| Height | 7-9 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | under 7 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Playful / Charming / Gentle [1] |
| AKC group | Toy Group [1] |
| Origin | Malta [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 37 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Maltese are full of energy but require only occasional exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks with their owner or bouncing around in their fenced yard, or even indoors, will usually suffice to keep them fit. [1]
Grooming
The long, white coat of the Maltese is eye-catching and glorious. It requires daily gentle brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats and tangles. Maltese should also have regular baths and coat conditioning to keep their hair looking its best. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Maltese is a healthy breed with few health issues, and will usually live well into the double digits. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as luxating patella and heart anomalies such as PDA (patent ductus arteriosus). It is recommended that Maltese puppies be bile-acid tested to rule out congenital liver issues such as liver shunt and microvascular dysplasia (MVD). There have been reported incidences of Maltese developing encephalitis (aka as GME). [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Serum Bile Acids. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Maltese in 1888. [1]
- It ranked No. 37 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 31 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Comforter Dog.” [1]
- The AKC lists Malta as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Malteses live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Maltese get?
AKC breed information lists height 7-9 inches and weight under 7 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Maltese?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Maltese, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.