10+ years
Otis
Meet Otis, a sweet 10 year old boy who is proof that a little love can go a long way! Otis was found as a stray, very matted and in need of some TLC. …
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
Senior Maltese dogs
Senior Maltese dogs for adoption
Meet 72 adoptable senior Maltese dogs (age 7+) from shelters and rescues across the country. Older dogs are often calm, house-trained, and ready to love from day one. Showing 1–30 of 72 below.
About adopting a Maltese
White, small, and unbothered by the passage of time, the maltese is a breed whose seniors look and act much like their younger selves. An older maltese is gentle, playful in short bursts, and completely devoted to whoever holds it. Many come into shelters from elderly owners, and it is common to find one that has never spent a night outside a bedroom.
These dogs are made for quiet homes. A senior maltese wants a lap, a window, a short walk, and a person who comes home. They are not fond of being left alone for long days and can become vocal about it. With children they do best when the children are calm, since the breed is delicate and some older dogs are quick to snap when startled or squeezed.
Tear staining, dental disease, and slipping kneecaps are the care themes most commonly seen, along with heart murmurs and a sensitive stomach in some dogs. The coat mats fast unless clipped short or combed daily. Ask the shelter what has been examined and how the dog handles grooming, and then have your veterinarian review the shelter's records with you.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 8:44 AM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.
Available senior Maltese dogs
72 senior Maltese dogs available.
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Jazzi
Jazzi is an 11 year old female Maltese mix who weighs in at 8 pounds. This dog's adoption fee is $300. If you are still interested, please read more b…
Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF-IL) • Wheaton, IL
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Lexi
Meet Lexi! This adorable Maltese is as sweet as they come! Lexi is a friendly little girl with a gentle personality and an irresistible cuteness that’…
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
Senior confirmed
Coco
Coco is a little fluff full of love. She can be a tiny bit shy at first but she warms up quickly and can't wait to be your new lap dog!
Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO
Senior confirmed
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Russell
Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Russell and I weigh 11 LBS. ~I enjoy leisurely walks, cozy naps, delicious snacks, and being admired…
Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ
Senior confirmed
10+ years
10+ years
Hopper
This darling lady is Hopper! She is shy at first but warms up quickly with some patience and love. Once she's comfortable she'll be your new shadow!
Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO
Senior confirmed
Jett
You Tube video link: https://youtu.be/zfkt0nJXEjI FOR ADOPTION! Note: Only those with a responsible dog ownership history and excellent vet reference …
Ninna's Road to Rescue • Benton, LA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Lizzie
Meet Lizzie! If you're looking for a tiny companion with a huge heart, you need to meet this sweet girl. Lizzie is an approximately 7 year old, 8 poun…
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Beanie from Korea
Meet Beanie, Beanie is a 9-year-old Maltese boy weighing approximately 4 lbs (1.8 kg), rescued from South Korea and now waiting for his loving forever…
Ginger's pet rescue • Federal Way, WA
10+ years
Leia
Meet Leia! We don't know much about early in her life, but her previous owners moved to housing that did not allow them to take her along. They though…
Welfare for Animals Guild • Sequim, WA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Mia & Milu (Bonded Pair)
Name: Bonded pair- Mia & Milu Breed: Maltese mix & ShihTzuAge: 13yr & 5yrVaccines: last in 2023 Any medical conditions: NoneNeutered: YesChip: YesTemp…
Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL
Senior Maltese dogs by state
Other breeds
Adopting a senior Maltese — FAQ
Are senior maltese dogs good for older adopters?
Yes, a senior maltese is a natural fit for an older adopter or a quiet household. The dog is light, needs little exercise, and thrives on companionship. Grooming is the main commitment, either daily combing or a regular short clip. Ask the shelter about the dog's habits, since many arrive already suited to a calm routine.
Do older maltese dogs bark a lot?
Many do, particularly at the door and when left alone. The maltese is alert and vocal by nature, and a senior maltese that has spent years as a single companion may protest solitude. The shelter can tell you how the dog has behaved in the kennel and whether it settles with a routine and some enrichment.
What health issues should I ask about in a senior maltese?
Ask the shelter and your veterinarian about teeth, since dental disease is commonly seen in the breed, along with the knees, the heart, and any history of digestive trouble. Some senior maltese dogs also have a collapsing windpipe that causes a cough. Knowing what has been checked helps you plan for the dog's comfort.
What counts as a senior dog?
Most shelters and vets consider a dog "senior" around age 7, though large breeds often age sooner and small breeds a little later. Every dog listed here is 7 years or older.
How do I adopt a senior Maltese?
Open a dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then follow the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization.
Are senior Maltese dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Often, yes. An older Maltese is usually past the high-energy puppy stage and may already know basic commands, which can make ownership easier to ease into. Each profile and shelter can tell you about that dog's individual personality and needs.
Why adopt a senior dog instead of a puppy?
Senior dogs are calmer, usually house-trained, and let you skip the chewing and sleepless nights — and because they are the hardest to place, adopting one can quite literally save a life that might otherwise run out of time.
Are senior Maltese dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about their history with kids, cats, or other dogs. Senior dogs are often calmer and more predictable than puppies, which can make reading compatibility easier before you commit.
How much does it cost to adopt a senior Maltese?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but senior dogs are frequently discounted or even sponsored — because they wait the longest, many organizations offer reduced fees or cover initial vet care. Open a dog's profile and ask the organization directly for their current fee and what it includes.
Can I foster a senior Maltese instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a senior Maltese gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home — which is especially beneficial for older dogs who find shelter life stressful. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
Guides to help you decide
Getting started
Why Adopt a Senior Dog? 7 Reasons Older Dogs Make Wonderful Companions
Senior dogs are often calm, house-trained, and overlooked at shelters. Here are seven honest reasons an older dog may be the best companion you ever bring home.
6 min readUnderstanding ageHow Old Is a "Senior" Dog? Senior Age by Breed and Size
A dog is not "old" at the same age across the board — size and breed change everything. Here is how to tell when a dog becomes a senior, and what it means for care.
5 min readCare & healthCaring for a Senior Dog: Health, Diet, and Everyday Comfort
How to keep an older dog healthy and comfortable — vet care, senior-appropriate diet, joint and dental health, exercise, and simple home adjustments that make a big difference.
8 min readKnow a senior dog who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.