Maltese Dogs for Adoption in Pelham, NH

No, Maltese should not have curly hair; the breed standard calls for long, straight, silky hair and treats curly or woolly texture as a fault. Some Maltese have a slight wave, and coats can kink when dirty or matted. A dog with truly curly hair is often a mix, such as a Maltipoo, which shares many traits.

No, most Maltese do not handle cold weather well. Their small size and lack of an undercoat mean they lose body heat quickly. A sweater or coat helps on chilly walks, and they should never be left outdoors in cold or wet weather. Shivering, lifting paws or refusing to walk are signs to head inside.

Yes, Maltese can be wonderful pets for people who want a small, affectionate companion and can keep up with grooming. Many are gentle, playful and adaptable to apartment life. Downsides include slow housetraining, dental problems, fragile bodies and a tendency to bark or become anxious when left alone. Calm adults and seniors often find them ideal.

The average adult Maltese weighs about four to seven pounds. The AKC standard asks for under seven pounds, with four to six preferred, while some pet Maltese reach eight. Body condition matters more than the scale number, since even one extra pound is a lot for a toy dog. Your veterinarian can help assess ideal weight.

Maltese dogs are usually gentle, affectionate and lively, with a playful streak that lasts into old age. Many are fearless for their size and alert to noises, so some bark readily. They thrive on companionship and often become anxious when left alone for long hours. Most enjoy cuddling as much as play and short walks.

Maltese can be good family pets for households with calm, older children who handle small dogs gently. Their fragile bodies make them easy to injure if dropped or stepped on, so families with toddlers often find a sturdier dog easier. Many Maltese bond with every family member and enjoy being included in quiet daily routines.

Maltese dogs don't usually have a strong body odor, since their single coat doesn't hold much oil. Smells usually come from tear staining, dental disease, a soiled or matted coat, or ear infections. Daily face wiping, regular tooth brushing and frequent grooming keep most Maltese fresh. A persistent bad smell is worth a veterinary visit.

Maltese dogs are known for their long, silky white coat, gentle and affectionate temperament, and ancient history as Mediterranean lap dogs. They are also known for being fearless and playful despite their tiny size. Among owners, they are known for loving close contact, following their people everywhere and needing regular grooming and dental care.

Yes, Maltese are very affectionate dogs, and many love to be held, cuddled and close to their people throughout the day. The breed standard describes their trust and affectionate responsiveness as a defining trait. That attachment can tip into separation anxiety, so building independence gradually and avoiding long absences helps an affectionate Maltese stay relaxed.

Yes, Maltese dogs are generally friendly, often greeting family members and familiar visitors with enthusiasm. Some are reserved or barky with strangers until they feel safe, and poorly socialized dogs may snap when handled roughly. Gentle introductions and early socialization help. A shelter's notes about an adult Maltese's behavior with new people help with matching.

No, Maltese are not hunting dogs. They have been companion and lap dogs for centuries and were never developed to track, point or retrieve game. Some may chase toys, bugs or squirrels with enthusiasm, but their purpose is companionship. Their small size and delicate coat also make them unsuited to outdoor hunting work.

Some Maltese become strongly attached to one person, especially the one who feeds, grooms and spends the most time with them. Many still bond with everyone in a household when all members share care and play. Encouraging several people to handle routines helps prevent possessiveness and makes the dog more comfortable when its favorite person is away.

A Maltese may be right for you if you want a small, affectionate indoor companion and are home much of the day. Plan for daily brushing or professional grooming every six to eight weeks, daily tooth care and patient housetraining. Households with toddlers or long work hours may struggle, while calm adults often find them delightful.

Before adopting a Maltese, know that its coat needs frequent brushing or regular trims, and dental disease is common, so tooth brushing matters. Many are slow to housetrain, sensitive to cold and prone to separation anxiety. Their fragile bodies need careful handling. In return, they are usually gentle, loving and long-lived companions.

Neither male nor female Maltese is better; the individual dog's personality matters far more than sex. Some owners find males slightly more affectionate and females a bit more independent, but these are loose generalizations. Spayed and neutered Maltese of both sexes make excellent companions. Focus on energy level, history and how the dog fits your household.

Yes, Maltese are usually good for apartments. Their small size, modest exercise needs and preference for indoor life suit compact homes. Barking at hallway noises can be an issue, so early training and enough company help. Short daily walks and indoor play meet most of their needs, and the low-shedding coat keeps small spaces tidier.

Yes, Maltese are classic lap dogs, bred for centuries to sit close to their people. Most love being held, cuddled and carried. They are also lively and playful, though, and enjoy short walks, games and exploring. Letting them walk rather than always carrying them helps build confidence and keeps them fit.

Yes, Maltese are often very loyal, forming close bonds with their people and wanting to be near them constantly. That loyalty shows as following owners around, waiting by the door and sometimes barking to alert them. Their devotion can lead to separation anxiety, so gradual alone-time training helps them feel secure when you leave.

Maltese have hair rather than fur. Their single coat grows long and continuously, similar to human hair, and has no undercoat. That means it sheds very little but needs regular brushing and trimming to prevent mats. The difference between hair and fur is informal, but it explains why Maltese shed less than many breeds.

No one knows exactly how many Maltese dogs exist worldwide, since most pet dogs are never registered with a kennel club. The breed is well established and consistently ranks as one of the more popular toy breeds in the United States. Shelters and small-breed rescues regularly care for Maltese and Maltese mixes needing homes.