AKC Toy Group
Maltese
Fearless. affectionate. Yours.
You watch your Maltese strut across the living room floor with their silky white coat trailing behind them like a tiny bride walking down the world's shortest aisle, head up, dark eyes locked on yours, absolutely certain they are the most important creature in any room they enter. They're four pounds of pure audacity wrapped in hair that costs more to maintain than your own.
♥
"You watch your Maltese strut across the living room floor with their silky white coat trailing behind them like a tiny bride walking down the world's shortest aisle, head up, dark eyes locked on yours, absolutely certain they are the most important creature in any room they enter."
From our Maltese field notes
The Maltese experience
You know you're a Maltese owner when...
●You've accepted that every dark shirt you own now has a fine white silk thread woven into it permanently. ou've accepted that every dark shirt you own now has a fine white silk thread woven into it permanently
●Your Maltese has a topknot collection that rivals your daughter's hair accessories. our Maltese has a topknot collection that rivals your daughter's hair accessories
●They bark at dogs ten times their size with the confidence of someone who has never once been told no. hey bark at dogs ten times their size with the confidence of someone who has never once been told no
●You've caught them sleeping on your pillow, not beside it, not near it, dead center on your pillow. ou've caught them sleeping on your pillow, not beside it, not near it, dead center on your pillow
●The phrase 'tear stain' is part of your daily vocabulary and you have opinions about which remover works best. he phrase 'tear stain' is part of your daily vocabulary and you have opinions about which remover works best
At a glance
alsoKnownAsMaltese Lion Dog, Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, Roman Ladies' Dog, The Comforter
size4–7 lbs
temperamentFearless, affectionate, regal, playful, velcro, dramatic
lifespan12–15 years
energyLow to moderate (bursts of zoomies between long nap sessions)
goodWithAdults, older kids, seniors, apartment dwellers, other small dogs, anyone who will hold them
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Common Questions
Maltese Gift & Decor — FAQ
Celebrate the fearless and affectionate Maltese with a handcrafted luminary or sculpture. A WenderPets Maltese gift is a unique way to honor this regal breed.
Last updated: 2026-03-17
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