistent meal routines, and keep treats in moderation. Because Maltese dogs are small, even a modest amount of extra food can contribute significantly to their daily calorie intake.
Puppies and very small dogs may have particular nutritional needs, so ask your veterinarian for guidance on meal frequency and suitable food.
If your dog suddenly refuses food, repeatedly vomits, seems weak, or shows other signs of illness, contact your veterinarian. Do not automatically dismiss a change in appetite as fussiness.
10. A Maltese Is a Long-Term Commitment
Maltese dogs commonly live around 12 to 15 years, and some live longer. Bringing one home means planning for many years of daily care, grooming, training, veterinary visits, and companionship.
Your circumstances may change during that time. Work schedules, housing, finances, travel, and family responsibilities can all affect your ability to care for a dog.
Before adopting or buying a Maltese, consider the ongoing cost of food, grooming, preventive care, boarding or pet sitting, and potential medical treatment. Planning ahead makes it easier to provide stable care throughout the dog's life.
So, Is a Maltese the Right Dog for You?
The Maltese can be an affectionate, playful, and adaptable companion. It can suit apartment living and many households, provided its grooming, exercise, training, and companionship needs are met.
It may not be the best choice if you want a dog that needs almost no grooming, must be left alone for long periods, or will regularly accompany you on strenuous outdoor adventures. Its small size also calls for careful handling around children and larger pets.
On the other hand, if you enjoy close companionship, can maintain a grooming routine, and are prepared for a long-term commitment, a Maltese may be an excellent fit.
If you want to learn more about the breed's personality, history, and everyday care, read our guide to Maltese dog characteristics, history, and care.
Sources and Further Reading
- American Kennel Club: Maltese Breed Information
- American Kennel Club: Is the Maltese a Good Fit for Your Lifestyle?
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Maltese
- PetMD: Maltese Dog Breed Health and Care
Every dog is an individual. Breed traits can help you make an informed choice, but a dog's upbringing, health, training, and temperament also influence what living with them will be like.
