Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds. Pure white silky coat and dark soulful eyes. Feisty, fearless and playful. Best suited to adults or families with older, gentle children.

About

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds. Pure white silky coat and dark soulful eyes. Feisty, fearless and playful. Best suited to adults or families with older, gentle children.

History

One of the oldest breeds — depicted in Greek art from 500 BC. Favourites of Roman noblewomen. Arrived in England in the 15th century. Recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

Care & Health

Daily dental care essential. Use harness to protect trachea. Hypoglycaemia risk in puppies.

Quick Facts

Origin: Malta
Life Span: 12–15 years
Size: small
Hair Shed: little
Grooming: Daily
Good with Kids: low
Exercise Needs: low
Feeding Cost: Up to $5 p/w
Colours: Pure white.

Exercise

Exercise needs: low

Short daily walks and indoor play. Well-suited to apartment living.

Health Considerations

Dental disease, collapsed trachea, luxating patella, hypoglycaemia, progressive retinal atrophy. Tear staining common.

Recommended Insurance for Maltese

Responsible Maltese ownership includes preparing for potential health challenges.

■Patellar Luxation — typical treatment cost: $1,500–$4,000 per knee
■Portosystemic Shunt — typical treatment cost: $3,000–$7,000
■Progressive Retinal Atrophy — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$3,000
■Dental Disease — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+

A comprehensive pet insurance policy can help cover the cost of diagnostics, surgery and ongoing treatment for these conditions. Many Australian providers offer plans starting from around $30–$60 per month for smaller breeds, with annual benefit limits of $10,000–$25,000.

🛡️ Don’t wait until it’s too late

Pre-existing conditions are never covered. Insuring your Maltese while they’re young and healthy gives you the broadest coverage at the lowest premium.

See which pet insurance plans suit Malteses →

Grooming

Daily brushing required. Long show coat is high maintenance; many keep puppy clip. Eyes need daily cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Maltese cost in Australia?

In Australia, a Maltese puppy from a registered breeder typically costs between $1,500–$4,000 AUD. Prices vary based on pedigree, breeder reputation and location. Adoption through breed-specific rescue organisations is also an option and typically costs $300–$800. Always choose an ANKC-registered breeder who provides health clearances for both parents.

Is the Maltese good with children?

This breed is typically excellent with children of all ages. Early socialisation helps ensure your Maltese develops positive associations with children of all ages.

How much exercise does a Maltese need?

Short daily walks of around 20–30 minutes are sufficient. In Australia, local dog parks and beaches provide excellent exercise venues for Malteses.

What health problems are common in Malteses?

Common health concerns in the Maltese include patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy and dental disease. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection. In Australia, pet insurance is recommended to help manage potential veterinary costs.

Does the Maltese shed a lot?

The Maltese is a low-shedding breed, making them a good option for those who prefer a cleaner home. Regular brushing still helps remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy.