An ancient Mediterranean companion breed, bred for centuries to do one thing: stay close and be loved. Under 7 pounds, pure white, and utterly devoted. Come find the puppy that's already looking for you.
What to look for in a Maltese breeder, and what to ask before you pay a deposit.
The breed
Each one is raised underfoot in a family home, not a back room, so they come to you confident and already comfortable with people and kids.
Playful and people-obsessed. Wants to be exactly wherever you are, all day long.
Curious and confident on his feet, already trotting along on leash like a pro.
Calm and watchful, the kind of puppy that settles into a lap and doesn't want to leave.
Why a Maltese
Three things people fall for, every single time.
The Maltese traces back more than two thousand years to the Mediterranean, prized by nobility across Malta, Greece, and Rome as a companion, not a working dog. No herding instinct, no hunting drive, just a dog built to be near you and pay attention.
At under 7 pounds, a Maltese fits an apartment without giving up an ounce of personality. They're affectionate with kids, generally easygoing with other pets, and gentle, playful energy fills a room without needing miles of daily exercise.
The long, flowing, pure-white coat is the breed's signature look, and it needs regular brushing to stay silky and tangle-free. Many owners keep a shorter "puppy cut" for easier upkeep. No undercoat means minimal shedding, more on that on the allergies page.
Allergic to dogs?
Maltese have hair, not fur, and no undercoat, which is why they're one of the classic low-allergen toy breeds. Lower is not zero, and it varies person to person, but a lot of allergy sufferers who reacted to other dogs do fine around a Maltese.
Read the Full ExplainerLife with a Maltese
Give them a lap, a short walk, and a soft bed, and a Maltese makes itself at home within days.
Still deciding on a breed?
If you are torn between a Maltese and another small breed, here is an honest, numbers-first side by side.
Browse available puppies from health-tested Maltese lines and start a conversation with the family raising them.
About the breedRaise Maltese yourself? List your program here.