Are Maltese Dogs Good Family Pets?

The Maltese is one of the most enduringly popular companion breeds — a tiny, glamorous, affectionate dog that has been a devoted lapdog for centuries. But are Maltese actually good family pets, and would one suit your home? The honest answer is that they make wonderful companions for the right household, with one important caveat: their tiny, fragile size means they are not ideal for homes with very young children. Here is a clear look at the breed's temperament and the families they fit best.

The Maltese temperament

Maltese are affectionate, playful and intensely people-focused. They bond closely with their owners, love being part of everything the family does, and are often described as lively and bold despite their small size. They are intelligent and respond well to gentle, reward-based training, and many enjoy learning tricks and games. For someone who wants a small, loving companion that thrives on attention, the Maltese is hard to beat. They are happy in flats or houses, and their minimal shedding adds to their appeal as an indoor companion.

The fragility caution

The single most important thing to understand is how small and delicate a Maltese is — typically only around 3–4kg as an adult. Tiny dogs can be seriously injured by being dropped, sat on, stepped on, or handled roughly, and they can be hurt by the sudden, unpredictable movements of toddlers and very young children. A startled small dog may also snap defensively if it feels cornered or frightened. None of this reflects badly on the breed's temperament; it is simple physics. For this reason, Maltese suit homes with older, gentle children or careful adults far better than busy households with toddlers. If you do have young children, constant supervision and teaching gentle, respectful handling are essential.

Good with children — with the right ground rules

With older children who understand how to handle a small dog gently, Maltese can be delightful family pets. Teach children to sit calmly when holding the dog, to let it come to them rather than chasing or grabbing, and to respect its need for quiet, undisturbed rest. Give the dog a safe space — a cosy bed or quiet corner — where it can retreat and is left alone. Done well, the bond between a gentle child and a Maltese can be genuinely special.

Other pets

Maltese generally get on well with other dogs and cats, especially when raised with them or introduced slowly and calmly. Their small size means care is needed around larger, boisterous dogs that could injure them in play, even unintentionally. Supervise interactions with bigger dogs and make sure your Maltese always has an escape route.

They need company

Because they bond so strongly with their people, Maltese do not cope well with being left alone for long periods and can be prone to separation-related distress and barking. They suit households where someone is around much of the day, or where the dog can be gradually trained to tolerate sensible periods alone. Plenty of company, play and mental stimulation keeps a Maltese happy; enrichment toys such as a puzzle feeder help on the occasions they are left.

Exercise, training and barking

Maltese are small but lively, needing around 30 minutes of exercise a day plus play and training. They can be vocal little watchdogs and may bark at visitors or noises, so early socialisation and consistent training matter to keep barking in proportion. Reward-based training, exposing puppies to lots of sights, sounds and gentle experiences early, and not accidentally rewarding attention-barking all help raise a well-mannered dog. Always walk a Maltese on a harness rather than a collar to protect its delicate windpipe — see our harnesses.

Who do Maltese suit?

• Adults, couples and older families who want an affectionate lap companion.
• Homes with older, gentle children rather than toddlers.
• People who are around much of the day, or can train their dog to be left for sensible periods.
• Owners happy to groom daily and budget for regular professional grooming (see our grooming guide).
• Anyone wanting a long-term companion who understands toy-breed health needs (see our health guide).

They are less ideal for very busy households with toddlers, for people out all day with no provision for the dog, or for anyone wanting a robust, rough-and-tumble family dog.

The honest verdict

For the right home, Maltese make outstanding companions: loving, characterful and devoted. The key is honesty about their fragility — they need gentle handling and a calm environment to stay safe. Match the breed to your household, commit to the grooming and company they need, and a Maltese will reward you with years of affectionate companionship.

*This is general guidance. Every dog is an individual, so meet the puppy and its mother before choosing, and speak to your vet about your circumstances.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — Maltese breed information and temperament (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — choosing a dog and dogs with children (bluecross.org.uk).
• PDSA — dog behaviour and companionship needs (pdsa.org.uk).
• RSPCA — dogs and families (rspca.org.uk).