Coat Texture: Silky Soft 

Coat Color: Available only in white. 

Characteristics:  Maltese are excellent companion dogs. When treated well they rarely develop bad habits of biting or scratching. They're patient with children as long as the child isn't very rough with the dog. They have a tendency to bond strongly with one person, but can still be affectionate to other members in the family.

Personality:
As with all animals they each have a personality all their own, which will develop and mature when loved cared for. 

Grooming: May be kept in a short puppy cut or long. Will need to be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks.
May be able to go up to 8 weeks if hair is shaved or cut very short.

Teeth: Teacup & Toy Dog Breeds - Must be cleaned every 12 to 16 months.

Price: Maltese & Yorkshire Terrier are a known as one of the most expensive small breeds available.
Average price for a high quality Maltese will range from $1,500.00 to $5,000.00
Average price for a high quality - Size Guaranteed Super Tiny Teacup will range from $5,00.00 to $25,000 & up to $50.000 during peak season. ( Christmas, Valentines, Mother's Day, Father's Day)

Life Expectancy: Up to 15 years

Travel: Loves to travel by car or airlines. Very curious of their surroundings and greatly love riding in a car seat.

Training: Maltese are fairly easy to train beacuse they are finicky like cats. They demand a clean enviroment with no odor.
They are very un-comfortable in a dirty or messy home and are known to stay in their crate or bed most of time if they are unhappy with their surroundings.

Training and socialization also play key roles in how a Maltese turns out. If you treat him like a helpless baby they are likely to end up overdependent & insecure. Treating them like an intelligent little dog teaching them tricks and simple voice commands will encourage them to strut out into the world with self-confidence.
Very sensitive and responsive to non-forceful training, many Maltese excel in competitive obedience and agility. They train very quickly to a doggie door or puppy pad beacuse they pick up quickly on where their potty place is located and prefer that it not be moved.
Train best with the crate training method beacuse they demand a clean enviroment and will alert you when they need to go potty.
Crate training method teaches a dog to signal you and keep their home clean & dry. 
You can read more about crate training, keeping them on a schedule and the importance of consistency on our training page.

Eating Habits: Extremely picky eaters. They demand a high quality dog food, with premium taste for their picky appetite. Enjoy extra lean pieces of turkey or chicken. Have been known to go on a suicide attempt and reach the point of starvation until they become hypoglycemic if not given a food that suites their taste. 
It is important that you find a premium brand of dog food that they like at a early age, beacuse they are not happy with cheap dog food and will let you know right from the start.

Recommended Food:  
We recommend Royal Canin - Baby Dog for new puppies beacuse it is the most flavorful dog food on the market.
If not available in your area you may also want to consider Eukanuba or Science Diet.
Maltese require a combination of vitamins and minerals that contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Excercise: Even though they enjoy daily walks, it is not required. The excercise they receive in a small apartment or house is sufficent.

Watchdog: Maltese can be a good watch dog. Its keen nose warns it of approaching strangers.

Barking: Bark only when excited or hear a strange sound. Not yappy or high strung.