Maltese Dog Breed

Thinking of getting a Maltese Dog and want to know if a Maltese is suitable for your household?

Use the Maltese information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Maltese and more.


Maltese Breed Facts

Maltese Facts

  • Name: Maltese
  • Other Names: Maltese Dog, Maltese lion dog
  • Origin: Italy, Malta
  • Breed Group: Toy (AKC:1888), Companion Breed & Show Breed (UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Maltese Dog Facts

Maltese Information

Even though the breed is known for its coat, its body structure, facial expression and overall carriage are essential components of the type. The Maltese is a diminutive dog with a compact, square body, covered all over with long, flat, silky, white hair hanging almost to the ground. The expression is gentle yet alert. It is a vigorous dog, with a jaunty, smooth, flowing gait. The well-built Maltese seems to float over the ground when trotting.

They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, but are also full of energy and very playful, making them great family dogs. Maltese are highly intelligent and know very well how to use their charm to get their way. If given the chance, they become easily spoiled. This isn’t a problem for dog savvy owners, but many pet owners will give in, often resulting in a pet with poor manners. It is not recommended that Maltese go to homes with young children, where as tiny puppies, there is the possibility of being stepped on or dropped by a child.

What to do if you lose your Maltese

If your Maltese Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Phone the nearby vet clinics to see if someone has handed in your lost pet.

4. Contact the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Maltese

If you find a Maltese Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Contact the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the animal to the local Animal Pound assigned to your suburb.

5. Take the pet to the local Vet who normally scan the animal’s microchip and locate the registered pet owner.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must contact your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.