Question 1

How big does a Maltese get when fully grown?

Accepted Answer

A grown Maltese weighs 4–7 lb and stands 7–10 in tall. Males usually stand 8–10 in and females 7–9 in. It is a toy breed, in the AKC Toy Group.

Question 2

Does the parents' size predict how big a Maltese puppy will be?

Accepted Answer

Parents of Pawrade Maltese typically weigh 4–10 lb (fathers) and 5–9 lb (mothers). A grown Maltese weighs 4–7 lb under the breed standard.

Question 3

Are teacup Maltese real, and how are they different from toy Maltese?

Accepted Answer

Teacup is a sales name, not a separate kind of Maltese, and no breed standard has a teacup size. Every Maltese is a toy dog, and the breed standard puts quality ahead of small size. Very small dogs can go on having bouts of low blood sugar throughout life.

Question 4

How much does a Maltese puppy weigh?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese puppy typically weighs about 1.5–2 lb at 8 weeks and 2.5–3 lb at 12 weeks. Pawrade puppies must weigh at least 2 lb before they travel.

Question 5

Should a Maltese be pure white, or can it have tan or lemon markings?

Accepted Answer

White is the standard color, and the AKC standard allows light tan or lemon on the ears, though it is not preferred. The nose, lip edges and eye rims are black. Any other color is outside the AKC breed standard.

Question 6

Do Maltese have docked tails?

Accepted Answer

Maltese keep a full, plumed tail carried over the back, as the breed standards call for.

Question 7

How does a Maltese compare with a Havanese, Shih Tzu or Yorkie?

Accepted Answer

A Havanese also has a long, low-shedding coat, but it is sturdier, with a double coat in many colors. A Shih Tzu is heavier, has a double coat in every color, needs more exercise and is flat-faced. A Yorkshire Terrier is similar in size, with a long, silky coat in blue and tan.

Question 8

What is a Maltese's temperament like, calm or energetic?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese is gentle and affectionate, with a low energy level. It is also lively, playful and fearless for its size, so short walks and indoor play suit it well.

Question 9

Do Maltese bark a lot?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese is alert and will sound the alarm, and a bored or lonely one may bark a lot. Teach a quiet cue early, and don't reward alarm barking.

Question 10

Is a Maltese a lap dog?

Accepted Answer

The Maltese has been kept as a companion and lapdog since ancient times. It likes to stay close to its people and does not enjoy long spells alone.

Question 11

Are Maltese friendly with strangers?

Accepted Answer

Most Maltese are friendly and open with new people. Early socialization with people and other dogs helps that friendliness grow.

Question 12

Will a Maltese puppy get along with my other dog or cat?

Accepted Answer

Most Maltese get along with other pets after a proper introduction. Pawrade breeders socialize most Maltese litters with small dogs before the puppies go home. More than a third of Pawrade Maltese buyers already have a dog at home.

Question 13

Are Maltese good with young children?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese does well with gentle, respectful children. Supervise young children, because a dog this small is easily hurt by rough handling or a fall. Pawrade breeders socialize most Maltese litters with children before the puppies go home.

Question 14

Is a Maltese a good apartment dog?

Accepted Answer

The Maltese is well suited to apartments and small homes. Its exercise needs are modest, and teaching a quiet cue early helps with close neighbors.

Question 15

How much exercise does a Maltese need?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese needs up to about 30 minutes of exercise a day, made up of short walks and indoor play. Use a harness rather than a neck collar on walks.

Question 16

Can a Maltese be left alone while I work?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese prefers company and may become vocal or anxious when left alone too long. Build up time alone gradually, and give a walk or a play session before you leave.

Question 17

Can a Maltese handle stairs, or is it small enough to carry easily?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese is small enough to carry easily, and puppies are best carried, because even a fall off a step can mean a vet visit. A lean weight and fewer jumps off furniture help protect the knees for life.

Question 18

When can my Maltese puppy run and jump?

Accepted Answer

Small dogs finish growing sooner than big ones, but a puppy's growth plates stay soft until growing is done. Until then, agree an exercise plan with your vet and keep jumps off furniture to a minimum.

Question 19

Do Maltese shed, and are they good for people with allergies?

Accepted Answer

Maltese shed little, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. The single coat has no undercoat, so it may leave less hair around, and it is described as low-shedding, not allergy-free.

Question 20

What is a Maltese coat like?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese has a single coat of long, straight, silky white hair with no undercoat. The hair on the head can be tied up in a topknot or left down.

Question 21

How much grooming does a Maltese need?

Accepted Answer

A Maltese needs brushing and combing every day to prevent mats, and a blow-dry after each bath. Many owners keep a pet Maltese in a short clip to make this easier.

Question 22

Why do Maltese get tear stains?

Accepted Answer

Tear staining is common in the breed and shows clearly on a white face. Have your vet rule out a medical cause of heavy tearing first, then keep the face clean and dry.

Question 23

Are Maltese easy to train?

Accepted Answer

Maltese learn well with consistent, reward-based training using praise and treats. They can be stubborn, and harsh methods backfire. Trick training and short play sessions suit them well.

Question 24

How do I house-train a Maltese puppy?

Accepted Answer

Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after naps and last thing at night, and reward every success with praise and a treat. Keep the routine the same every day, because consistency is what works with a Maltese. If you use a crate, put it in a room where the family spends time, or in your bedroom at night.

Question 25

How long can a Maltese puppy hold its bladder?

Accepted Answer

A puppy can usually hold its bladder for about as many hours as it is months old, so a 3-month-old Maltese can wait about 3 hours. The rule holds up to about 9 months to 1 year of age. Young puppies still need trips out first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after naps.

Question 26

Why did my Maltese stop listening at 8 months?

Accepted Answer

Your Maltese is most likely in adolescence, a normal phase that often starts between about 6 and 8 months. Dogs this age test boundaries and may seem to forget their training. Consistent, reward-based training, patience and plenty of play carry you both through it.

Question 27

What activities do Maltese enjoy?

Accepted Answer

Short indoor games, trick training and short walks suit the breed. Maltese also take part in obedience, rally, agility and conformation shows.

Question 28

At what age can a Maltese puppy go home?

Accepted Answer

Pawrade puppies travel only once they are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2 lb, and the breeder's licensed vet examines each one first. Most Maltese puppies go home at about 12 weeks, usually between 9 and 18 weeks.

Question 29

How many puppies are in a Maltese litter?

Accepted Answer

Across 324 Maltese litters on Pawrade, the typical litter has 4 puppies, and most have between 2 and 5.

Question 30

How do I care for a new Maltese puppy?

Accepted Answer

Feed small meals often, keep your puppy warm and let it rest, because tiny puppies can run low on blood sugar. Keep a glucose gel on hand, and if your puppy seems weak, rub a little on its gums and call your vet. Walk it on a harness, guard against falls from steps and furniture, and start gentle daily brushing.

Question 31

What should I prepare before my Maltese puppy comes home?

Accepted Answer

Get a small harness rather than a collar, a pin brush and steel comb, and a glucose gel to keep on hand. Block steps and drops your puppy could fall from, and put the crate where the family spends time or in your bedroom at night. Book a first vet visit that includes a careful listen to the heart and a plan for liver screening.

Question 32

How are Pawrade Maltese puppies raised before they come home?

Accepted Answer

Most Pawrade Maltese litters meet small dogs and children and hear everyday household sounds before the puppies go home, as reported by their breeders. Breeders report that 95% of 324 litters met small dogs, 81% met older children and 79% met younger children. Most litters also got used to the vacuum cleaner (70%) and to loud music or TV (53%). Keep going once your puppy is home, with new people and other dogs a little at a time.

Question 33

When should my Maltese puppy start socialization and classes?

Accepted Answer

Start the day your puppy comes home, because the first 3 months are the most important time for socialization. Puppy classes can start as early as 7–8 weeks, as long as your puppy stays away from sick dogs. Keep each new meeting short and happy, with new people and other dogs a little at a time.

Question 34

When does a Maltese puppy stop teething?

Accepted Answer

Baby teeth start falling out from about 12 weeks, and most puppies have their adult teeth by about 6 months. Toy dogs like the Maltese often keep a baby tooth, usually a canine, so check the mouth as the adult teeth come in. Rotate a few safe chew toys, and ask your vet about any baby tooth that stays put.

Question 35

When are a Maltese puppy's vaccines finished?

Accepted Answer

Most puppies finish their core vaccine series at about 16 weeks, as your vet advises. Puppy classes can start before then, as long as your puppy stays away from sick dogs. Your puppy's vaccination and deworming records are separate documents that travel with your puppy. Bring them, with the Veterinary Health Report, to your first visit so your vet starts from the same record.

Question 36

What is the Veterinary Health Report?

Accepted Answer

The Veterinary Health Report is the written record of your Maltese puppy's health exam before it goes home. The breeder's licensed veterinarian examines the puppy to PetPay's exam standards and records the results in the report. It covers your puppy itself, not its parents, and a copy travels with your puppy for your records.

Question 37

Who examines my Maltese puppy before it goes home?

Accepted Answer

The breeder's licensed veterinarian examines every Maltese puppy before it goes home, to PetPay's exam standards. The results are recorded in the puppy's Veterinary Health Report, and the exam happens 3 to 5 days before your puppy leaves.

Question 38

What does the exam check in a Maltese?

Accepted Answer

The breeder's licensed vet gives each Maltese puppy a full hands-on exam before it goes home, to PetPay's exam standards. The vet listens to the heart for a murmur and feels each knee to check that the kneecap stays in place. The vet also checks the eyes for extra lashes and watery discharge, looks at the bite and, in a male, feels for both testicles.

Question 39

Which vaccines will my Maltese puppy have had?

Accepted Answer

Before travel, every puppy follows PetPay's vaccination and deworming schedule as far as its age allows: deworming at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks, and the distemper, parvo, adenovirus and parainfluenza combination shot at 6–8, 9–11 and 12–14 weeks. Bordetella and corona are given at the vet's discretion, and no vaccine is given within 3 days of travel. Rabies is given by a licensed vet on the schedule your state requires. Your own vet completes the series. Your puppy's vaccination and deworming records are separate documents that travel with your puppy. Bring them, with the Veterinary Health Report, to your first visit so your vet starts from the same record.

Question 40

What happens if the vet finds something?

Accepted Answer

If the vet finds something that could put your puppy at risk during travel, your puppy stays with the breeder until it's resolved. Problems that can be treated before travel are treated by the breeder's licensed vet first. Anything else the vet notes is shared with you.

Question 41

Why can't the exam find everything?

Accepted Answer

Puppies grow and change quickly, and their immune systems are still developing, so no exam can find everything. The pre-travel exam by the breeder's licensed vet is a strong early indicator and a documented starting point. Your own vet builds on it at the first visit and at every checkup after that.

Question 42

Does a Maltese from Pawrade come with a health guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Every Pawrade puppy comes with a health guarantee administered by PetPay, independent of the seller. The terms are on the health guarantee page.

Question 43

What do other Maltese buyers say?

Accepted Answer

Maltese buyers rate their Pawrade experience 4.8 out of 5 on average, across 236 reviews. About 86% of their reviews give the full 5 stars.

Question 44

How much does a Maltese puppy cost?

Accepted Answer

Right now, most Maltese puppies on Pawrade are listed within the typical range shown on Pawrade's Maltese listings. Each breeder on Pawrade sets their own price, and each puppy's listing shows it. A Maltese puppy's price reflects what goes into it: its pedigree and registration, its coat and color, and the breeder's program. Every Pawrade puppy's price also includes the pre-travel exam by the breeder's licensed vet, the Veterinary Health Report and a health guarantee administered by PetPay.

Maltese Puppies for Sale – Page 3

Available Maltese Puppies

Health Guarantee

1-Month Included with every Puppy!*

Need help finding a puppy?
Call us at (888) 729-8812

Maltese Puppies for Sale – Page 3

Available Maltese Puppies

Health Guarantee

1-Month Included with every Puppy!*

Need help finding a puppy?Call us at (888) 729-8812

Need help finding a puppy?
Call us at (888) 729-8812