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Maltese
Maltese
Origin
Malta
Size
Small Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
15º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
12-15Â years
Cost of buying
₹ 25,000 - ₹ 80,000
Top 5 Traits
Playful
Loyal
Intelligent
Fearless
Energetic
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,300 - ₹ 5,400
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 16 May 2025
Introduction to Maltese Dog Breed
Maltese, also called ‘Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, ’ are small-sized dogs known for their affectionate nature and friendly demeanour. These dogs have an aristocratic look with a charming appearance, sitting in the lap of luxury from ancient times. Despite their small size, they have a confident personality, and they get along well with people of all ages and other pets. Their small size makes them best suited for apartment living, where they can adapt well to small spaces.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Maltese Dog Price In India
Cost of buying
₹ 25,000 - ₹ 80,000
The average price of a Maltese can vary from ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 80,000 in India. The cost depends on factors like breed, lineage, and health conditions.
Prerequisites to pet a Maltese
Time and Effort
Access to Groomer
Access to Veterinary
Financial Capability
Lifestyle Compatibility
Appropriate Climate
Are you ready to get a Maltese home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if the dog breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Nutritional Tips for Your Maltese Dog
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Calories per day
Puppies:Â 400 kcal
Adults:Â 350 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Protein
Fats
Vitamins
Fibre
Minerals
List of foods
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Home made meals
Vegetables
Chicken
Maltese are small-sized dogs, usually, the metabolism rate is high in small dogs, including Maltese. Even though they have a small stomach, they eat in small amounts but often. Here is a quick guide to the nutritional needs of a small dog breed -
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Guide to choose the right food for your Maltese
- Protein: Food items like chicken, meat, and lamb are sources of protein. They promote muscle development and improve immunity.
- Carbohydrates: Brown rice, barley, whole wheat, oats, and sweet potatoes are sources of carbohydrates that provide energy to cater to their daily activities. But make sure this is fed in a monitored fashion as over-feeding causes obesity.
- Vitamins and minerals: Feed your dog vegetables like cucumber, carrots, beans, potato, broccoli, cabbage, and celery to provide adequate amounts of vitamins like A, K, C, etc.
- Anti-oxidants & Fibres: Feeding fruits like apples, bananas, strawberries, peaches, pears, and pineapple to provide anti-oxidants and fibres that promote the overall digestion process.
- Hydration: Make sure you provide enough fresh water to your dog to keep them hydrated. This helps in maintaining body temperature and helps the internal organs function smoothly.
Food items that are toxic for your Maltese dog
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Almonds
Avocados
Cherries
Grapes
Lemon
Milk Products
Onions
Salt
Sugar
- Look for labels of commercial dry food; if the food is not animal-protein based, avoid it as it can cause digestive issues in your dog.
- Do not feed your dog human foods like chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, raisins, cherries, avocados, and almonds; these cause severe digestive issues and sometimes can be fatal.
- Avoid all kinds of fried or over-processed foods like mutton, fried meat, etc, because they lead to obesity and digestive issues.
- Foods that have a high level of salt and sugar should be avoided. These can cause high blood pressure and diabetes in your dog.
- Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so make sure you consult your vet before feeding any dairy products to your dog.
An Insight into Maltese Healthcare
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 900 - ₹ 1,800
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Canine distemper
Heartworm
Hip Dysplasia
Kennel Cough
Parvovirus
Parasites
Rabies
Well being
Exercise
Agility Training
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
20 - 30 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Reluctance to move
Excessive Panting
Increased laziness
Common health issues found in Maltese dogs
Maltese are generally a healthy dog breed, however, there are some inherited health conditions found in Maltese recognized by the American Maltese Association, Inc like -
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 weeks
Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis
10-12 weeks
Second dose of distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis
14-16 weeks
Rabies
1 year
Booster of distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies
Maltese Senior Dog Care Guide
As your dog ages, their medical as well as dietary needs change. Here is a simple yet effective guide to care for your senior dogs -
A Comprehensive Guide to grooming your Maltese
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
Low Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Nail Trimming
Benefits of Grooming
Low Shedding
Cleanliness
Prevents infections
Prevents Bad Breath
Odourless
Quality of life
Maltese, despite having long luxurious coats, are low-shedding dogs. Hence, their grooming needs are comparatively less. However, regular grooming is a need to maintain hygiene. Below are some of the effective tips for you to groom your Maltese dogs -
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltese breed dogs suitable for first-time pet parents?
Maltese dogs, with their tiny size and amiable demeanor, can make a suitable first dog for new pet parents. However, potential owners should be ready for training and grooming demands.
Do Maltese dogs adjust in apartments?
Yes, due to their tiny size and modest exercise needs, Maltese dogs are suitable for apartment living. To keep them mentally and physically engaged, they still need to go for daily walks and play.
What personality traits might be observed from a Maltese as they become older?
As they age, Maltese dogs often retain their kind and amiable personalities. However, due to health problems brought on by aging, they could become less active and need more attention.
