The Maltese is a tiny, affectionate toy breed with a long white coat and a big attachment to its family. Owners most often struggle with separation anxiety, barking, slow potty training, tear stains and keeping that silky coat clean and tangle-free.
Maltese at a glance
- Size: toy, usually under 7 pounds.
- Energy level: low to moderate; playful but happy with short walks and indoor games.
- Shedding level: low, but the coat needs frequent brushing.
- Barking tendency: moderate to high; often alert-barks at sounds and visitors.
- Good for first-time owners: yes, with a plan for grooming and alone-time training.
- Time alone tolerance: low; tends to want company most of the day.
Common Maltese problems and solutions
Why does my Maltese bark so much?
Maltese are alert little dogs and often bark at sounds, movement and visitors. Reward quiet moments, block window views with film or curtains and teach a calm “thank you” cue that ends the alert with a treat. Read why a dog barks at everything for a full plan.
Why does my Maltese bark when I leave?
Barking at departures is often a sign of stress rather than bad behavior. Practice short absences, keep goodbyes low-key and leave a long-lasting chew. See why a dog barks when you leave.
How do I help my Maltese with separation anxiety?
Build alone time in tiny steps, starting with seconds behind a gate, and reward calm behavior. A cozy bed, background sound and a stuffed food toy can help. Our guide on how to help a dog with separation anxiety explains each stage.
Is a Maltese hard to potty train?
Toy breeds have small bladders and accidents are easy to miss, so training often takes longer. Take your puppy out frequently, especially after meals, naps and play, reward right after it goes and clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner so the spot does not invite a repeat. Read a puppy that keeps peeing in the house.
Why is my house-trained Maltese peeing inside again?
Stress, cold weather or schedule changes can cause setbacks, and so can health issues. Return to a frequent potty routine and talk to your vet if accidents start suddenly. See a house-trained dog having accidents.
How do I get rid of Maltese tear stains?
Reddish-brown staining is very common on white dogs. Wipe the eye area gently every day with a soft damp cloth, keep facial hair trimmed and dry the face after meals and water, and talk to your vet if there is a lot of discharge or redness.
Do Maltese shed?
They shed very little onto floors, but loose hairs stay in the coat and form knots. Brush and comb several times a week, or daily for a long coat, paying extra attention behind the ears and under the legs. Many owners choose a short “puppy cut” every few weeks for easier care.
How do I keep my Maltese coat white and clean?
Regular baths with a gentle dog shampoo, careful drying and daily wipe-downs of the face and paws help keep the coat bright. Brushing removes dirt before it settles into the coat, and a short trim around the feet keeps mud from collecting.
Why does my Maltese follow me everywhere?
Maltese were bred as companions and love to be close. Reward calm time on a bed near you so your dog learns to relax without being on your lap. Read why a dog follows you everywhere.
Why does my Maltese bark at night?
Outside noises, a need to pee or feeling alone can all cause night barking. Offer a last potty break, a cozy crate near your room and steady background sound. See how to stop dog barking at night.
Why is my Maltese a picky eater?
Small dogs can become fussy when they get lots of treats or table food. Offer meals at set times, remove the bowl after a short while and talk to your vet if your dog refuses several meals; see why a dog refuses to eat.
Why does my Maltese act tough with big dogs?
Some small dogs bark or posture when they feel unsure or crowded. Give your Maltese space, reward calm looks from a distance and avoid forcing close greetings with large dogs. Picking your dog up every time can make it more worried, so practice calm walking past instead.
Training tips for a Maltese
- Use tiny, soft treats and keep sessions short, cheerful and full of praise.
- Set a strict potty schedule and reward every outdoor success.
- Start alone-time practice in small steps from the first week, leaving a safe chew each time.
- Handle face, ears, paws and coat daily, pairing touch with treats, so grooming feels normal and relaxed.
- Teach a “mat” cue for doorbells, visitors and busy moments, and reward calm waiting there.
- Socialise gently with calm people, dogs and sounds to build confidence.
- Let your Maltese walk on its own paws often, so it builds confidence instead of always being carried.
Health questions owners ask
Do Maltese have dental problems?
Dental care is a frequently discussed topic for toy breeds because small mouths can crowd teeth. Start brushing early with a dog toothpaste, aim for several times a week, and talk to your vet about professional cleanings and what to watch for.
Do Maltese have knee problems?
Kneecap issues come up often in conversations about tiny breeds. Watch for skipping or briefly holding up a back leg, use ramps or steps for furniture and talk to your vet if you notice it.
Why does my Maltese scratch so much?
Itching can come from mats, dry skin or allergies. Brush carefully and talk to your vet if scratching continues; our guide on why a dog scratches so much explains common causes.
Is my Maltese too cold in winter?
Tiny dogs lose heat quickly, especially with a trimmed coat. Use a sweater or coat on cold days, keep walks short in harsh weather, wipe salt off paws after winter walks and talk to your vet if your dog shivers often.
Why does my Maltese reverse sneeze?
Small dogs often make a sudden snorting sound called reverse sneezing, which can look alarming. Stay calm and gently soothe your dog until it passes, and talk to your vet if episodes are frequent, long or come with other signs like coughing.
Is a Maltese right for you?
Is a Maltese good for apartments?
Yes, Maltese often do very well in apartments thanks to their tiny size and modest exercise needs. Daily walks and indoor play keep them happy. Work on hallway and door barking early so neighbors stay happy too.
Are Maltese good with kids?
They can be loving with calm, gentle, older children. Their tiny size makes rough play or being dropped risky, so teach kids to sit on the floor when holding the dog and to let it walk away when it wants a break.
Do Maltese get along with other pets?
Most get along with other small, gentle dogs and cats, especially with slow, supervised introductions. Be careful with rough, much larger dogs, which can injure a toy breed during play by accident.
Is a Maltese good for first-time owners?
Yes, if you are home often and ready for regular grooming and patient potty training. Their affectionate nature makes them a rewarding first dog. Budget for regular grooming visits; see how much owning a dog costs.
Related guides
- Separation anxiety guide
- Barking problems and solutions
- Potty training guide
- Dog won’t stop barking at the door
- Help your dog settle at night
- Potty training supplies
Share your Maltese experience
Have grooming or potty training tips for a Maltese? Share them in our dog owner community, or compare similar companions like the Havanese and Shih Tzu in our breed guides.