Maltese Dogs: History, Personality, and Grooming Needs

The Maltese dog may be little, but it makes up for its small stature with a huge personality. These diminutive dogs are known for their loving and affectionate nature. Given the chance, they’d spend every minute of every day lounging around on your lap.

Read more about these gorgeous little dogs with picture-perfect button noses and snow-white fur.

History of the Maltese dog

A lot of dogs are named after their place or origin. Scottish Terriers are from Scotland, German Shepherds from Germany. Even Border Collies are from the border of Scotland and England.

So you’d assume that the Maltese is from Malta. And while you might be right, there’s no real consensus. Having said this, experts do agree the Maltese originates from somewhere in south-central Europe… whether it’s Malta or not.

Plus, did you know the Maltese is an ancient breed? Their history goes so far back that these loving lap dogs were mentioned by Aristotle in 370 BC.

Physical traits

You already know that Maltese dogs are small. In fact, they fall under the “toy group” of dogs as classified by the Australian National Kennel Council.

But here are some more physical traits, according to the official breed standards:

• Size: Not over 25 cm from ground to top of shoulder and 3–4 kg in weight
• Coat: Long and straight, with a silky texture that’s “not in any way woolly,” and it should be pure white
• Eyes: Oval-shaped dark brown eyes with black rims
• Nose: Black, because brown noses are considered a “fault” according to breed standard guidelines

You’ll also notice that Maltese dogs carry their tails up and over their backs. This is considered a desirable trait and isn’t a sign of anything wrong! It’s also interesting to know that this breed doesn’t carry the genes for green, blue, or even light brown eyes.

Also know that small dogs feel the cold more intensely then bigger dogs, so if you’re heading out on a chilly morning, consider investing in one of these dog jackets.

Is it true they’re hypoallergenic?

Despite having such long, soft fur, Maltese don’t shed. This is because they have single layer coat and hair, not fur. So the lack of shedding makes them partly hypoallergenic.

As a Maltese owner, you won’t get off totally scot-free on the grooming front though. You’ll need to brush your dog’s hair twice a week or so to keep it tangle free. Plus they need regular trims to keep that enviably long and soft fringe out of their eyes. Or if you prefer going the professional route, here’s how to find a good dog groomer.

Another common query for this breed (or really, any light-coloured dog) is tear stains. If they bother you, find out how to get rid of dog tear stains.

Now you know what they should look like, what are Maltese like in terms of personality?

Maltese personality

Maltese are known for being very friendly and loving dogs that want to cuddle all day long. But they’re not one dimensional – these perky little pups love to play too. And you’d be surprised at how high they can jump and how fast they can move.

That said, they still adapt well to indoor living. You’ll just have to give them plenty of love and stimulation.

Maltese make great companions for the whole family, including kids and dogs who are already part of the household. Although, they do need to be well socialised. Because they’re so playful and energetic, they sometimes cross dog boundaries and don’t know when to give their doggie friends some space.

Combine this playfulness and their small size with their tendency to bark a lot, and you’ll realise why it’s necessary to keep a close eye on them when they’re outdoors. It’s necessary to keep them safe from other dogs who aren’t so keen on their noisy energy.

Separation anxiety in Maltese dogs

Separation anxiety in pets isn’t uncommon, but it’s particularly important to guard against if you have a dog who is naturally affectionate and loving. The more independent the dog, the less likely they are to suffer from separation anxiety.

Maltese crave human attention, so quickly get upset and frustrated if they don’t get adequate attention and stimulation. Be sure to carve out enough time for cuddles, attention, and play time to keep them happy and content.

Dog insurance

Purebred dogs sometimes suffer from hereditary conditions. In Maltese dogs, these are commonly things like heart problems and degenerative eye conditions. They also put on weight easily.

Regardless of whether you’re wanting cover for possible hereditary conditions or in case of an accident, check out our affordable yet valuable dog insurance plans. If you buy online you’ll get one or more months of FREE insurance and no lock-in contract.