If you’re considering adding a Maltese to your family, you’ll want to learn more about the breed before making a commitment.
From their spunky personalities to their luxurious coats, there are plenty of pros and cons that come with owning a Maltese.
In this article, we’ll cover the leading 18 Maltese dog pros and cons that you need to know!
Maltese Pros And Cons
Maltese Pros and Cons: Understanding the good and bad of this adorable breed.
These dogs are known for their cute looks, playful personalities, and affectionate nature.
However, like any other breed, they also have their own set of pros and cons that potential owners should consider before making a decision.
One of the significant pros of Maltese dogs is their size. With a compact size, they are perfect for apartment living.
Their long, silky coats are eye-catching, and they don’t shed excessively.
Maltese dogs are also loyal, intelligent, and love being around their humans, making them excellent companions for those looking for a furry friend.
However, one of the cons of Maltese dogs is that they can be stubborn and challenging to train.
They also have a high-pitched bark, which may not be suitable for those living in apartments with thin walls.
Additionally, they require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition, which can be time-consuming.
Overall, Maltese dogs are a pleasant companion for those who can devote time, patience, and effort to their needs.
Let’s cover the leading 18 Maltese dog pros and cons that you need to know!
Pros Of Owning A Maltese
1. Companionship
Owning a Maltese can provide companionship and unconditional love.
They are known for being loyal, affectionate, and gentle with their owners.
Maltese dogs also require minimal grooming due to their short coats which makes them ideal for people who don’t have time or the resources to groom a dog regularly.
Additionally, they are small in size so they do not take up too much space in your home.
Furthermore, since they need regular exercise but not as much as larger breeds of dogs, it is easier to keep them healthy without having to spend long hours at the park every day.
2. Intelligence
Owning a Maltese can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
These small dogs are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them great companions.
They also have low grooming needs and require minimal exercise, which makes them ideal for people with busy lifestyles.
Additionally, they tend to get along well with other animals and children.
So, if you’re looking for a family pet that will fit into your lifestyle perfectly then the Maltese might just be the perfect choice!
3. Minimal Exercise Needs
Owning a Maltese can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
One of the biggest advantages to owning this breed is that they have minimal exercise needs.
This makes them ideal for people who may not have much time or energy to dedicate to taking their pet on long walks and runs, as these dogs are content with shorter daily walks and plenty of playtime indoors.
They also tend to get along well with other animals in the home, making them great companions for families with multiple pets.
4. Hypoallergenic Coats
One of the biggest pros of owning a Maltese is that they have hypoallergenic coats.
This makes them an ideal pet for people who suffer from allergies, as their fur does not shed and it will not cause any allergic reactions.
They are also small in size which means they do not require much space or exercise, making them perfect for apartment living.
Additionally, Maltese dogs are known to be very loyal companions with a lot of love to give!
5. No Shedding
One of the biggest pros of owning a Maltese is that they are hypoallergenic and do not shed.
This makes them an ideal pet for people who suffer from allergies or have asthma, as their fur will not cause any reactions.
They also require minimal grooming which can be done at home with regular brushing and bathing to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Additionally, Maltese dogs are known to be very loyal companions and make great family pets due to their friendly nature.
6. Life Span
One of the biggest pros of owning a Maltese is their long life span.
On average, these dogs can live up to 15 years or more with proper care and nutrition.
They are also very low maintenance when it comes to grooming needs, as they only require occasional brushing and bathing.
Additionally, Maltese are known for being intelligent and loyal companions that make great family pets due to their friendly nature.
7. Versatile
Owning a Maltese is a great choice for those looking for an all-around versatile pet. They are small, friendly, and easy to train.
The breed is also known for being intelligent and loyal companions that can be taken on walks or hikes with ease.
Additionally, they have minimal grooming needs which makes them ideal pets for busy owners who don’t want the hassle of daily brushing or bathing their dog.
8. Good with Children
One of the biggest pros of owning a Maltese is that they are very good with children.
They have an even temperament and generally enjoy playing with kids, making them great family pets.
Maltese also tend to be loyal and affectionate towards their owners, so you can expect lots of cuddles from your furry friend!
Additionally, these dogs require minimal grooming which makes them perfect for busy households or those who don’t want to spend too much time on maintenance.
9. Adaptability to Different Living Environments
Owning a Maltese can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
One of the main advantages is their adaptability to different living environments.
They are small in size, so they don’t require much space and can easily fit into smaller apartments or homes.
Additionally, they have low grooming needs and do not need as much exercise as other breeds of dogs.
This makes them ideal for people who live busy lifestyles but still want a pet that will bring joy to their lives.
Cons Of Owning A Maltese
10. High maintenance
Owning a Maltese can be quite high maintenance.
They require frequent grooming, as their long coats need to be brushed and trimmed regularly in order to keep them looking healthy and neat.
They also have an abundance of energy which needs to be managed with regular exercise or they may become destructive if not kept busy.
Additionally, they are prone to separation anxiety so it is important that owners provide plenty of attention and companionship when needed.
11. Separation anxiety and potential behavior problems
Owning a Maltese can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with some cons.
One of the biggest issues that owners face is separation anxiety.
Maltese are very social animals and they love to spend time with their humans.
When left alone for too long, these dogs may become anxious or even destructive in order to get attention from their owners.
It’s important for owners to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation when leaving them home alone so that they don’t develop this behavior.
12. Fragility
Owning a Maltese can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the cons to owning a Maltese is their fragility.
They are small dogs, weighing in at around 7-9 pounds, so they do not have much weight behind them when playing or running around outside.
This makes them more prone to injury if they fall from heights or get into any kind of altercation with another animal.
It’s important for owners to take extra care when handling their dog and ensure that it gets plenty of rest after physical activity.
13. Barking tendencies and noise level
Owning a Maltese can come with some cons. One of the main issues is their barking tendencies, which can be quite loud and disruptive to your home environment.
They are also known for being high energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy.
Additionally, they have a tendency to bark at strangers or unfamiliar noises, making them an unsuitable pet if you live in close proximity to other people.
14. Training challenges
Owning a Maltese can come with some training challenges.
These dogs are very intelligent and independent, so they need to be trained from an early age in order to prevent behavioral issues such as barking or chewing on furniture.
They also tend to have high energy levels which means that owners must provide plenty of exercise for them every day.
Additionally, Maltese require frequent grooming due to their long coats, which can add up over time if you don’t do it yourself.
15. Health concerns and potential medical issues
Owning a Maltese can come with some health concerns and potential medical issues.
These dogs are prone to eye problems, respiratory infections, dental disease, skin allergies, ear infections and other conditions that require regular veterinary care.
They also need frequent grooming due to their long coats which can be time consuming for owners who don’t have the necessary experience or resources.
Additionally, they may not do well in extreme weather conditions as they tend to overheat easily.
16. Energy level
Owning a Maltese can be very rewarding, but there are some cons to consider.
One of the main drawbacks is their high energy level; they require daily exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy and happy.
If you don’t have enough time or patience for this kind of commitment, then owning a Maltese may not be the best choice for you.
Additionally, because they are small dogs, they can easily become injured if handled too roughly or allowed off-leash around other animals that could potentially harm them.
17. Tendency to be Picky Eaters
Owning a Maltese can be very rewarding, but there are some cons to consider as well.
One of the biggest drawbacks is that they tend to be picky eaters.
If you don’t provide them with food that meets their needs and tastes, then it’s likely your pet will refuse to eat or become malnourished over time.
This means owners need to take extra care when selecting foods for their pets and ensure they’re getting all the nutrients needed for optimal health.
Additionally, because of their small size, Maltese require more frequent meals than other breeds which may not fit into everyone’s lifestyle.
18. Stubborn and challenging to train
Owning a Maltese can be challenging, as they are known to be quite stubborn and difficult to train.
They have strong personalities and require consistent training in order for them to learn commands or tricks.
It is important that owners of Maltese dogs remain patient with their pet while teaching them new things.
As it may take some time before the dog fully understands what is being asked of him/her.
Additionally, these small dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy and happy.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Maltese
When considering adopting a Maltese, there are a few important factors to take into account.
Firstly, Maltese are known to be active and playful dogs, but they still have relatively small frames, so they might not be the best fit for households with young children or larger pets.
In addition, Maltese are often considered “lap dogs” and love spending time with their owners, so their ideal home would have someone around for most of the day.
Grooming is another crucial factor to consider as the Maltese’s long, silky coat requires regular brushing and trimming to keep it tangle-free and healthy.
Lastly, like all breeds, Maltese are known to have their own unique personalities.
So, it’s essential to spend time getting to know the individual dog you are considering bringing into your home to make sure they are compatible with your lifestyle and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Maltese dog is a great choice for those looking for an affectionate and loyal companion.
They are small in size but have big personalities that will bring joy to any home.
While they do require regular grooming and can be prone to certain health issues, these dogs make wonderful pets with their loving nature and playful attitude.
With proper care and attention, owning a Maltese dog can be a rewarding experience that brings years of happiness.
