Maltese Dog Breed: Personality, Care, Price And Everything You Need to Know

The Maltese dog is a small, affectionate companion breed known for its silky white coat, playful personality, and apartment-friendly nature. Popular among families and first-time pet owners, Maltese dogs are low-shedding, intelligent, and well-suited for indoor living, especially in warm regions like the UAE.

Despite their elegant appearance, Maltese dogs are playful, social, and deeply attached to their owners. They enjoy being around people, adapt well to apartment life, and can become wonderful long-term companions when given proper care, grooming, and attention. 

Facts About the Maltese Dog

About the Maltese Dog

The Maltese is one of the oldest companion dog breeds in the world. Originally bred to live closely with humans, this small breed is loved for its affectionate personality and elegant appearance.

Maltese dogs love being around their owners and often follow them from room to room. They enjoy attention, playtime, and being included in daily life, which makes them excellent indoor companion pets.

Their small size and calm indoor nature also make them one of the best dog breeds for apartment living.

Maltese Dog Personality and Temperament

Maltese dogs are friendly, playful, and emotionally attached to their families. They usually build a very close bond with their owners and enjoy human interaction throughout the day. This breed is often 

• Affectionate
• Gentle
• Intelligent
• Social
• Alert
• Playful 

Maltese dogs can get along well with children and other pets when socialized early. Because they love companionship, they may struggle if left alone for long hours regularly. Some Maltese dogs can also become sensitive to loud apartment noises or unfamiliar visitors.

Is the Maltese a High-Maintenance Dog?

Yes, Maltese dogs are considered moderately high-maintenance because they require regular grooming, daily attention, and routine coat care. Their long silky coat can easily develop tangles without frequent brushing.

They also need:

• Regular eye cleaning
• Dental care
• Coat trimming
• Professional grooming
• Emotional companionship

Owners looking for a low-effort dog may find the grooming routine demanding.

Maltese Dog Size, Weight and Lifespan

A fully grown Maltese dog usually weighs between 3 to 4 kg and stands around 20 to 25 cm tall. Their compact size makes them easy to manage indoors and suitable for apartments and smaller homes.

The average Maltese lifespan is around 12 to 15 years. With proper nutrition, regular vet checkups, and good grooming habits, many Maltese dogs live long and healthy lives.

Maltese Grooming Needs

The Maltese dog is famous for its long white coat, but maintaining that beautiful appearance takes regular care. Even though Maltese dogs are low-shedding, their coat can become tangled quickly without brushing. 

Regular grooming also helps maintain a healthy dog coat and keeps the fur clean, soft, and manageable. 

Basic Maltese grooming includes:

• Daily brushing
• Regular bathing
• Nail trimming
• Ear cleaning
• Dental care
• Eye cleaning to reduce tear stains

Many owners in the UAE prefer shorter haircuts because they are easier to manage in hot and dusty conditions. Professional grooming sessions in the UAE usually cost between 150 to 350 depending on coat condition and salon services.

Maltese Exercise Requirements

Maltese dogs do not need intense exercise, but they still enjoy daily walks and playtime. Short walks, indoor games, and puzzle toys are usually enough to keep them mentally and physically active.

Because the breed is sensitive to heat, outdoor activities during hot afternoons should be avoided in the UAE. Morning and evening walks are safer and more comfortable for Maltese dogs, especially during summer months.

Maltese Food and Nutrition

A healthy diet not just helps in fulfilling nutrition needs of a dog but also helps maintain a Maltese dog’s coat quality, energy levels, and overall health.

Their meals should include:

• High-quality protein
• Healthy fats
• Vitamins and minerals
• Fresh water

Since the breed is small, portion control is important to prevent obesity. Monthly food expenses for a Maltese in the UAE generally range between 150 to 400 depending on the food brand and diet type.

Common Maltese Health Problems

Like many toy breeds, Maltese dogs can be prone to certain health conditions.

Some common issues include:

• Dental disease
• Tear staining
• Luxating patella
• Allergies
• Eye irritation
• Separation anxiety

Routine grooming, dental care, and regular vet visits can help detect problems early. Buying from a responsible breeder also lowers the chances of inherited health conditions.

Maltese Dog Price in UAE and Monthly Maintenance Cost 

A Maltese dog puppy in the UAE usually costs between AED 6000 to AED 12000 depending on the breeder, bloodline, vaccinations, pedigree papers, and whether the puppy is locally bred or imported. Puppies from premium breeders or champion bloodlines are usually more expensive.

Apart from the buying price, Maltese dogs also come with regular monthly expenses. These may include grooming, food, vaccinations, dental care, toys, pet boarding, and emergency vet visits.

Here is the average monthly maintenance cost of a Maltese dog in the UAE:

• Food: AED 150 to 400 
• Grooming: AED 150 to 350 
• Vet Care: AED 100 to 300
• Toy & Accessories: AED 50 to 150

Overall, the monthly maintenance cost of a Maltese dog in the UAE can range between AED 600 to AED 1200 depending on the dog’s lifestyle and grooming needs.

Should You Get a Maltese in the UAE?

Yes, Maltese dogs can adapt very well to life in the UAE when cared for properly.

Their small size and indoor-friendly personality make them suitable for apartments in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, there are a few important things owners should know before choosing this breed in a hot climate.

Things to Know Before Getting a Maltese in UAE

1. They depend heavily on indoor cooling. Maltese dogs are sensitive to heat and should spend most of their time in cool indoor spaces during peak summer months.
2. Dust and humidity can affect their coat. The UAE’s dusty environment may lead to faster coat buildup and tear staining, especially around the eyes.
3. Midday walks should be avoided. Hot pavement can hurt their paws and increase the risk of overheating. Morning or evening walks are much safer.
4. Grooming may be needed more frequently. Because of dust, humidity, and heat, many UAE owners schedule regular grooming appointments to keep the coat clean and manageable. 
5. They prefer human company. Maltese dogs do best in homes where someone is around often. They enjoy companionship and can become anxious if left alone all day.

Are Maltese Dogs Good for Apartment Living?

Yes, Maltese dogs are considered one of the best apartment-friendly dog breeds. They do not require large spaces and are generally comfortable living indoors as long as they receive daily walks, attention, playtime, and mental stimulation. Their small size also makes them easier to travel with compared to larger breeds. 

Maltese vs Shih Tzu

The Maltese dog and the Shih Tzu are both popular small companion breeds that do well in apartments. However, Maltese dogs are usually more playful and lower shedding, while Shih Tzus tend to be calmer and have a thicker coat that needs regular grooming.

Both breeds are suitable for apartment living, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle and grooming preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Maltese dog is a loving and affectionate companion that fits perfectly into apartment lifestyles and smaller homes. Their playful personality, low-shedding coat, and strong attachment to their owners make them a popular choice for families and first-time pet owners in the UAE.

While they do need regular grooming and attention, Maltese dogs can become incredibly loyal companions and bring years of joy to the right home.