You’re at a friend’s house and see something white flashing by. There it goes, back and forth, back and forth. It takes you a split second to realize it is not a zooming cotton ball but a Maltese puppy instead!
As it jumps up into your lap and gives you puppy kisses with its tiny pink tongue, you consider how fantastic it would be to have a loyal, tiny companion by your side.
Congratulations – you’re in hook, line, and sinker and have fallen in love with a Maltese puppy!
A Maltese puppy is a small, elegant toy dog breed known for its long, silky white coat and lively personality. Originating in the Mediterranean, Maltese were one of the first dogs to be bred specifically for companionship instead of having another purpose such as hunting, tracking, or hauling cargo, so it’s no surprise that they are affectionate, friendly, and often form strong bonds with their owners.
Despite their delicate appearance thanks to their Bichon family background, Maltese dogs are spirited and playful, making them suitable companions for various living environments.
If you’re considering adding a Maltese puppy to your family, read on to learn what it’s like to live with these fluffy dogs in our comprehensive guide to Maltese puppy ownership.
Beechey, William; Queen Charlotte; The Courtauld Gallery
The History & Origin of Maltese Puppies
The Maltese dog breed boasts a rich and ancient history with its origins dating back 2800 years and probably before that. Their inception can be traced back to the era before the rise of Greece, attributed either to Asia or Italy, though pinpointing their exact origin remains elusive. However, it’s thought that Malta is where the dog breed we know was developed the most which is why their namesake is named after this island nation.
A product of a blend between spaniels and terriers, these dogs emerged as the earliest companions rather than traditional working dogs. Over time, the Maltese dog has gone by a variety of names, including the Maltese Lion Dog, the Melitaie Dog, the Maltese Terrier, and the Spaniel Gentle.
Maltese dogs can be found in depictions in ancient ceramics, tombs, and figurines. These dogs also found favor in Egyptian society, as shown in hieroglyphics, and were often associated with healing abilities and providing comfort.
Interestingly, the Maltese dog gained recognition through the words of Aristotle, who was the first to refer to them as "Canis Melitaeus." The Roman Empire further solidified their prominence, elevating them to the status of fashion accessories and symbols of loyalty in myths and fables.
During the 1500s, a single Maltese dog was sold for a value equivalent to a million dollars today, emphasizing their revered status. As time progressed, their popularity transcended borders. In the 16th century, Queen Victoria of the British Isles commissioned a portrait of a Maltese dog, while Napoleon famously gifted one to Josephine. Queen Charlotte also enjoyed their company along with high-fashioned ladies. Renowned artists like Francisco Goya and Joshua Reynolds portrayed these dogs alongside beautiful women, adding to their allure.
How Popular is the Maltese Dog Breed?
While aristocrats have enjoyed their company for thousands of years, Maltese puppies continue to enjoy their status as a popular choice for puppy owners.
The Maltese breed's prominence rose in the 1870s when the American Westminster Dog Show featured the first Maltese "lion" dog. This recognition culminated in their inclusion in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888. Throughout the 20s and 30s, their popularity skyrocketed, solidifying their place as a beloved and cherished breed among dog enthusiasts.
Maltese puppies have been extremely popular choices for celebrities. It’s said that Frank Sinatra gave Marilyn Monroe a Maltese, and in turn, Anna Nicole Smith named her Maltese after Marilyn Monroe. Other famous Maltese owners have been Liberace, Star Jones, Kristin Chenoweth, and Lindsay Lohan.
A few Maltese dogs have enjoyed a life of luxury and fame. Leona Helmsley died and left millions of dollars in a trust fund to her Maltese named Trouble who enjoyed a life of absolute luxury with a limo, private jet rides, and a security guard with strict stipulations for Trouble’s life until its death in 2010. Another Maltese named Lucky Diamond has met and posed with over 300 famous people and is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the animal with the most photographs with celebrities.
Maltese puppies can be found all over social media with dedicated accounts celebrating this lively, funny little puppy. Fans will have no shortage of opportunities to oooh, aww, and laugh over Maltese dogs sharing their quirks with fans worldwide.
What Do Maltese Puppies Look Like?
As one of the smallest dog breeds in the world standing 7-9 inches tall and weighing just 4-7 lbs., a Maltese puppy is a tiny, elegant dog breed known for its distinctive appearance. One of the most distinctive features is their silky, long, and straight white coat that flows gracefully. With dark, expressive eyes and a black button nose, their small, round face exudes charm. Their ears are set high and hang close to their head.
Despite their tiny size, Maltese puppies have hardy, sturdy, and well-proportioned bodies. They may be small, but they aren’t dainty!
While Maltese show dogs will have an all-white coat, Maltese puppies for sale can come in white & lemon and white & tan with or without black points. They are all equally sweet no matter what color Maltese puppy you fall in love with.
Maltese puppies have a cute button nose that is usually black, but did you know they can change to a pink color? Maltese dogs can experience lighter noses due to their thin skin, lack of sunlight, allergies, or when females are in heat.
What’s the Personality Like of Maltese Puppies?
Maltese puppy owners are the first to tell you how amazing this dog breed is as a companion, but here are some other facts about their personality that you may not know about Maltese puppies.
Curious
A Maltese puppy will always want to know what’s going on and how they can have fun with it. They’ll follow you from room to room and give you no privacy at all, so be prepared for your tiny shadow to stick to you like velcro.
Fearless
Shhh, don’t tell a Maltese they are too small to take on big dogs! These little guys are not intimidated by much and have a spunky, fearless attitude toward life.
Sound the alarm
Part of their curious, fearless nature means they make great tiny guard dogs. While they aren’t exactly the epitome of a ferocious dog, they will alert their owners to anything that seems out of the ordinary.
People-oriented
Maltese puppies love to be around people! As true companion dogs, they are happy sitting on your lap or romping around at your feet, waiting for the next opportunity to play.
Versatility
Maltese puppies are among the best apartment dog breeds to have for some obvious reasons: Their size, their low-to-no-shedding hair, their friendly nature, and their adaptability to various living situations. They don’t need much room to roam around and can even be pee-pad trained. Maltese puppies fit the qualifications of most leases, making them a great choice for small living spaces or sprawling suburban homes alike.
Separation anxiety
Because they are so in love with their families, Maltese puppies can experience separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors and stress due to anxiety. Work with your Maltese puppy as early as possible to get them used to spending some time alone.
Highly trainable
Maltese puppies love to learn new tricks and commands. And because they’re such people pleasers, they are highly motivated to make you happy and receive treats in the process. Everybody wins when training a Maltese puppy!
Supervise them around younger children
While Maltese puppies are wonderful playmates for older children, they are not suited for households with young children who don’t understand that a tiny Maltese is not a stuffed animal or play toy. Likewise, young, boisterous children may squash or accidentally step on a Maltese. For these reasons, take precautions around children, and teach children the proper way to interact with small puppies and dogs.
Portable companions
A tiny, well-behaved dog is a delight to have around when out and about. These puppies are small enough to fit in a handbag, backpack, or puppy stroller while you go to pet-friendly establishments or visit friends and family. Just make sure your Maltese puppy is current on vaccinations and has started learning basic commands so as not to be a nuisance.
Great therapy dogs
Maltese puppies make wonderful emotional support animals and therapy comfort dogs for several reasons. Their hair is hypoallergenic, so you won’t have to worry about patients or anyone else suffering from allergies. They’re small enough to bring to different sites for visits. Their affectionate nature and soft hair make for a wonderful cuddle buddy to bring comfort to those in need.
How Active Will My Maltese Puppy Be?
If you wonder “What’s the energy level like of Maltese puppies?” you may be surprised to learn they are more than just couch potatoes even though they’re great lap buddies.
While a Maltese puppy will not need to go on long walks around the neighborhood, they’ll still need about 30-45 minutes a day of focused, engaged play time and staying busy to keep in physical shape. You can easily break this up into little play sessions throughout the day, providing both mental and physical stimulation for these lively little dogs.
Maltese puppies are also amazing jumpers! Their agile and sprightly nature enables them to effortlessly leap over obstacles, showcasing their remarkable athleticism.
These sturdy little puppies do surprisingly well in agility competitions for toy dog breeds. The way they run and walk almost looks like they are floating due to their dainty gait and gentle steps.
Get Your Bow Picked Out: Grooming a Maltese Puppy
Your Maltese puppy for sale grows hair instead of fur and has a single coat instead of a double coat. For that reason, you’ll need to groom your Maltese puppy regularly with haircuts and trims.
One fun part about owning a Maltese puppy is you get to decide on how you’d like to keep their hair. Will you choose the long, silky show cut? How about a cute top knot look where you can showcase your bow collection? The teddy bear cut with poofy hair is also guaranteed to make your Maltese puppy look like a little cotton ball.
Another bonus of grooming a Maltese puppy for sale is they are a low-to-no-shedding dog breed. You can put away the vacuum and enjoy not having to pull fur from every surface of your life.
In between haircuts, you’ll need to brush their silky hair a few times a week to prevent painful mats and tangles and to remove dirt and debris. When you brush your Maltese puppy, it’s a great chance to examine their skin for any signs of irritation while keeping their coats shiny and healthy.
Caring For a Maltese Puppy
Maltese are generally healthy puppies, but as with all dog breeds, there are special concerns that you’ll need to know about to be a responsible Maltese dog owner.
A long life
Maltese puppies can live a long time, anywhere from 12-15 years. However, most owners report their Maltese puppies live way longer than that and enjoy happy, fulfilled lives. For this reason, you need to make sure you can care for your Maltese puppy for its entire lifetime.
Coming home later
Responsible Maltese breeders understand how to care for tiny puppies to make sure they are the happiest and healthiest they can be. They know that Maltese puppies should not leave their mothers before they are 2 lbs. or 12 weeks old, whichever comes first.
Because they are so small, they often have problems regulating their blood sugars until they are a bit older and bigger. In addition, the milk teeth of Maltese puppies come in later than other dog breeds, around 9-10 weeks, so young Maltese puppies need extra time to be introduced to puppy formula and nurse a bit longer with their mamas.
Skin concerns
Due to their white hair, lack of undercoat, and thin skin, did you know Maltese puppies are susceptible to sunburn? There are a few things you can do to prevent sunburn on your Maltese puppy:
- Limit their sun exposure
- Watch out for reddened skin and signs of overheating
- Use non-toxic sunscreen specially formulated for dogs
- Use lightweight clothing accessories
- Provide plenty of fresh water
Their thin skin can also leave them prone to certain skin infections and irritations. Always take the time to check out their skin for any issues.
Your Maltese puppy will also experience chills during cooler months since their skin is so thin. Make sure to choose some stylish yet practical accessories and clothes to keep them warm and cozy out in the cold, and limit their exposure to frigid temperatures.
Dental concerns
Because a Maltese puppy has such a small mouth, it may be prone to dental issues. You must provide regular dental care, such as brushing their teeth and examining their mouths and jaws for any problems you detect and scheduling regular dental cleanings. Their tiny mouths can cause overcrowded, broken, or impacted teeth.
Picky eaters
While some dogs gobble up food like it’s their last meal, a Maltese puppy has, shall we say, more refined tastes. In fact, they may be extremely picky eaters, so you will need to focus on finding the very best small puppy food formula that works for your Maltese and your budget.
Reverse sneezing
Along with other small dogs, Maltese puppies sometimes experience reverse sneezing when they rapidly inhale air through their nose instead of expelling like during a sneeze. If your Maltese dog makes a series of snorting sounds, it is probably reverse sneezing.
Shake it off
Maltese puppies can be susceptible to Acquired Tremors Syndrome, also nicknamed Little White Shaker Syndrome, which causes a variety of tremors due to swelling in the cerebellum. It’s typically treated with Prednisone. Always ask your vet if you notice tremors to get appropriate care.
Eye issues
One of the most common eye issues Maltese puppies experience is tear staining, where a dark coloration or streaks form below the tear ducts, muzzles, and even on their feet. Natural occurrences, allergies, or infections can cause tear staining. Always ask your vet if you feel tear staining is a problem.
Where Can I Find Healthy Maltese Puppies?
Now that you’ve learned about this fantastic breed, you may wonder, “Where can I find a Maltese puppy for sale near me?” We’ve got just the place – right here at Pawrade!
We partner with hand-screened and pre-selected Maltese puppy breeders who understand the unique circumstances Maltese puppies require. They take the very best traits of the Maltese breed when selecting their next litter. A comprehensive health guarantee puts the puppy’s health first and foremost, and a secure transaction management system protects you as the owner and the breeder and serves as a singular place to host important documents, travel arrangements, and more.
When you buy a Maltese puppy for sale from a social media marketplace or another unverified manner, you risk more than just losing your money to a puppy scammer or accidentally supporting puppy mills. Scammers know how popular this dog breed is and will entice you with low prices and ask no questions about the life you will give the puppy.
Puppy scammers, backyard breeders, and puppy mills will not include a health guarantee to ensure the puppy’s well-being for life or a puppy contract outlining important details for both parties. Likewise, using unsecure payment methods like money orders, cash, or apps will not protect you from fraud.
Pawrade is the clear choice when looking for a Maltese for sale near you. You’ll never have to wait for a litter to be born because we will always have the right Maltese puppy for you. Check out our Maltese puppies for sale to find your next adorable jumping cotton ball!
