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White Maltese dog laying on a beige bed next to a rainbow colored rope knot dog toy image

Maltese puppies and dogs

If you're looking for a Maltese, Adopt a Pet can help you find one near you. Use the search tool below and browse adoptable Malteses!

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What is a Maltese?
Maltese adoption
Find a Maltese by location
Maltese characteristics
Maltese information
Maltese fun facts
What is a Maltese?

Maltese traits

Toy
8-10 inches
5-13 pounds
12-15 years
Maltese characteristics
Exercise needs
Low-key activity High-demand workouts
Grooming needs
Occasionally Frequently
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervision Ready to play
Good with cats
Likely to chase Hey, new pal!
Training aptitude
Headstrong Eager to please
Full-grown size
Teeny Tiny Super size
Maltese adoption

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We'll also keep you updated on Holly's adoption status with email updates.
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Photo of Holly

Holly

Maltese

Female, 3 yrs 1 mo
los angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Sweet and fun loving Holly has been through a lot. She was found completely matted and neglected at the shelter. It's clear she was treated badly and she needs time to adjust to new surroundings but once she feels comfortable, she loves her humans and bonds deeply.  Once she finds her loving home, we hope she can finally have the unconditional love she deserves. Because she can scare easy we think she's better off in a home with no kids at this time. Our best guess is she's a maltese or Bichon Frise or poodle. She's 100% amazing. She needs experienced owner(s) because she's been through a lot and takes some time to trust new people. If she gets spooked, she can nip. So she needs people who will love her unconditionally even while she's adjusting and even if she has some moments where she wants to be left alone. (Who doesn't have these moments?) She seems to love all dogs. Loves toys. She's a special girl and she is a survivor! ##1802348##

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We'll also keep you updated on Milo (Me-Lo) - So Ca's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Milo (Me-Lo) - So Ca

Milo (Me-Lo) - So Ca

Maltese Poodle (Miniature)

Male, Adult
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Milo (pronounced Me-Lo) is a precious Maltese/Poodle mix. He's so tiny at only 10 pounds, but this little guy wants all the attention.  He doesn't like other dogs or children. Milo is neutered, fully vaccinated.  Potty trained, leash trained, enjoys long walks, and playing fetch. Can be anxious at times, and tends to bark a little.  Hesitant when meeting new people, but once he gets to know you, he's very loving. If you are interested in adopting Milo, please complete an adoption application on our website to be pre-approved:  www.dachshundrescueoflosangeles.comSeptember 30, 2024, 3:49 pm

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We'll also keep you updated on Dex (w/Corey)'s adoption status with email updates.
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Dex (w/Corey)

Maltese

Male, 5 yrs 4 mos
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
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We'll also keep you updated on damsel's adoption status with email updates.
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damsel

Maltese Yorkie Poo

Female, 1 yr 6 mos
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
HI I'm damsel! I'm an absolute itty bitty delight! around 1-2 years old 7 lbs and a joy to have around. I am happy going for walks or being carried. I am great with dogs of all sizes. house broken and crate trained. would probably be just fine with cats too. Can't wait to meet you! please note All of our dogs are in private foster homes. Once you fill out an application it will be screened by our volunteer adoption team. From there, if your application looks like a good fit for the particular dog, it will be sent to the foster where you can ask all the questions you would like and schedule a meet and greet. We do not transport our dogs. If you apply from out of state we do request you come to Los Angeles to meet us and fly home in cabin or drive. www.apurposefulrescue.org

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We'll also keep you updated on Dylan's adoption status with email updates.
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Dylan

Maltese

Male, 2 yrs 11 mos
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Dylan! Dylan is an almost 3 year old, 8.5 lb Maltese who is looking for a great home. Dylan was born on November 22, 2021. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. He walks well on leash. Dylan is potty trained in his foster home but will have to be re-housebroken to your schedule and living situation. He is a very happy out going boy with a lot of energy.

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We'll also keep you updated on Cici's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Cici

Cici

Maltese Poodle (Miniature)

Female, 4 yrs 3 mos
Santa Monica, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
This beautiful girl is Cici. Isn't she stunning? Cici is a 4 yr old, female, Poodle/Maltese mix that is about 16lbs of pure sweetness! Cici came to us when she was found dumped and abandoned on the streets in bad condition...flea infested, emaciated, and a broken leg. We got her the medical attention she needed including a surgery to repair her leg and now she is one happy, healthy, and grateful little pup! Cici is a dog that must definitely have another sweet and playful dog in the home. If you don't have another dog, she has a best friend, Tali, a 2 yr old, female, Maltese/Terrier mix that she can be adopted with. Once she feels comfy and safe, she will open up and just play, play, play! A home with a safe/secure backyard would be ideal along with owners that are not gone long hours during the day. Cici is excellent in the car and seems to be potty trained with outdoor access. She still needs a little polishing with walking on leash, but she is very smart and a very quick learner. A home that will allow her on furniture and dote on her like she deserves is exactly what she needs. Sweet Cici is such an amazing dog that we know that perfect forever home is out there for her! Cici is spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. Please contact us at: gina@theforgottendog.org or 310-990-2020 We only adopt in the Greater Los Angeles Areas as an in person meet/greet, home check, and trial period are required.

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Maltese information
Frequently asked questions

Maltese Appearance

Learn about about the Maltese general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.

Yes, all Maltese are white, but they can occasionally have shades of light tan or lemon on their ears or around their eyes. These variations in color are often considered "off-white" or "ivory." However, for purebred Maltese dogs, the vast majority of their coat should be a beautiful, silky white, and the presence of any significant color other than white is considered a deviation from the breed standard.


Maltese weigh between four to seven pounds and stand about seven to nine inches in height at the shoulder. Their compact size and light frame make them a portable and charming companion, well-suited for indoor living, and easy to carry around.

No, Maltese do not shed. While they don't shed in the traditional sense, their hair can break and become trapped in their coat, which may require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their silky appearance. 


Maltese are one of the few breeds that boast a hair-type coat instead of a fur-type coat. Their hair-like fur is one of the main reasons Maltese shed so little. Hair has a longer growth cycle than fur, so it takes longer to grow, die, and eventually fall out. Maltese have a single coat so they do not experience heavier seasonal shedding.

A Maltese is a small dog, with a long, silky white coat that flows to the ground (you’ll often see it tied up in a topknot to keep it out of their eyes). Their expressive dark eyes and black nose are set against their white fur, giving them a sweet puppy-dog look. Maltese dogs have a compact, well-proportioned body, a plume-like tail that arches over their back, and feathering on their ears.

Maltese dogs have hair rather than fur. Their coat is unique, consisting of long, silky hair, and it doesn’t have the undercoat typical of many other breeds with fur. This distinction contributes to their reputation as a low-shedding and often hypoallergenic breed. The long hair, which can grow quite lengthy, requires regular grooming and care to maintain its elegant appearance and prevent matting.

Maltese Temperament

Learn about about the Maltese temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Yes, Maltese dogs are easy to train. While they are intelligent and can be trained effectively, they may display some independent tendencies that can present training challenges. Their affectionate and eager-to-please nature makes them responsive to positive reinforcement techniques. Early training and socialization are crucial to mold a well-behaved Maltese. Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training a dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, Maltese tend to bark a lot, as they are alert and protective by nature. Their small size and energetic temperament can make them reactive to changes in their environment. While their barking can be seen as a way of alerting their pet parents to potential threats or unfamiliar situations, it’s important to provide your Maltese with consistent training and socialization to manage their barking tendencies.

Yes, Maltese are considered good dogs with an affectionate nature and lively temperament. Their small size and adaptability to various living environments, including apartments, add to their appeal. When properly cared for, they can be loving, loyal, and well-behaved pets, making them a great choice for those seeking a devoted four-legged family member.

Yes, Maltese dogs are smart. They may be small, but their intelligence is notable. They can quickly learn commands and respond well to training, making them capable of a wide variety of tricks and tasks. 

Yes, Maltese dogs are good with cats. While their gentle, loving nature can promote positive interactions, Maltese have a territorial disposition, which may require supervision and gradual introductions to ensure the comfort and safety of both the cat and the dog. Creating a good relationship between a Maltese and a cat involves monitoring their interactions, facilitating positive encounters, and recognizing and respecting the unique personalities of both pets.

Yes, Maltese dogs are good with kids when they are well-socialized and accustomed to children from a young age. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them potential playmates and companions for kids. However, due to their small size and delicate frame, it’s crucial to teach children how to interact with the dog respectfully and gently, minimizing the risk of accidental harm.


As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Maltese to keep both the child and dog safe.

Yes, Maltese can swim, but their small size and light build can make swimming more challenging compared to larger, more water-oriented breeds. It’s important to introduce them to water gradually and ensure they wear a well-fitting canine life jacket for safety. While some Maltese may take to water naturally, others may need more time and encouragement to feel comfortable swimming. Supervision is essential, especially around pools or other bodies of water, to prevent accidents and ensure their safety while enjoying the water.