Maltese

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, straight, silky single coat (no undercoat)

A tiny, long-bodied dog that carries its head high and proud. The body is longer than the dog is tall, and the tail arches over the back. Its hallmark is a pure white, glossy coat with no undercoat that hangs straight and heavy down each side, reaching close to the ground in a full show coat. The hair should have no waves or curls, and it moves like a cape as the dog trots along.2563

Personality what they are like

A sweet-natured, trusting little companion that loves being near its people. It is playful and full of life yet can settle calmly indoors, and it seems to have no idea how small it is. Alert and quick to notice visitors, it will often announce arrivals. It is clever and enjoys learning tricks, and it is happiest with gentle handling and a calm household routine.25768

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low. Around 20-30 minutes of activity a day, such as short walks and indoor play, keeps it content. Energetic for its size but well suited to flats and small homes.47

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

High. The long single coat needs daily brushing and regular baths to stay tangle-free, and the hair around the eyes should be wiped clean every day. Many owners keep pets in a shorter trim for easier care. It sheds very little.473

Home where they are happiest

An indoor companion that adapts well to apartments and smaller spaces. Its small size means it should be supervised around boisterous play and protected from cold or wet weather with its light frame.74

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality food formulated for small or toy breeds, fed in small portions suited to its size and activity. Some individuals can be fussy eaters, so a consistent routine helps.7

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and prefers company for much of the day. It does best with adults or gentle, older children and benefits from calm, early socialisation with new people and pets.756

The story where it all began

Small white dogs of this type have lived around the central Mediterranean for well over two thousand years. The FCI explains that their ancestors worked in port towns catching mice and rats, and that the name probably comes from a Semitic word meaning refuge or harbour. Greek and Roman writers, including Aristotle and Strabo, described tiny dogs from Melita, generally taken to be Malta, and a Greek amphora from around 500 BC shows a small dog labelled melitaie. The Romans kept them as treasured lapdogs, and the poet Martial wrote verses about one named Issa. The type continued through the Renaissance as a favourite of noble households. In Victorian Britain the breed was shown as its own class at Islington in 1862, and Queen Victoria commissioned Edwin Landseer to paint one in 1837. Across the Atlantic a 'Maltese Lion Dog' appeared at the first Westminster show in 1877, the AKC accepted the breed in 1888, and the FCI gave it definitive recognition under Italian patronage in 1955.23476

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard No. 65, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds); definitive acceptance 13 Apr 1955; current standard dated 13 Nov 2015; country of patronage Italy; no working trial1

The Royal Kennel Club

Toy Group; recognised breed, not on the vulnerable native breeds list4

AKC

Toy Group; recognised 1888; current standard approved 10 Mar 19645

UKC

Companion Dog Group; recognised 19486

Popularity AKC registrations rank #37 in 2025 (also #37 in 2024)910