Maltese Puppies for Sale
Recognized by: AKC, FCI, KC, UKC
About the Maltese
The Maltese is a tiny, elegant companion breed weighing under seven pounds, prized for a flowing white coat and a bold, affectionate personality that fits city and apartment life well. Despite the glamorous looks, this is a hardy and playful little dog that bonds intensely with its people and thrives on being close to them. The single, hair-like coat sheds very little, which many allergy-conscious buyers appreciate, but it demands real commitment: daily brushing to prevent mats and tear-stain care, or a shorter 'puppy cut' to reduce upkeep. Small size brings fragility, so households with very young, rambunctious children should supervise closely to prevent accidental injury. Maltese can be vocal and may alert-bark at sounds, and like many toy breeds they can be slower to house-train and prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long. With gentle, consistent training and early socialization they are bright and eager. For an owner wanting a devoted lap dog that travels easily, adapts to small spaces, and sheds minimally, the Maltese is a charming, long-lived choice.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
Exercise needsLower than most
Energy levelTypical
TrainabilityTypical
Grooming effortDefining trait
SheddingMinimal
BarkingTypical
Apartment fitDefining trait
Good with childrenTypical
Good with other dogsHigher than most
First-time ownersHigher than most
Showing 8 of 16 active listings
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Where this breed shines
- Very low shedding coat that suits allergy-conscious and apartment owners
- Highly affectionate, portable companion that adapts to small living spaces
- Long-lived and generally hardy for such a small breed
Things to consider
- High-maintenance coat needs daily brushing or regular professional grooming
- Fragile size requires care around young children and larger dogs
- Prone to separation anxiety and can be slow to house-train
History
One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese traces to the central Mediterranean and was cherished as a luxury lapdog by ancient Greek and Roman elites. It appears in classical art and writing over two thousand years old, and was long bred purely for companionship. The AKC recognized the breed in 1888.
Temperament
Affectionate, lively, and fearless for its size, the Maltese forms strong attachments and loves to be near its owner. It is playful and responsive to gentle training but can be vocal and sensitive to being left alone. Early socialization helps curb timidity and excessive barking.
Questions to ask a Maltese breeder
- Have the puppies and parents been screened for liver shunt and patellar luxation?
- What dental care and diet do you recommend given the breed's small mouth?
- How are puppies socialized and handled before going home?
Health considerations to discuss
Patellar luxation. Kneecap slipping is common in toy breeds; ask for OFA patella evaluations on the parents.
Portosystemic (liver) shunt. Congenital vascular defect; puppies can be screened with bile-acid blood testing.
Dental disease. Crowded small jaws retain plaque; regular brushing and veterinary dental care are important.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: AKC Maltese breed overview · American Maltese Association — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Maltese litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Maltese puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Maltese listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How much do Maltese puppies cost?
Listed puppies currently range from $500 to $4,850. Each breeder sets their own price, which varies with the puppy's age, lineage, and location.
How can I tell if a Maltese breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.