Maltese dog: adult size, coat and temperament

Few breeds carry as much misinformation about their own name as the Maltese. Let’s start there and then follow what the official FCI breed standard describes.

The name does not point to the island of Malta

The standard is explicit: the name does not signify that the breed originates from the island of Malta. The adjective comes from the Semitic word màlat, meaning refuge or harbour — a root that appears in several maritime place names, Malta among them. The official origin is the Central Mediterranean Area.

The breed’s ancestors lived in the ports and seaside towns of the central Mediterranean, where they hunted rats in warehouses and in the holds of ships. Dogs of this type were later painted by Renaissance artists beside the ladies of the time.

Adult size

Trait	FCI standard
Height — males	21 to 25 cm
Height — females	20 to 23 cm
Weight	3 to 4 kg

The body is longer than tall, by about one third of the height at the withers. On size, a point for buyers: the standard lists males over 26 cm or under 19 cm, and females over 25 cm or under 18 cm, as faults. “Micro Maltese” is a sales label, not a variety, and dogs bred below the breed’s range tend to accumulate health problems.

Under the FCI the Maltese is in Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1, Bichons and related breeds; the American Kennel Club places it in the Toy Group.

The coat and what it demands

The standard describes the hair as dense, shiny, glossy, falling heavily and silky, very long all over the body and straight, without traces of waves or curls. On the trunk it should be longer than the height at the withers and fall to the ground like a cloak. There is no undercoat.

In daily life that means:

• Daily brushing — hair of this length and texture tangles easily, and mats on thin skin hurt.
• Bathing with complete drying, so no moisture stays trapped under the coat.
• Eye and face hygiene, because tears mark white hair.
• A shorter trim is a legitimate option for owners who won’t keep the long coat.

Temperament

The standard says: lively, affectionate, very calm and very intelligent. The movement is even, skimming the ground, free, with short, quick steps at the trot.

That combination usually makes a companion that adapts well to apartments and home routines, as long as it gets walks and stimulation. A small, clever dog with nothing to do finds its own occupation — usually barking.

Care points the breed asks for

1. Size. At 3 to 4 kg, falls from furniture and squeezes from small children cause injuries. Supervision protects both sides.
2. Teeth. Small breeds build up tartar easily; tooth brushing and regular dental checks are part of care.
3. Eyes. The pale face shows any eye change. Heavy tearing, red eyes or rubbing the face need a vet.

Who the breed suits

People who want a small, affectionate, calm companion and accept the brushing routine the coat requires. If you won’t brush almost every day, there are two honest options: keep the dog trimmed short, or choose another breed — a neglected long coat is not a cosmetic issue, it is pain. See also the Shih Tzu and small dog breeds.