Maltese
Breed Description

The Maltese carries one of the most ancient and consistent breed names in the canine world, with its title directly referencing the Mediterranean island of Malta where the breed has been cherished for millennia. Unlike many breeds whose names have evolved through centuries of development across different regions, the Maltese has maintained its geographic identification since the days of ancient Greece and Rome, when small white dogs from Malta were already prized possessions among the wealthy and noble classes of the classical world.

Throughout its extensive history, the Maltese has acquired various romantic and descriptive names that reflect its appearance, purpose, and the esteem in which it has been held. Ancient Romans referred to these beloved companions as Canis Melitaeus, using the Latin name for Malta (Melita) that itself derives from the Phoenician word meaning haven or refuge. The English term Roman Ladies' Dog emerged from historical accounts of Roman noblewomen who cherished these elegant white companions, carrying them in their sleeves and treating them as precious accessories of refined living.

The name Maltese Lion Dog appears in historical documents, referencing an early fashion of grooming the coat to resemble a lion's mane while leaving the hindquarters trimmed short. This dramatic styling enhanced the breed's exotic appeal during certain periods in European history and contributed to its mystique as an unusual and valuable possession. Some historical texts refer to the breed simply as the Comforter Dog, acknowledging its therapeutic role in providing warmth and emotional support to owners, particularly those suffering illness, throughout the centuries.

The designation Bichon Maltais reflects the breed's classification within the Bichon family of small white companion dogs that developed around the Mediterranean basin. This family includes related breeds such as the Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Havanese, and Coton de Tulear, all sharing common ancestry as lap dogs favored by nobility throughout Europe. The term Bichon itself derives from the Middle French word meaning small long-haired lapdog, perfectly describing the essential characteristics shared by these related breeds.

In various European languages, the Maltese carries names that translate its English designation: Malteser in German, Maltese in French (though sometimes Bichon Maltais), Maltese in Spanish and Italian, and similar variations throughout the continent. This consistency of naming across cultures reflects the breed's stable identity and continuous recognition throughout its long history. The Japanese designation マルチーズ (Maruchīzu) represents the phonetic adaptation of the English name, acknowledging the breed's Western origins while welcoming it into Japanese canine culture.

The breed's ancient heritage has generated scholarly debate about its precise origins, with some historians suggesting the name Malta may actually derive from ancient Mediterranean ports with similar names, including Melita in Sicily or locations along the Adriatic coast. However, the consensus among breed authorities identifies the island of Malta as the breed's spiritual homeland regardless of where the original ancestors may have developed. The island's strategic location in Mediterranean trade routes would have facilitated the spread of these prized dogs throughout the ancient world.

The Maltese enjoys nearly universal recognition among major kennel organizations worldwide, with breed standards established by authorities on every continent reflecting the consistent type that has defined this ancient companion breed for centuries. The long history of the Maltese as a documented, purpose-bred dog with stable characteristics has facilitated widespread acceptance and remarkably consistent standards across different kennel club systems.

The American Kennel Club granted recognition to the Maltese in 1888, just four years after the AKC's founding, acknowledging the breed's established presence and consistent type in the United States. The AKC classifies the Maltese in the Toy Group, recognizing its primary function as a companion dog and its characteristic small size. According to AKC standards, the ideal Maltese should weigh under seven pounds, with four to six pounds preferred, and should demonstrate a gentle yet lively demeanor that has characterized the breed throughout its history.

The American Maltese Association serves as the AKC-recognized parent club for the breed in the United States, formed in the early 1960s from the merger of two national Maltese clubs: the Maltese Dog Club of America and the Maltese Dog Fanciers of America. The AMA became an official AKC member club in 1969 and continues to promote responsible breeding practices, host specialty shows, and educate the public about proper Maltese care. The organization maintains breed education resources and breeder referral services for those seeking quality Maltese puppies.

The United Kennel Club recognized the Maltese in 1948, classifying the breed in the Companion Dog Group that acknowledges its historical and continuing role as a devoted personal companion. The UKC standard describes the Maltese as a toy type Bichon breed covered from head to feet with long, silky white hair falling in a mantle, emphasizing the flowing coat that distinguishes the breed. UKC height requirements specify males at eight and one-quarter to ten inches and females at seven and one-half to nine inches at the withers.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies the Maltese in Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds), establishing international standards recognized throughout member countries. The FCI standard, developed by Italy as the breed's country of patronage, specifies detailed requirements for structure, movement, coat, and temperament that reflect the classical Maltese type maintained over centuries of careful breeding. This international standard ensures consistency as Maltese are bred, shown, and traded across national boundaries.

The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom, among the oldest kennel clubs in the world, recognizes the Maltese in its Toy Group with standards that closely align with those of other major registries. The British Maltese Club and other breed-specific organizations work to preserve and promote the breed according to these standards within the United Kingdom. The Canadian Kennel Club recognized the Maltese in 1902, classifying it in Group V: Toys, with standards emphasizing overall quality, balance, and the characteristic single coat that distinguishes the breed.

Breed standards across organizations share common elements that define the ideal Maltese: the compact, balanced body with level topline; the rounded skull with moderate stop; the black nose and eye rims contrasting with the pure white coat; and the characteristic gait that gives the impression of floating on air. These consistent elements allow breeders worldwide to work toward the same ideal type while preserving the essential characteristics that have defined the Maltese for millennia.

Healthy breeding practices receive increasing emphasis from breed organizations worldwide, with many encouraging or requiring health testing for genetic conditions that can affect the Maltese. Testing protocols typically include evaluation for patellar luxation, cardiac function, and eye abnormalities, helping breeders make informed decisions that improve overall breed health while preserving the elegant type and charming temperament that define the Maltese.

The Maltese presents as a small, refined dog of compact, balanced proportions, completely covered in a flowing mantle of long, silky white hair that creates the breed's unmistakable and elegant appearance. Despite its diminutive size, the Maltese possesses a sturdy bone structure and athletic capability that belies the impression of fragility its luxurious coat might suggest. The overall impression should be one of refined beauty combined with a lively, sound constitution.

The head of the Maltese is proportionate to the body, with a skull of medium length and a moderately defined stop. The skull is slightly rounded on top, with enough breadth to accommodate the well-developed brain that gives the breed its characteristic intelligence and trainability. The muzzle tapers moderately from skull to nose without appearing snipey, maintaining a balanced relationship with the skull that creates a pleasing facial expression. The nose is black and should maintain strong pigmentation throughout the dog's life, contributing to the striking contrast against the white coat.

The eyes are the windows to the Maltese's charming personality, being round, dark, and set moderately apart with an expression that combines alertness with gentle sweetness. The dark eye rims create a halo effect that emphasizes the eyes and gives the face its characteristic soulful expression. Eyes that are too light, too small, or improperly placed detract from the typical Maltese expression that has captivated admirers for centuries. The ears are long and dropped, set rather low, lying close to the head and heavily feathered with long hair that blends into the neck and shoulder coat.

The neck is of sufficient length to permit high head carriage, flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders that support the proper front assembly. The chest is fairly deep, extending at least to the elbows, with moderately sprung ribs that provide adequate heart and lung room without appearing barrel-shaped. The topline is level from withers to tail set, creating the square appearance when viewed from the side that characterizes the properly built Maltese. The body length from withers to root of tail should equal the height from withers to ground, creating the balanced proportions essential to breed type.

The forelegs are straight and parallel when viewed from the front, with fine but sturdy bone appropriate to the breed's size. The pasterns are short and upright, supporting compact round feet with black toe pads. The hindquarters are strong and moderately angulated at stifle and hock, providing the driving power for the breed's characteristic smooth, flowing gait. Rear legs should be straight and parallel when viewed from behind, with hocks set neither too close nor too wide.

The tail is a distinctive feature of the breed, being set high and carried gracefully over the back with the long silky hair flowing down and mingling with the body coat. The tail should form a long, flowing plume that enhances the breed's elegant outline and contributes to the floating impression created during movement. A tightly curled tail or one carried pressed flat against the back detracts from the proper graceful carriage.

The coat is the Maltese's crowning glory, consisting of a single layer of long, flat, silky hair that falls from a center part down each side of the body to floor length when properly maintained. The characteristic absence of an undercoat distinguishes the Maltese from double-coated breeds and contributes to the coat's distinctive silky texture and minimal shedding characteristics. The coat should be pure white, with light tan or lemon markings on the ears being permissible though not preferred.

Movement is an essential element of the properly built Maltese, with the characteristic gait giving the impression of floating effortlessly across the ground with the coat flowing gracefully around the moving dog. The front legs should reach forward freely from well-laid shoulders while the hindquarters drive with moderate power. Side gait should appear smooth and even, without excessive up-and-down movement that would indicate structural inefficiency. The Maltese should cover ground efficiently despite its small size, moving with obvious pleasure and animation.

The Maltese claims one of the longest documented histories of any dog breed, with written references and artistic depictions stretching back over two thousand years to the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. This remarkable continuity reflects both the breed's distinctive characteristics that made it easily identifiable throughout history and the consistent high regard in which wealthy and noble patrons held these charming white companions across cultures and centuries.

The precise origin of the Maltese remains a subject of scholarly discussion, with various theories placing the breed's development in locations throughout the central Mediterranean basin. The island of Malta, from which the breed takes its name, sits strategically at the crossroads of ancient trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The Phoenicians, who dominated Mediterranean commerce from roughly 1500 to 300 BCE, are often credited with introducing small white dogs to Malta during their extensive trading voyages. These seafaring merchants may have acquired the original stock from Egyptian, Asian, or European sources, making the ultimate ancestry of the Maltese difficult to determine with certainty.

Archeological evidence supports the breed's ancient presence in Mediterranean cultures, with tomb paintings, ceramic artifacts, and decorative objects depicting small white dogs resembling the modern Maltese found throughout the region. Egyptian artifacts suggest familiarity with such dogs as early as the time of the pharaohs, while Greek pottery and sculpture from the classical period depict similar companions. The Greek philosopher Aristotle mentioned dogs from Malta around 350 BCE, describing them as of the small type and perfectly proportioned despite their diminutive size.

Roman civilization embraced the Maltese with particular enthusiasm, and numerous references in Latin literature document the breed's popularity among the wealthy classes. The Roman Governor of Malta, Publius, reportedly owned a Maltese named Issa that inspired the poet Martial to write verses celebrating the dog's beauty and charm. Roman women treasured these small white dogs as fashion accessories and beloved companions, carrying them in their sleeves and treating them with lavish affection. Some historical accounts suggest Roman ladies used Maltese as living hot water bottles, believing the dogs could draw pain and illness from the body when held close.

The early Christian church may have contributed to the Maltese's spread beyond the Mediterranean world. According to tradition, the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked on Malta around 60 CE, and grateful islanders may have presented him with one of the famous small white dogs native to their homeland. While this story cannot be verified historically, it reflects the breed's established association with Malta by the first century of the common era and suggests how religious travelers might have carried these prized dogs to new regions.

The collapse of the Roman Empire and the subsequent medieval period brought challenges to many purebred dogs, but the Maltese survived in Asian breeding programs that not only maintained the type but refined it through crosses with small Asian breeds including ancestors of the Tibetan Terrier. When the Renaissance rekindled European interest in classical civilization, a new and improved Maltese was ready to reclaim its place among the favored companions of nobility. Spanish, Italian, and French aristocrats competed to acquire examples of these precious dogs, and portraits from the fifteenth through eighteenth centuries frequently include Maltese sitting on the laps or at the feet of noble subjects.

British involvement in Mediterranean affairs during the Age of Empire introduced the Maltese to English dog fanciers, who embraced the breed with characteristic enthusiasm for selective breeding. By the mid-nineteenth century, the Maltese had become established as a show dog in Britain, appearing at some of the earliest organized dog exhibitions. British breeders worked to standardize the type, though sometimes to the breed's detriment, as attempts to miniaturize the already small dogs led to health problems and temporary decline in breed quality.

The Maltese arrived in the United States during the nineteenth century, with early imports coming from both European and British stock. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1888, confirming its established presence and consistent type in the country. Early American fanciers faced the challenge of obtaining quality breeding stock, as the best European dogs often remained with their home country breeders. Nevertheless, dedicated American fanciers developed successful breeding programs, and the Maltese has maintained consistent popularity in the United States for over a century.

The twentieth century saw fluctuations in Maltese popularity and type, with various fashion trends influencing breeding decisions that sometimes prioritized appearance over health and structure. The post-war period brought renewed interest in the breed, and the formation of breed clubs in various countries helped establish consistent standards and promote responsible breeding practices. Modern Maltese breeders balance the preservation of traditional characteristics with attention to health and temperament, ensuring this ancient breed continues to bring joy to owners as it has for thousands of years.

The Maltese temperament combines remarkable affection and devotion with a spirited, playful nature that has charmed owners throughout the breed's long history. Despite its diminutive size and elegant appearance, the Maltese possesses a bold, confident personality that seems entirely unaware of its small stature. This combination of loving companionship with lively spirit makes the Maltese an engaging and entertaining housemate for those who appreciate the breed's particular charms.

Affection stands as perhaps the most defining characteristic of Maltese temperament, with the breed displaying an almost insatiable desire for human companionship and physical closeness. The Maltese was developed specifically as a lap dog and companion, and thousands of years of selection for this purpose have produced a breed that genuinely thrives on human contact. These dogs will seek out laps, snuggle into available arms, and position themselves as close to their people as physically possible. This need for closeness means the Maltese does not tolerate isolation well and may develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.

The playful nature of the Maltese persists well into adulthood, with even senior dogs displaying puppy-like enthusiasm for toys, games, and interactive play. This playfulness provides excellent opportunities for bonding and mental stimulation, as the breed genuinely enjoys learning tricks and engaging in activities with family members. The Maltese's intelligence allows it to quickly learn the games its family enjoys and to participate with obvious pleasure. This combination of trainability and playfulness makes the breed surprisingly capable in activities like agility and rally when handled appropriately for its small size.

Despite its gentle reputation, the Maltese possesses a fearless quality that sometimes leads this tiny dog into situations where its courage exceeds its capabilities. The breed will not hesitate to confront much larger dogs, attempt to defend its owner from perceived threats, or stand its ground in circumstances where prudent retreat would be wiser. This boldness requires owner management to prevent the Maltese from challenging animals that could easily harm it. The same courage that makes the breed an alert watchdog can become problematic without appropriate supervision and training.

The Maltese relates to strangers with typical toy breed behavior, initially alert and possibly barking to announce visitors but usually warming quickly once proper introductions are made. Well-socialized Maltese enjoy meeting new people and accept attention graciously, understanding instinctively how to charm admirers with winsome expressions and engaging behavior. However, undersocialized individuals may remain suspicious of strangers, resorting to persistent barking or even defensive nipping when feeling threatened. Early, positive exposure to a wide variety of people prevents these problems.

Relationships with other pets generally develop well when proper introductions are made, particularly if the Maltese is raised with other animals from puppyhood. The breed's friendly nature and lack of strong prey drive allow it to coexist peacefully with cats and other dogs, though its small size makes it vulnerable to unintentional injury from rough play with larger animals. Some Maltese display same-sex aggression or resource guarding behaviors that require management, but these issues typically respond well to consistent training and appropriate household structure.

The intelligence of the Maltese manifests in quick learning ability, excellent memory, and sometimes manipulative behavior that owners find both charming and challenging. This bright little dog rapidly figures out which behaviors result in attention, treats, or getting its way, and will apply this knowledge with remarkable persistence. Smart owners appreciate the breed's intelligence while maintaining consistent boundaries that prevent the Maltese from becoming spoiled and demanding. The breed's responsiveness to positive training methods makes shaping desirable behaviors relatively straightforward for patient handlers.

Sensitivity characterizes the Maltese personality, with the breed being highly attuned to owner emotions and household atmosphere. The Maltese seems to know when family members are sad, stressed, or unwell, often responding with increased attention and affection during difficult times. This emotional intelligence contributes to the breed's effectiveness as a therapy dog for those who enjoy visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and similar facilities. However, sensitivity also means the Maltese may become anxious in stressful environments or develop behavioral problems in chaotic households.

The Maltese adapts exceptionally well to various living situations, thriving equally in small apartments and large homes as long as its primary needs for companionship, comfort, and moderate activity are met. The breed's compact size makes it an ideal choice for urban dwellers and those with limited space, while its friendly disposition and portable nature allow it to accompany owners on errands, travels, and social activities that many larger breeds cannot share. This adaptability has contributed significantly to the Maltese's enduring popularity across diverse lifestyles and living circumstances.

The ideal Maltese household provides plenty of human companionship, as this breed suffers when left alone for extended periods. Families with at least one member home during the day, retired individuals, or those who can take their dog to work find the Maltese a particularly rewarding companion. The breed bonds intensely with its people and becomes genuinely distressed when separated for long hours. Working families committed to the Maltese should arrange for midday visits, consider doggy daycare, or explore options for bringing their dog to work to prevent the anxiety and behavioral problems that isolation can cause.

Relationships between Maltese and children require careful consideration and management. The breed can form wonderful bonds with children who treat it respectfully, engaging in gentle play and providing additional companionship throughout the day. However, the Maltese's small size makes it vulnerable to injury from rough handling, accidental stepping, or being dropped by small children. Families with toddlers or very young children should carefully supervise all interactions and teach children appropriate ways to handle and interact with small dogs. Older children who understand how to be gentle often develop beautiful relationships with Maltese companions.

The Maltese typically welcomes other pets in the household when properly introduced, often enjoying the companionship of other dogs or cats. The breed's social nature and generally non-aggressive temperament facilitate peaceful multi-pet households. However, the size disparity between Maltese and larger dogs requires supervision to prevent accidental injury during play, and some Maltese may resource guard toys, food, or owner attention. Thoughtful management of resources and appropriate supervision help maintain harmony in multi-pet households.

Housing requirements for the Maltese are minimal compared to larger breeds, but certain considerations improve quality of life. The breed needs access to a secure outdoor area for bathroom needs and brief exercise, whether a fenced yard, apartment balcony (properly safeguarded), or regular walks. Indoor living suits the Maltese well, as the breed lacks the undercoat that would provide weather protection and prefers the comfortable temperatures of the home environment. Extreme cold or heat requires protective measures when the dog must go outside.

Climate considerations matter for this single-coated breed that lacks the insulation double-coated dogs possess. The Maltese tolerates moderate temperatures well but may need sweaters or coats in cold weather and should be protected from excessive sun exposure in summer. Air conditioning provides important comfort during hot spells, and the breed should never be left in vehicles where temperatures can rise dangerously. Owners in extreme climates should be prepared to provide appropriate protection year-round.

The financial commitment to a Maltese extends beyond purchase price to include grooming expenses that significantly exceed those for most breeds. Professional grooming every four to eight weeks maintains the coat in manageable condition, with costs varying by region and grooming style chosen. Home grooming requires investment in quality tools and daily time commitment. Food costs are modest given the breed's small size, but high-quality nutrition remains important for coat health and overall wellbeing. Medical expenses including regular preventive care and potential treatment for breed-specific health issues should be budgeted realistically.

Travel with a Maltese proves easier than with many breeds, as the dog's small size allows it to fit under airline seats, travel comfortably in car carriers, and stay in many hotels that accept small dogs. The breed generally adapts well to travel when properly conditioned, enjoying new experiences with its owner. However, the Maltese's need for regular grooming should be considered when planning extended trips, and familiar items like bedding and toys help ease transitions to new environments.

Training the Maltese requires patience, consistency, and an appreciation for the breed's particular combination of intelligence, sensitivity, and occasional stubborn independence. While the breed's desire to please its owner generally supports successful training outcomes, the Maltese can also be manipulative and selective about responding to commands, particularly when other options seem more appealing. Understanding these characteristics allows trainers to work effectively with the Maltese temperament rather than against it.

Positive reinforcement methods produce the best results with Maltese training, as the breed responds enthusiastically to treats, praise, and play rewards while shutting down quickly when faced with harsh corrections or intimidating approaches. The sensitive Maltese may become fearful or defensive when handled roughly, potentially creating lasting behavior problems that far exceed whatever issue the correction was meant to address. Patient, reward-based training builds the confident, willing attitude that makes the Maltese such a delightful companion.

Housetraining presents particular challenges with the Maltese that require early attention and consistent management. The breed's small size means small bladders with limited capacity, requiring more frequent potty breaks than larger dogs need. Cold or wet weather may discourage the Maltese from wanting to go outside, and some individuals develop preferences for indoor elimination that prove difficult to change once established. Successful housetraining requires frequent outdoor trips, immediate rewards for outdoor elimination, and prevention of indoor accidents through supervision and appropriate confinement.

Early socialization proves essential for developing the confident, friendly temperament the breed should display. Puppies should meet a wide variety of people, encounter different environments and situations, and interact with other dogs in controlled settings. The window for optimal socialization closes around sixteen weeks of age, though socialization should continue throughout the dog's life. Well-socialized Maltese greet new experiences with curiosity and confidence rather than fear and defensive behavior.

Basic obedience commands including sit, stay, come, and down establish important communication between owner and dog while building the foundation for more advanced training. The intelligent Maltese learns commands quickly but may choose not to respond when other options seem more interesting. Consistent practice in various environments builds reliable responses that hold up even when distractions are present. Training sessions should be brief and engaging, ending on positive notes that leave the dog eager for the next session.

Behavior problems common in the Maltese often stem from insufficient training, socialization, or structure rather than breed-specific issues. Small dog syndrome, where dogs are allowed behaviors that would be unacceptable in larger breeds, creates demanding, pushy animals that bark excessively, guard resources inappropriately, and generally make themselves unpleasant. Treating the Maltese as a real dog requiring real training prevents these problems and produces a better-behaved companion despite the small package.

Exercise requirements for the Maltese are modest compared to high-energy breeds but still important for physical health and mental stimulation. Daily walks of fifteen to thirty minutes satisfy most Maltese, with additional playtime providing variety and bonding opportunities. The breed enjoys interactive games, puzzle toys, and activities that engage both mind and body. Indoor play can substitute for outdoor exercise during extreme weather, making the Maltese practical for owners who cannot always get outside.

The Maltese's intelligence and trainability make it surprisingly capable in organized activities like obedience trials, rally, and agility when equipment is appropriately sized for small dogs. These activities provide mental stimulation, physical exercise, and enhanced bonding between dog and handler. Even owners not interested in formal competition find that learning tricks and skills gives the Maltese productive outlets for its intelligence and desire to interact with people.

Leash training deserves attention despite the Maltese's small size and the temptation to simply carry the dog when walking proves difficult. Dogs that learn to walk nicely on leash develop better social skills, get more appropriate exercise, and behave more politely in public situations. The Maltese's small stature makes leash pulling less of a physical challenge than with larger breeds, but good leash manners still contribute to more pleasant outings for both dog and owner.

The Maltese enjoys a relatively long lifespan for a dog, typically living twelve to fifteen years with many individuals reaching sixteen or seventeen years when provided excellent care throughout their lives. This longevity reflects the breed's generally sound constitution despite its small size, though certain health conditions occur with increased frequency in the Maltese population and require owner awareness for early detection and appropriate management.

Health screening of breeding dogs for patellar luxation, eye abnormalities, cardiac function, and liver shunts helps reduce the incidence of inherited conditions in future generations. With appropriate preventive care, attention to breed-specific health concerns, and regular veterinary monitoring, the Maltese can enjoy a long, healthy life as the devoted companion it was bred to be for thousands of years.

The Maltese's stunning white coat represents both the breed's most distinctive feature and its most demanding maintenance requirement, requiring daily attention to prevent the matting and tangles that can quickly transform silky tresses into painful felt. While the breed's lack of undercoat means minimal shedding and reduced allergens compared to double-coated breeds, the continuous hair growth necessitates regular trimming and shaping to maintain manageability. Prospective owners must realistically assess their commitment to grooming before acquiring a Maltese.

Daily brushing forms the foundation of Maltese coat care, preventing the mats that form quickly in the fine, silky hair. A combination of pin brush for general brushing and metal comb for working through tangles addresses different grooming needs effectively. Brushing should be thorough, reaching all the way to the skin rather than just smoothing the outer coat where mats can hide underneath. Areas prone to matting include behind the ears, under the legs, and around the neck where the collar sits, requiring particular attention during each session.

Bathing frequency varies with lifestyle and coat condition, with most Maltese requiring baths every one to three weeks to maintain the brilliant white color the breed is known for. Quality shampoo formulated for white coats helps maintain color while moisturizing conditioner keeps the hair silky and manageable. The bathing process should include thorough rinsing to remove all product residue, followed by careful drying with low heat to prevent damage to the delicate coat. Many owners find professional grooming simplifies this process significantly.

Coat trimming and styling options range from the full show coat flowing to the floor to various practical pet clips that reduce daily maintenance while preserving the breed's attractive appearance. The puppy clip, teddy bear cut, and similar styles keep the hair at manageable lengths throughout the body while maintaining the characteristic Maltese look. Professional groomers can help owners determine which style best suits their lifestyle and maintenance capabilities. Regular trimming every four to eight weeks maintains the chosen style.

Facial grooming requires particular attention, as the white fur around the eyes is prone to tear staining that creates unsightly reddish-brown discoloration. Daily cleaning of the eye area with a soft, damp cloth removes tear residue before it stains the coat. Products designed specifically for tear stain removal can help address existing discoloration, though effectiveness varies and some contain ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin. Keeping facial hair trimmed and out of the eyes reduces tearing while improving the dog's visibility.

Ear care involves weekly inspection and cleaning to prevent infections that can develop when hair grows into the ear canal and traps moisture and debris. Many Maltese require periodic plucking of ear hair, a task that groomers or veterinarians can perform during regular appointments. Signs of ear infection include redness, swelling, unusual odor, excessive head shaking, or ear scratching. Regular cleaning with veterinarian-recommended solutions prevents most problems.

Dental care deserves significant attention in Maltese maintenance, as the breed is prone to dental disease that can cause pain, tooth loss, and systemic health problems if left untreated. Daily tooth brushing with enzymatic canine toothpaste provides the most effective prevention, though dental chews and professional cleanings supplement home care. The crowded tooth arrangement common in small dogs increases susceptibility to dental problems, making preventive care particularly important for the Maltese.

Nail trimming should occur every two to four weeks, as overgrown nails can affect gait and cause discomfort. The small nails of the Maltese can be trimmed with standard dog nail clippers or a grinding tool, though many owners find professional nail trimming during grooming appointments more convenient. Regular handling of feet from puppyhood makes nail care easier throughout the dog's life.

The topknot, if maintained, requires daily attention to keep the hair out of the eyes and prevent tangling around the elastic or bow used to secure it. Options include single or double topknots secured with small elastics and decorated with bows appropriate to the dog's size. Some owners prefer to keep facial hair trimmed short rather than managing a topknot, sacrificing the traditional show ring appearance for reduced daily maintenance.