Maltese - Dog Breed Information

Information about Maltese dog breed

Maltese breed information
Should I get a Maltese?
Maltese personality
Taking care of a Maltese
Commonly claimed health conditions for a Maltese
The cost of insuring a Maltese
Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?
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Maltese dogs are renowned for their small size, silky white coat, and playful demeanor. They are usually affectionate companion dogs that thrive in indoor environments, making them well-suited for apartment living and families with children.

Maltese dogs tend to have a gentle and loving nature. They are typically very social and enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also relatively easy to train and eager to please their owners.

Want to learn more about this breed? Read our guide below to see if a Maltese is the pet for you.

Maltese breed information

If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Maltese:

How long do Maltese dogs live?

Maltese dogs typically live to be about 12–15 years old.

How big do Maltese dogs get?

Maltese dogs are small dogs at maturity. A Maltese dog can weigh as little as 1.8 kilograms. The average weight of a Maltese dog is between 1.8- 3.1 kilograms.

Do Maltese dogs shed?

Maltese dogs do not usually shed much. They have a single coat of long, silky hair that does not shed as much as dogs with double coats. This can make them a good choice for people with allergies. However, their hair can still get caught in furniture and clothing, so regular brushing is necessary to prevent tangles.

Should I get a Maltese?

Maltese dogs generally suit owners and families who have an active lifestyle. They are often friendly and have a soft temperament with kids and other pets.

They usually need lots of attention and moderate exercise, thriving while around people. Although homes with yards are ideal, a Maltese can adapt to smaller homes so long as they have their own space to move around.

Maltese personality

Maltese dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, often described as loving and playful companions. They are typically very social animals, enjoying the company of both people and other animals. This makes them well-suited for families and households with multiple pets.

Their eagerness to please their owners, coupled with their intelligence, makes them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency, making training a rewarding experience for both the dog and owner.

While they are generally friendly and enjoy social interaction, it's important to note that Maltese dogs can be sensitive and may require careful handling and a gentle approach. Early socialisation and consistent training can help them develop into well-adjusted and confident companions.

Taking care of a Maltese

Grooming

Maltese dogs have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles. Daily brushing can be beneficial to maintain the coat's health and appearance. Professional grooming may also be necessary every 4-6 weeks to keep the coat trimmed and tidy.

Exercise

Maltese dogs, despite their small size, need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Their exercise needs are moderate, and they do not require as much physical activity as some larger breeds. Daily walks and playtime are usually sufficient to meet their exercise requirements.

Diet

When choosing food for your Maltese, you should select food appropriate to your dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior). To help avoid your Maltese becoming overweight, ensure that you follow the recommended feeding guides on the food appropriate to your pet's size. A joint supplement can make a good addition, as Maltese dogs can develop arthritis.

Commonly claimed health conditions for a Maltese

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^{^} that a Maltese can experience.

Conditions	Symptoms can include^~	Highest cost for a single treatment^>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies)	Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell	$3,107
Gastrointestinal tract condition	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation Blood or mucus in stool/vomit Increased frequency/urgency passing stool Weight loss Loss of appetite and interest in food May seem more tired than usual	$6,288
Heart conditions	Increased tiredness, reluctance to exercise or slowing down on walks Panting excessively when at rest Gagging and/or coughing Swollen abdomen or limbs Weight loss Loss of appetite Fainting episodes Heart murmur	$8,268
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies)	Scratching or rubbing at one or both ears Head shaking Odour or discharge coming from the ears Ears may be red or warm to the touch	$6,324
Arthritis	Lameness or limping on affected limb(s) Stiffness on rising Reluctance to jump, use stairs Swelling on legs	$3,224

The cost of insuring a Maltese

If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Maltese, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.

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Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Comprehensive Plus annual limit.#

Claim up to $30,000 a year.

Claim up to 80% back.*

Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.

Lifetime cover.‡

Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life.

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Important Information

text

^{^} Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

^~ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

^>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text: ^#Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text: * Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text: ^‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text: = The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly^® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly^® to search for GapOnly^® enabled vets. GapOnly^® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text: Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

Maltese dog breed information