Maltese are renowned for their gentle, affectionate, and fearless nature. They form incredibly strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship. While they are playful and lively, they are not typically hyperactive. Their intelligence and alertness make them excellent little watchdogs, though their primary desire is to be a loving lap dog and family member.

Yes. Maltese are companion dogs through and through and do not like to be left alone for long periods. Prolonged isolation can lead to separation anxiety, which may manifest as excessive barking, chewing, or house soiling. We recommend crate training and gradually acclimating your puppy to being alone for short intervals. They do best in homes where someone is present for most of the day.

The Maltese coat is long, silky, and lacks an undercoat, which means it grows continuously and sheds very little (making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers). However, this requires a significant commitment to grooming.

•  Puppy Cut: For easier maintenance, we recommend a shorter “puppy cut,” which requires brushing every other day and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
•  Full Coat: Maintaining a long, show-style coat requires daily brushing to prevent painful mats and tangles.
  Regular eye cleaning is also essential to prevent tear staining, and routine nail trimming is a must.

Maltese can be wonderful with gentle, respectful children who understand how to handle a small dog. Due to their tiny size, they can be easily injured by rough play, so they are often better suited for families with older children. With proper, supervised introductions, they generally get along well with other dogs and even cats, especially when socialized from a young age.

Proper nutrition is critical for your puppy’s development. We feed our puppies a premium, high-quality small-breed puppy food. We will provide you with a detailed feeding schedule and a small supply of the food they are accustomed to, which we recommend you continue for at least the first week to avoid stomach upset. Any dietary changes should be made gradually over 7-10 days.

Maltese can be notoriously challenging to potty train due to their small bladders and stubborn streaks. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the keys to success.

• Schedule: Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and after play sessions.
  Positive Reinforcement: Always reward successful potty trips with high-value treats and enthusiastic praise.
• Method: We have found great success with crate training and using puppy pads as a reliable backup, especially in inclement weather. We are happy to provide a detailed potty training guide to all our new owners.

All our puppies are ready to join their new families at approximately 8 to 10 weeks of age. By this time, they have been weaned, have started their initial vaccination and deworming series, and have received a thorough health check by our veterinarian. This crucial period with their mother and littermates is essential for their behavioral development.

We ensure our puppies get the best possible start in life. When your puppy comes home, they will come with:

. A comprehensive health record including vaccinations and deworming.
· AKC registration paperwork (if applicable).
· A detailed puppy care guide.
· A blanket with the scent of their littermates.
· A small supply of their current food.
· A lifetime of breeder support—we are always here for you with advice.

Yes, the health and well-being of our puppies are our top priority. We provide a clearly written health guarantee that covers genetic and congenital disorders for a specified period. This guarantee is part of our contract, and we encourage you to review it thoroughly and discuss any questions with us.

The first step is to complete our online adoption application. This helps us learn about your family, lifestyle, and expectations to ensure we make the best possible match between puppy and home. Once your application is reviewed and approved, we will contact you to schedule a phone call or video chat and discuss the next steps.

Maltese have moderate exercise needs. They are energetic indoors and will get much of their activity through play. Short daily walks (10-15 minutes) and indoor play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them healthy and stimulated. They are ideal for apartment living but still require daily mental and physical engagement.

Maltese are generally a healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like all purebred dogs, they can be predisposed to certain conditions. Reputable breeders screen for these issues. Common concerns include:

· Patellar Luxation: A slipping kneecap.
· Dental Issues: Their small mouths can lead to overcrowding and periodontal disease, making daily teeth brushing vital.
· White Shaker Syndrome: A condition causing full-body tremors.
· Eye Problems: Such as tear duct issues and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
We provide full health records and genetic testing documentation for all our parent dogs.