The Maltese is one of the world’s oldest toy breeds — a small, refined, snow-white companion dog with origins traced back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean. Their floor-length silky white coat (when kept long), dark expressive eyes, and gentle, playful temperament have made them prized companions throughout history and into the present day. Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese are surprisingly spirited and robust — with a specific set of health conditions that every prospective owner should understand.
Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Toy (20–30 cm / 1–4 kg) |
| Coat | Long, silky, pure white — daily brushing if kept long; many owners use “puppy clip” |
| Exercise | 30 minutes per day — short walks and play sessions |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years — excellent longevity for a toy breed |
| Good for first-time owners? | Yes — gentle, affectionate, manageable size |
| Good for flats? | Excellent — ideal apartment dog |
| Puppy cost (UK 2026) | £800–£2,000 |
| KC group | Toy |
Health — Key Conditions
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)
Maltese have a significantly higher risk of congenital portosystemic shunt — an abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver, preventing it from filtering toxins:
- The liver cannot perform its detoxification function; toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, particularly affecting the brain (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Symptoms typically appear in young dogs (under 1 year): disorientation, circling, head-pressing, seizures, poor growth, vomiting, excessive drinking/urinating, and unusual behaviour after eating
- Bile acid test: A simple blood test that can detect liver shunt — recommended for all Maltese puppies. Ask breeders whether parents have been bile-acid tested
- Treatment: surgical ligation of the shunt vessel is the gold standard; medical management (low-protein diet, lactulose) is used when surgery is not viable
- Prognosis after successful surgery is generally good; untreated liver shunt significantly reduces lifespan and quality of life
White Shaker Syndrome (Generalised Tremor Syndrome)
A neurological condition predominantly affecting small white-coated breeds including the Maltese:
- Sudden onset of full-body tremors, typically in young adults aged 6 months to 3 years
- Tremors worsen with excitement/stress and reduce or disappear at rest and during sleep
- Believed to involve autoimmune inflammation of the cerebellum — exact cause unknown
- Not life-threatening; diagnosis by ruling out other causes (toxins, epilepsy, metabolic disease)
- Treatment: corticosteroids (prednisolone) initially, then tapered. Some dogs require lifelong low-dose medication; others achieve full remission
Collapsed Trachea
The tracheal cartilage rings that hold the windpipe open weaken and collapse inward, restricting airflow:
- The hallmark symptom: a harsh, dry “goose honk” cough, worsened by excitement, exercise, heat, or pulling on a lead
- Always use a harness, never a collar — collar pressure on the neck directly worsens tracheal collapse
- Weight management is critical — obesity significantly worsens symptoms
- Treatment: cough suppressants, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory medication. Severe cases may require surgical tracheal stenting
Luxating Patella
Common in toy breeds. Kneecap slips out of its groove, causing periodic skipping lameness. Graded 1–4; grades 1–2 usually managed conservatively; grades 3–4 may require surgical correction. Ask breeders for patella screening results.
FAQs
Do Maltese dogs get along with children?
Maltese can be very good with calm, older children (8+) who understand gentle handling. They are not recommended for households with toddlers or very young children — Maltese are very small (often under 3 kg) and can be seriously injured by being dropped, stepped on, or handled roughly. Their small size also means they may snap defensively if hurt or frightened. If you have young children and want a small white dog, consider a slightly larger and more robust breed.