Maltese Temperament & Personality Guide
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Maltese temperament traits, personality, and behavior. What to expect from this moderate-energy toy breed with family, kids, and other pets.
Behavioral Profile
The Maltese is known for being a moderate-energy toy breed with a distinctive personality. Their unique blend of traits makes them well-suited for the right owner and lifestyle.
Between the 4-7 lbs adult size and 12-15 yrs lifespan, the Maltese has enough breed-specific care considerations that early familiarity with them pays off throughout ownership. Originally bred as a devoted companion animal, the Maltese brings centuries of selective breeding into the modern home.
Known Health Risks: Genetic screening data shows Malteses have elevated rates of luxating patella, dental disease, collapsed trachea. Statistics about breed risk do not forecast any single pet's future. They simply justify attentive, breed-aware veterinary care that catches issues early if and when they arise.
Living with Family
Originally bred as a devoted companion animal, the Maltese brings centuries of selective breeding into the modern home. Malteses with moderate energy levels strike a good balance between activity and relaxation.
- Size: small (4-7 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Shedding: Minimal
- Lifespan: 12-15 yrs
Multi-Pet Households
Matching your care approach to your specific animal's needs — not just breed generalizations — produces the best health outcomes.. For Malteses, the inputs that matter most are a small frame, a minimal shedding coat, and breed-level risk for luxating patella and dental disease.
Activity Requirements
- Maintain an occasional grooming routine
Watchdog Tendencies
Breed-aware care means adjusting your monitoring based on known risks — not waiting for symptoms that may indicate advanced disease. Watch for early signs of luxating patella, maintain regular veterinary visits, and keep your dog at a healthy weight — excess weight worsens most of the conditions Malteses are prone to.
Veterinary Care Schedule for Malteses
A regular vet schedule based on your Maltese's age and breed-specific risks is the best health investment you can make. Use this as a starting point — your vet may adjust based on individual health.
| Life Stage | Visit Frequency | Key Screenings |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (0-1 year) | Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months | Vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter (consult AVMA guidelines on optimal timing) consultation |
| Adult (1-7 years) | Annually | Physical exam, dental check, heartworm test, vaccination boosters |
| Senior (7+ years) | Every 6 months | Blood work, urinalysis, Luxating Patella screening, Dental Disease screening, Collapsed Trachea screening |
Malteses should receive breed-specific screening for luxating patella starting at 3-5 years of age or earlier if symptoms appear. The earlier you know, the more you can do about it.
Cost of Maltese Ownership
Here is a realistic look at annual costs. Estimated annual costs for Maltese ownership.
More Maltese Guides
Explore related topics for Maltese ownership.
- Maltese Diet & Nutrition Guide
- Maltese Pet Insurance Cost
- How to Train a Maltese
- Maltese Grooming Guide
- Maltese Health Issues
- Maltese Exercise Needs
- Maltese Cost of Ownership
- Adopt a Maltese
Common Questions
What are the most important considerations for maltese temperament?
Maltese Temperament & Personality Guides have distinct personality traits that prospective owners should understand. Consider their energy level, socialization needs, compatibility with your household, and the time commitment required for training and enrichment.