Maltese
The Maltese is an ancient toy breed from the Mediterranean, celebrated for its floor-length silky white coat and affectionate, lively temperament. Despite its small size, it is bold, playful, and highly adaptable to apartment living. The breed sheds very little and is often considered hypoallergenic, making it a popular choice for allergy sufferers.
Weight
2–4 kg
Height at withers
20–25 cm
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
extra small
Activity
medium
Shedding
low
Barking tendency
high
Apartment friendly
Excellent apartment dog: small size, moderate exercise needs, and strong attachment to its owner make the Maltese an ideal urban companion; tendency to bark should be managed through early training
Care
Daily brushing and regular baths to prevent tangles and matting; professional grooming/trimming every 6 weeks; daily tooth brushing to prevent dental disease; use a harness instead of a collar to protect the trachea; 20–30 minutes of daily exercise; regular vet check-ups; protect from extreme heat and cold
Health
Patellar luxation, dental/periodontal disease, tracheal collapse, liver shunt (portosystemic shunt), heart murmurs and chronic valve disease, hypoglycemia (in puppies), cataracts and glaucoma, White Dog Shaker Syndrome, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, skin and food allergies
Coat
Long, silky
Travel
Acclimate your Maltese to its carrier well before travel; bring familiar food and water; take breaks every 20 minutes on car trips; use an airline-approved soft-sided carrier for flights; check the airline's specific pet policy in advance and obtain a vet health certificate; bring favourite toys and treats to reduce anxiety; protect from extreme temperatures
Carrier size
Soft-sided carrier approximately 45 × 28 × 28 cm (L × W × H); must fit under the airline seat in front of you
Harness size
XS harness recommended; typical chest girth 25–35 cm; a soft step-in or vest harness is preferred over a collar to prevent tracheal injury
Leash
Lightweight leash 1.2–1.8 m long; always attach to a harness rather than a collar to minimise risk of tracheal collapse
Airline cabin travel
usually allowed
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
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