Maltese care guide
Maltese are small companion dogs that are often lively, affectionate and alert.
Quick facts
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
|---|---|
| Grooming frequency | Daily brushing for long coats; clipping every 6-8 weeks |
| Common health issues | Dental disease, Patellar luxation, Tracheal collapse, Tear staining, Eye irritation |
| Temperament | Maltese are small companion dogs that are often lively, affectionate and alert. |
| Species | Dog |
How to care for a Maltese
Maltese need coat care suited to the chosen coat length. Long coats require daily brushing, while clipped coats still need regular maintenance around the face, feet and hygiene areas. Dental care is important because small breeds can develop plaque and gum disease early. Use a harness rather than repeated collar pressure if a vet has concerns about the airway. Keep meals measured because even small weight changes matter. They need short walks, indoor play, training and eye checks if staining or irritation persists.
What to ask your vet about Maltese health
PetGuides.au does not diagnose from breed alone. Use this guide as a prompt for a practical conversation with your vet about weight, teeth, skin, ears, mobility, parasite prevention, vaccination timing and any family history you know. For Malteses, start with the listed watch-points: Dental disease, Patellar luxation, Tracheal collapse, Tear staining, Eye irritation.
Book sooner if you notice appetite changes, drinking changes, repeated vomiting, breathing effort, lameness, sudden behaviour shifts, toileting changes, persistent itch, ear odour or a drop in normal activity. Breed patterns can guide questions, but the individual animal, age, lifestyle and current symptoms matter more than a generic breed label.
Is a Maltese a good fit for your home?
Match the breed to your actual week, not the ideal version of it. Consider heat, rental rules, grooming budget, transport to a local vet, holiday care, daily enrichment and how many hours the animal will spend alone. If the grooming frequency, temperament or health notes above feel hard to sustain, compare nearby groomers, trainers or vets before committing.