• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact NewYorkCityDog.org
  • Pet Loss
    • Resources for Loss
    • Share Your Dog’s Story
    • Memorial Entries
  • Hotels
  • New York City Shelters
    • Shelters & Rescues
  • Dog Parks
    • Bronx Dog Runs
    • Brooklyn Dog Runs
    • Manhattan Dog Runs
    • Queens Dog Runs
  • Recipes
  • Reviews
    • Products
    • Books
  • Doggy Directory
    • Agility Events – NYC Area
    • Animal Ambulance and Transport
    • Animal Communications
    • Artists
    • Activities and Classes
    • Boarding
    • Emergency Care
    • Daycare for Dogs
    • Dining with Your Dog
    • Dog Food and Supplies
    • Dog Food and Supplies
    • Groomers
    • Home Services
    • Memories
    • OnLine Boutiques
    • Pet Sitters
    • Photographers
    • Pet Friendly Stores
    • Dog Trainers
    • Veterinarians
  • NYC Dog Events

New York City Dog

  • Home
  • Breed Profiles
  • My Green Dog
  • NYC Dog News

Maltese Profile

by Lauren R. Tharp

The Maltese has one of the most recognizable looks in Toy breeds.  So many people, from Halle Berry to Milhouse from The Simpsons, have recognized the “pet potential” in this gentle, playful, breed; is it any wonder that they’re the 19th most popular breed in America?

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  Toy.  The Maltese measures 8-10 inches at the shoulder and weighs 3-8 pounds.

Coat & Color:  The Maltese sports long, silky, white hair.  The occasional cream or yellow-ish Maltese may turn up from time to time, but it’s extremely rare.

Other:  While most toy/companion dogs have been “bred down” from larger breeds, the Maltese is the same size now as it was when it first showed up on the scene, over 28 centuries ago!

Life Expectancy:  12-15 years.

Temperament

Like many small dogs, the Maltese boasts a “big dog” personality.  They’ve often been described as “fearless.”  A few other adjectives to describe the breed?  Trusting, playful, loyal, and loving.  The Maltese is a good fit for first-time owners and apartment dwellers.

Wags

  • The Maltese is a great dog when it comes to traveling.
  • Surprisingly, even with their long hair, the Maltese’s grooming needs are fairly moderate.  Bonus!—They tend not to shed.
  • This breed loves to learn tricks!

Challenges

  • While they do make good “watch dogs,” their barking isn’t always selective.  AKA: They sometimes bark “too much.”
  • While their grooming needs are “moderate,” they do tend to need professional grooming.  And pro grooming expenses can add up quickly!
  • Not ideal with small children.

Think the Maltese breed is for you? Check out adoptable Maltese dogs by visiting the Metropolitan Maltese Rescue site.

Primary Sidebar

Doggie Directory

  • Animal Ambulance and Transport
  • Animal Communications
  • Artists
  • Activities and Classes
  • Boarding
  • Emergency Care
  • Daycare for Dogs
  • Dining with Your Dog
  • Doggy Directory
  • Dog Food and Supplies
  • Groomers
  • Home Services
  • OnLine Boutiques
  • Pet Sitters
  • Photographers
  • Dog Trainers
  • Veterinarians

Footer

About

NewYorkCityDog.org is committed to keeping local dog lovers informed and entertained.  We’ll keep you up-to-date on local news and events, shelters and dog-friendly activities. By bringing all of the elements and resources together in one canine-centric matrix, NewYorkCityDog.org will be your … Read More... about About Us

Recent Posts

  • PAWS NY Receives $20,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities® to Help Keep Pets and People Together
  • City Living Pups Can Benefit From Decreased Stress and Anxiety With CBD
  • 4th of July Safety for NYC Dogs
  • ASPCA and NYPD Celebrate Five Years of Fighting Animal Abuse and Rescuing Victims Across NYC
  • Dogs can help stressed kids

Copyright © 2023 New York City Dogs