The Maltese is one of the oldest companion breeds in recorded history, tracing back through the ancient Mediterranean and later favoured by European nobility. Prized by Roman noblewomen and kept by figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria, they’ve spent thousands of years doing one job well: staying close to people. They arrive in the modern world much the same way, a 2–3 kg dog with a long white coat and a very clear sense of purpose.
They’re excellent apartment dogs. Exercise needs are low, they settle well indoors, and they don’t require space or a yard. What they do require is company. This is a classic velcro breed. Leave them alone too often and you’ll hear about it, usually loudly.
Temperament is warm, engaging and people-focused without being frantic. They’re affectionate, playful and generally gentle, though they’re aware of their size and can become vocal if they feel uncertain or handled roughly. With older children who understand that, they’re excellent. With very young kids, supervision matters.
The coat is the trade-off. Long, silky and prone to matting, it needs regular attention. Daily or near-daily brushing is the proper standard, along with professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Many owners opt for a shorter trim, which makes life easier without changing the dog.
They do bark. Maltese are alert and expressive, and they’ll comment on movement, arrivals and anything that seems worth noting. Training helps, but the instinct doesn’t disappear.
For someone after a devoted, elegant, low-exercise companion for apartment or urban living, and who’s prepared for the grooming and the attachment, the Maltese does the job about as well as any dog ever has.