Maltese
MAWL-teez
Gentle, Playful, Charming, Affectionate. Originally bred for companionship for aristocracy for over 2,000 years.
An adult Maltese weighs 4-7 lbs (male) or 4-7 lbs (female), needs 130-270 calories daily, and lives 12-15 yrs. As a toy breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is dental disease. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Maltese needs 130 to 270 calories per day. An average male (6 lbs / 2.5 kg) needs around 190 kcal; a female (6 lbs / 2.5 kg) roughly 190 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Maltese. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Maltese benefits from this with a life expectancy of 12-15 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are dental disease and patellar luxation, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Short daily walks and indoor play. The Maltese has moderate energy that's easily satisfied. They enjoy a good play session but are content as lap dogs between activities. Despite their small size, Malteses have real exercise needs. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and training activities all count. Their small bodies tire more quickly than large breeds, so several short activity bursts throughout the day work better than one long session.
Care and traits
Malteses have a long, silky, straight, pure white coat. Origin: Malta (Mediterranean).
Their long white coat requires daily brushing and regular bathing to prevent matting and yellowing. Many pet owners keep Maltese in a 'puppy clip' for easier maintenance. They are one of the oldest toy breeds, with a history stretching back to ancient Greece and Rome.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Maltese owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect to feed your Maltese between 130 and 270 calories per day. A 6-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. At this size, every calorie counts nutritionally. Feed a high-quality, calorie-dense food in small, measured portions. Indoor-only dogs need less; those with yard access and regular play need more. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Expect your Maltese to weigh 4-7 lbs (1.8–3.2 kg), with minimal difference between sexes.8–3.2 kg). At this size, even a few ounces of extra weight is proportionally significant. A toy breed a pound over ideal weight is like a human carrying 15-20 extra pounds. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
Dental disease is the primary health concern vets flag for Malteses. Dental issues are extremely common in this breed. Daily tooth brushing is the single most effective preventive measure. Annual professional cleanings under anesthesia are often necessary. Other conditions seen in the breed include patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, collapsed trachea. Not every Maltese will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
A daily routine of 20 to 30 minutes of movement suits most Malteses. Good activities for this breed include indoor fetch, short walks, interactive toys. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Maltese that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026