Breeds / Maltese

Breed guide

Maltese

Q: How big do Maltese dogs get?

Maltese typically weigh 4–7 pounds and stand about 7–9 inches tall.

Q: Are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic?

No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but the Maltese is widely considered a low-shedding breed since its coat grows continuously rather than shedding heavily.

Q: Are Maltese dogs easy to train?

Yes — they are intelligent and people-focused, and typically respond best to positive, gentle, consistent training.

Q: How much exercise does a Maltese need?

Maltese don't require intense exercise — short daily walks, indoor playtime, and interactive toys are usually enough.

If you're looking for a small dog with a big heart, the Maltese may be the perfect companion for your family. Known for their affectionate personalities, silky white coats, intelligence, and gentle temperament, Maltese dogs have been cherished companion animals for centuries. Pine Acres Puppies raises healthy, family-raised Maltese puppies in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.

At a glance

Breed overview

A toy breed with a confident, devoted heart — elegant, playful, and happiest staying close to the people they love.

Breed groupToy Group

Size4–7 pounds

Height7–9 inches

Lifespan12–15 years

TemperamentLoyal, affectionate, confident

Energy levelModerate

Good with kidsGood (with gentle handling)

Good with other petsGood

Honest fit check

Is a Maltese right for you?

A great fit if you want…

Families prepared to handle a small dog gently

Couples, seniors, and apartment residents

First-time dog owners

Families seeking an affectionate companion

Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Loyal & loving

Highly affectionate and forms strong emotional bonds with their families.

Confident

Small in size but often has a surprisingly confident, playful personality.

Intelligent & eager to please

Social and people-oriented, and quick to learn.

Adaptable

Fits comfortably into many family environments and lifestyles.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Silky white coat

Dark, expressive eyes and a black button nose

Compact, elegant body

Bright, alert expression

Recognized coat colors

White

The breed's signature pure white coat

Grooming & care

Keeping a Maltese healthy

Regular brushing

Their continuously growing coat needs regular brushing to stay comfortable.

Coat style

Some families keep the coat long; others prefer an easier-to-manage "puppy cut."

Face & eye care

Routine face and eye-area cleaning is part of the grooming routine.

Bathing, nails & dental

Routine bathing, nail trimming, and dental care round things out.

Training

Trainability

Eager to learn

Intelligent, people-focused, and often eager to learn.

Positive & gentle

Responds best to positive reinforcement, short sessions, and gentle consistency.

Early socialization

Early exposure to household sounds, handling, and routines builds confidence.

Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?

Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.

Can I see the results?

Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.

Can I meet the parents?

The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.

Modern lifestyles

A breed that fits the way we live now

Small-space living

Moderate activity needs make the breed well suited for apartments and smaller homes.

Close companionship

Thrives on human connection and may not be comfortable left alone for long periods.

Good for multi-pet homes

Can do well in multi-pet households with proper introductions.

Our story

Why choose Pine Acres Puppies?

Since 2005, our family has been passionate about raising healthy, socialized companion puppies with loving temperaments. Every Maltese puppy is family-raised with daily socialization and gentle handling, interacts with adults and children, and comes from health-tested parents.

Our goal is to help each puppy grow into a confident and cherished family companion, and to help families feel informed and supported throughout the process of choosing, reserving, and bringing home a puppy.

Common questions