Maltese Breed Guide: Origin, Size, Grooming, Temperament and Lifespan
Maltese origin and overview
The AKC lists the Maltese's origin as Malta and places it in the Toy Group. The United Kennel Club describes the breed as one of several Bichon breeds native to the Mediterranean area. The UKC adds that its beauty and companionship made it a favorite, especially among women.
Maltese dog size
The AKC publishes a height of 7-9 inches, while the UKC standard gives 8 to 10 inches for males and 7 to 9 inches for females. On weight, the AKC publishes under 7 pounds, while the UKC standard gives six to eight pounds.
The UKC describes the Maltese as a compact, balanced toy dog with a proud, elegant carriage. Because of their small size, Maltese can be sensitive to rough handling and to cold.
Maltese temperament and traits
The AKC's temperament words for the Maltese are playful, charming and gentle. VCA Animal Hospitals describes Maltese as typically gentle and strongly bonded to their owners, and many enjoy close contact and companionship through the day. The UKC calls the breed intelligent, lively and very affectionate, a docile companion.
VCA notes that they may become vocal or anxious when they lack activity or are left alone too long. VCA lists them as best with gentle, respectful children and usually compatible with other pets when properly introduced.
Exercise and daily needs
VCA says Maltese need moderate daily activity, and short walks and indoor play are usually enough. They adapt well to indoor living but do best with consistent routines and close companionship.
Maltese grooming and shedding: do Maltese dogs shed?
The AKC rates shedding for the Maltese at 1 of 5, so Maltese shed very little. The UKC notes the breed is single coated, with no undercoat.
The AKC rates grooming frequency at 4 of 5. VCA recommends daily brushing to prevent matting and regular bathing and grooming to keep the coat clean. It also advises cleaning the eye area regularly to reduce staining of the fur.
How long do Maltese live? Lifespan and health
The AKC gives a general life expectancy for the Maltese of 12-15 years.
VCA describes dental disease as one of the most common issues in Maltese, often beginning early. VCA also says their small size raises the chance of low blood sugar as puppies and of airway problems as they get older. VCA's handout also lists portosystemic shunt and microvascular dysplasia among breed conditions. A veterinarian can advise on what care a particular dog needs.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Maltese as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Toy Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1888
- Height (AKC published)
- 7-9 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- under 7 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-15 years
- AKC size category
- XSmall
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 4 of 5
- Shedding: 1 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 4 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Serum Bile Acids
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Maltese | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Breed Standards : Maltese | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Maltese - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
