It was 6:15 a.m. on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, and a 12-year-old Maltese named Millie was standing at the back door, tail up, ready for her morning beach walk. We had been housesitting her for just three days, and she had already rewritten our entire daily routine. That four-week sit taught us more about maltese dogs than any breed guide ever could. We arrived expecting a fragile little lap companion. What we got was a stubborn, beach-loving, surprisingly independent one who changed how we think about small companion dogs entirely. Here are the twelve things we wish someone had told us before we walked through that door.
1. They Are Not Always the Lap Dogs You Expect
Every breed profile describes maltese dogs as devoted lap companions. Millie broke that mould on day one. She would sleep on the opposite end of the couch, wander into another room to nap, and generally keep to herself. She was happy to be picked up and carried — relaxed, even — but she never sought out our laps the way other small breeds we have sat tend to do.
The maltese temperament varies more than people realise. Some adult maltese are velcro dogs. Others, like Millie, are content just being in the same house. Her owners, a retired couple on the Sunshine Coast, told us she had always been that way. For pet owners considering this breed, that independence can be a genuine bonus, especially for people who work from home and need a dog that does not demand constant physical contact.
2. Their Walking Stamina Will Surprise You
For a dog that weighed barely six pounds, Millie’s walking stamina was remarkable. She had two walks per day, a short neighbourhood loop in the evening and a long 40-minute beach walk every morning. That morning walk was non-negotiable. Skip it, and she would pace by the door, whining softly until we gave in.
We have noticed this pattern with other maltese dogs we have encountered on sits and on walks: despite their tiny stature, they genuinely enjoy exercise. Most guides list the breed as needing only occasional exercise, but when you exercise maltese dogs regularly, they thrive with a proper daily walk. That said, they are not border collies. A 40-minute walk and some gentle play is plenty. They can be couch potatoes the rest of the day, and that balance suits most pet owners well. You do not need a yard, just a lead, comfortable shoes, and a willingness to get out the door each morning.
3. On-Lead Barking Is a Real Thing
Here is something nobody warned us about. On the lead, Millie barked at every canine she encountered. Every single one. Big ones, small ones, other maltese, it did not matter. She would lunge and bark like something three times her size. We initially worried we were doing something wrong.
Then we unclipped her at the beach, and she transformed. Off-lead, Millie trotted up to others calmly, sniffed, and even played. Zero barking. We have since seen this pattern with other maltese dogs on walks and at dog parks. Leash reactivity seems common in this maltese dog breed, and several dog trainers we spoke to confirmed it is a known trait in many small dogs. The fix is not complicated, keep training sessions short, reward calm behaviour, and give them off-lead socialisation where safe. But if you are walking a maltese on a lead for the first time and they bark at everything, know that you are not alone.
4. Dental Disease Is Their Achilles Heel
Millie had a strange-looking tooth. We noticed it during week one, slightly discoloured, a bit loose. Her owners mentioned their vet had flagged dental issues at her last check-up. This is not a Millie problem. This is a maltese problem.
Maltese dogs are prone to dental disease at rates far higher than many other breeds. According to PetMD, periodontal disease is one of the most common issues in this breed, leading to inflamed gums, loose teeth, and pain. Daily brushing helps slow the progression, and vets recommend having their teeth checked regularly. We have housesit other breeds with dental concerns, but the maltese seems especially vulnerable. If you own one or are considering the maltese, budget for dental care. It is not optional, it is one of the most important health investments you will make.
5. The Silky White Coat Needs Daily Attention
That gorgeous, floor-length silky coat you see at dog shows does not maintain itself. Even Millie, who was kept in a shorter puppy clip, needed to be brushed frequently to prevent matting. Her white coat picked up everything, dirt, grass, food crumbs. Regular grooming is a genuine daily commitment with this breed.
Tear stains were another reality. Millie had faint reddish-brown marks below her eyes, common in white-coated dogs. Some pet owners use specialised wipes. Others adjust the dog food to reduce staining. Either way, excess hair around the eyes needs trimming, and you should check their ears weekly to prevent infections. If you love the look but hate grooming, this is not for you. A professional groomer every four to six weeks, plus daily brushing at home, is the baseline.
6. They Are Smarter Than People Give Them Credit For
Maltese dogs get dismissed as “just” a companion dog. That is a mistake. Millie learned our routine within 48 hours. She knew which cupboard held her treats, which shoes meant a walk, and exactly what time we usually started winding down for the evening.
The AKC describes the maltese dog breed as responsive and intelligent, and we saw that firsthand. Training sessions work best when kept short, five to ten minutes, because they get bored quickly. But they pick things up fast. Millie’s owners had taught her a handful of commands, and she followed them reliably for us, two strangers she had met days earlier. For a six-pound companion, that kind of adaptability is impressive. They are not just decorative. They are genuinely clever.
7. Separation Anxiety Shows Up Fast… But Fades Fast Too
We both work from home, so Millie had company nearly all day. On the few occasions we left the house together — a quick grocery run, a dinner out — we came back to whimpering at the door. She would cry softly, pace around us, and need about ten minutes of reassurance before settling down.
Compared to other canines we have sat, though, this was mild. We once cared for a Labrador who destroyed a cushion in the first thirty minutes alone. Millie’s anxiety was more of a gentle protest. She never damaged anything, well, except once. We left the bedroom door open, and she left us a little present on the bed. We laughed about it for days. The lesson: close doors you do not want a maltese exploring unsupervised. Their separation anxiety is real but manageable, and an individual dog’s response depends heavily on their routine and temperament.
8. They Are an Ancient Dog With Serious History
The maltese is not a modern designer dog. This is one of the oldest recognised breeds in existence, sometimes called the maltese lion dog for the bold, fearless personality packed into such a tiny maltese frame. References to the breed appear in ancient Greek writing, and roman literature mentions small white dogs kept by nobility.
The lineage traces back to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, though some historians debate whether they actually originated from the Adriatic island of Mljet. Either way, they have been companion dogs for over 2,000 years. Queen Elizabeth I kept them. Mary Queen of Scots reportedly had one hidden in her skirts at her execution. Roman ladies carried them in their sleeves, earning the maltese the nickname “ye ancient dogge of Malta.” The American Maltese Association traces this lineage carefully. When you watch one strut down a footpath with their head held high, that ancient confidence makes a lot more sense.
9. They Can Be Picky Eaters
Millie ate her meals, eventually. But she was in no rush. She would sniff, walk away, come back twenty minutes later, eat half, wander off again. Her owners warned us she was a bit of a picky eater, and that tracks with what we have read about the breed.
Finding the right food matters. High quality dog food formulated for small dogs tends to work best, as the kibble size suits their small mouths. Some do well on wet food mixed in. Others prefer a specific brand and refuse anything else. The dog’s weight should be monitored carefully, maltese dogs are so small that even half a pound of extra weight puts strain on their joints. The best food is one they will actually eat consistently, that maintains a healthy weight, and that supports their coat and dental health. Consult your vet about the right food for your individual dog rather than relying on generic advice.
10. Health Concerns Go Beyond the Obvious
Beyond dental disease, maltese dogs face several health concerns that responsible maltese breeders screen for. Luxating patella — where the kneecap slips out of place — is common in this and similar breeds. It can predispose the dog to other knee injuries over time. Millie had a slight skip in her gait on cold mornings that her vet attributed to early-stage luxating patella.
More serious conditions include liver shunt, where congenital liver issues cause blood to bypass the liver, and patent ductus arteriosus, a heart defect where two major blood vessels fail to close properly after birth. Left untreated, this condition can lead to heart failure. White dog shaker syndrome — a condition causing full-body tremors — also appears more frequently in maltese than in many other dogs. The severe signs of these conditions can show with minimal symptoms early on, so regular vet check-ups are essential. Dog allergies and skin irritation from environmental factors round out the list. None of this should scare you away, but it should inform your expectations and your budget.
11. They Fit Nearly Any Living Situation
One reason the maltese has remained popular across centuries and continents is adaptability. They do fine in apartments. They are happy in houses with yards. They adjust to different climates, though they do not love extreme cold, that tiny stature and single-layer white coat offer minimal insulation.
Millie’s owners lived in a modest single-story home near the beach. No yard to speak of, just a small enclosed patio. It was more than enough. Compared to other breeds that need space to run, the maltese is a distinctly low-footprint companion. They do not need dog sports or agility courses to stay happy, though some enjoy them. A compact body, moderate energy, and a genuine love of human company make them one of the most adaptable dog breeds for different lifestyles. They suit retirees, apartment dwellers, families with older children, and remote workers equally well.
12. They Leave a Bigger Mark Than Their Size Suggests
We have housesit everything from Weimaraners to Shitzus across Australia the UK, and Canada. Every size and temperament. Somehow, a six-pound, twelve-year-old maltese on the Sunshine Coast left one of the deepest impressions. They have a distinctive quality that is hard to describe until you have lived with one, a quiet dignity mixed with bursts of playful energy.
Millie did not need much. Good walks, decent dog food, a warm spot on the couch, and the knowledge that someone was home. That simplicity is part of the maltese’s quality and appeal. Among all the little dogs and toy breeds we have encountered, they stand apart. They are not loud about their affection. They are not demanding. They are just… present. And after three weeks, we genuinely missed her when we left.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maltese Dogs
Maltese and poodle mixes (Maltipoos) are often marketed as hypoallergenic, but no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Purebred maltese dogs produce less dander than many other breeds because they have a single-layer silky coat with no undercoat, which reduces shedding significantly. This makes them a better option for people with dog allergies, though individual reactions vary. Choosing the right dog food can also help reduce dander. Spend time with one before committing if allergies are a concern.
Maltese dogs are not inherently aggressive. They are spaniel gentle in nature, with an affectionate temperament. However, on-lead reactivity — barking and lunging at other dogs during walks — is common and can be mistaken for aggression. This behaviour typically stems from fear or frustration rather than true aggression. Proper socialisation from the maltese puppy stage, along with consistent training, reduces this significantly. Off-lead, most we have met are calm and social with other dogs.
The breed is historically associated with the island of Malta, and the name derives from this connection. Roman literature and early historians reference small white dogs on Malta, and the breed has been called “ye ancient dogge of Malta” for centuries. However, some historians suggest they may have originated on the Adriatic island of Mljet. The Phoenicians likely brought the breed to Malta before the rise of Greek civilisation. Regardless of the exact origin, the maltese is one of the oldest known canine companions, with a life expectancy of 12–15 years and a lineage stretching back over two millennia.
A Breed That Earns Its Ancient Reputation
After eighteen-plus housesits across Australia and Canada, caring for dog breeds of every shape and size, the maltese remains one of the most memorable. Not because they are flashy or demanding, but because they fit into your life so quietly that you forget how much you have adjusted until they are gone. If you are considering a maltese — whether a maltese puppy from responsible breeders or an adult maltese through rescue — know that you are getting more personality per pound than almost any other companion out there.
We would love to hear your own maltese stories. Have you lived with one? Housesit one? Drop a comment below and tell us what surprised you most about this distinctive breed.
References & Sources
Busuttil, J. (1969). The Maltese Dog. Greece and Rome, 16(2), 205–208. doi:10.1017/S0017383500017058
Harasen G. (2006). Patellar luxation: pathogenesis and surgical correction. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 47(10), 1037–1039.
Harasen G. (2006). Patellar luxation. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 47(8), 817–818.
American Kennel Club. (2026). Maltese dog breed information. AKC. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/
