Find out all about Maltese and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.
Fact checked
$1,500 –$3,500
25cm - 28cm
3kg - 5kg
Independent, affectionate, loving
Long, hypoallergenic
Low
Yes
12 - 15 years
The Maltese is a small, white long-haired breed named after the Mediterranean island of Malta. It has been known in the Mediterranean area since ancient times, with numerous references to these dogs in Ancient Greek and Roman literature. For thousands of years, these dogs were cherished companions for royalty and nobility, known for their distinctive white non-shedding coats, dark eyes, and elegant appearance. Genetically, they are related to other small or toy breeds such as the Havanese, Bichon Frise and Bolognese.
Maltese dogs are affectionate and loyal to their owners. They tend to be playful but alert, and have a strong vocal nature, making them effective watchdogs. Despite their diminutive size, they have a bold and confident personality. They are adaptable and can thrive in small living spaces, making them suitable as lap dogs and for apartment dwellers.
The Maltese does require regular brushing and professional grooming to keep their long coat looking beautiful. Be prepared to brush and groom your Maltese regularly if the coat is kept long, or to have it clipped into a puppy style every six weeks or so. The Maltese makes a very loving and loyal family pet that is suitable for families with young children, and requires only a little daily exercise and playtime to keep it happy.
The small size of Maltese means they can be injured easily, so they should be handled with care by older children. They can also suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long. They love to be with their families at all times, and can become problem barkers if not given sufficient human attention.
Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include:
This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.
This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.
This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.
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Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.
For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.
