Guides
The Maltese Guide
What families ask most about the Maltese, answered plainly: how big they get, how to keep that white coat, how long they live and how to raise a very small puppy.
- Under 7 lbThe AKC standard
- 4 to 6 lbPreferred
- 12 to 15 yearsTypical lifespan (AKC)
- Toy GroupAn ancient breed
Start Here
Where Most Families Start
How Big Do Maltese Get? Full Grown Size and WeightHow big a Maltese gets, what a full grown Maltese weighs, when growth stops, and why an adult weight can never be...Read the guide
Maltese Grooming: How to Groom a Maltese DogMaltese grooming made practical: the tools, how to brush and bathe a long white coat, haircut styles, puppy coat care and...Read the guide
Maltese Tear Stains: Why They Happen and What HelpsWhy Maltese tear stains happen, when to see a vet, and the daily face care, diet and cleaning habits that keep a white...Read the guide
Breed Basics
How big a Maltese gets, what the breed is like to live with, how long they live, what the standard asks for, and what "teacup" really means.
Maltese Temperament and PersonalityMaltese temperament and personality explained: affectionate, playful and alert.Read the guide
How Long Do Maltese Dogs Live?The average Maltese lifespan is 12 to 15 years. See what affects how long a Maltese lives, how seniors age and how to...Read the guide
The Maltese Breed Standard, ExplainedThe AKC Maltese breed standard explained in plain English: head, eyes, body, coat, color, gait and temperament, and what...Read the guide
Teacup MalteseWhat the word meansLearn more
Health and Care
The health questions worth knowing about, and the everyday care of that long white coat, the tear stains and the food bowl.
Maltese Health Problems: What to Know Before You BuyThe most common Maltese health problems explained calmly: knees, liver shunt, teeth, low blood sugar, eyes, heart, and...Read the guide
What to Feed a Maltese: Puppy Schedule, Portions and Foods to AvoidWhat to feed a Maltese puppy and adult, a sample feeding schedule, how much to give, which foods are dangerous for dogs...Read the guide
Bringing a Puppy Home
The first weeks: settling in, house training, how a puppy grows, and keeping a very small dog safe at home.
Maltese Puppy Care: What to Do in the First WeeksHow to care for a Maltese puppy: the first days at home, sleep, handling, vet visits, basic first aid and the signs that...Read the guide
How to Potty Train a Maltese PuppyHow to potty train a Maltese puppy: a routine that works, crate training steps, pads versus outdoors, handling accidents...Read the guide
Maltese Puppy Stages From Birth to AdulthoodMaltese puppy stages from birth to adulthood: eyes opening, weaning, socialization, teething, adolescence and when your...Read the guide
Puppy Proofing Your Home for a MalteseHow to puppy proof your home for a Maltese: household dangers for a tiny dog, cords, plants, medications, stairs, and how...Read the guide
Choosing a Puppy
What a puppy costs, how to choose a breeder, what a written health guarantee should say, and how a puppy travels.
When You Are Ready
Ready to Meet a Maltese?
See the puppies available now, or ask us anything about the breed.