Maltese in Australia — the honest 2026 guide

By Dogthings Editorial · Updated 2026-05-06

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Elegant, affectionate, and low-shedding — the Maltese has been a lap dog for 2,000+ years. Tiny, bonded companions that do well in small spaces.

Maltese temperament

Gentle, affectionate, and playful. Bonds intensely with one or two people. Can be vocal — alert bark at doorbells and noises.

History in Australia

Ancient Mediterranean breed, kept by Greek and Roman nobility. One of the oldest dog breeds still recognisable.

Who the Maltese suits

Good for:

• Apartment living
• Seniors and retirees
• Allergy-conscious households
• Lap-dog lovers

Watch out for:

• Extensive daily grooming (matting)
• Dental disease
• Tear staining on white coat
• Fragile — not for toddlers

Training a Maltese

Toilet training takes patience — small bladders mean frequent accidents. Teach 'quiet' early to manage alert barking. Positive reinforcement with tiny treats.

Owning a Maltese in Australia — the essentials

Beyond the breed-specific notes above, every Australian dog owner needs to know:

• Microchipping: Mandatory in every state and territory before sale or transfer. Around $60–80 at most vets, often included with the puppy's first vaccination.
• Council registration: Required by 3 months of age in every state. Annual fee $30–250 depending on council, breed, and desexing status (desexed dogs are typically discounted 50%+).
• Desexing: Required by 6 months in the ACT and parts of VIC; strongly encouraged everywhere else. Most council registration discounts hinge on desexing status.
• Restricted breeds: Some breeds (American Pit Bull, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario) are restricted or banned in most AU states. Check your state's restricted breeds list before buying anything that looks similar.
• Strata & rentals: Strata schemes can no longer impose blanket no-pet bans (post-2020 NSW law, similar reforms VIC/QLD), but they can impose "reasonable" conditions on size, breed, or behaviour. Read by-laws before signing.
• Vet costs: Budget $400–900/year for routine care (annual checkup, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental check) plus an emergency fund of at least $3,000 — a snake bite, GDV, or cruciate repair can hit $4,000–10,000.

Common Maltese health issues

• Dental disease
• Patellar luxation
• White shaker syndrome
• Portosystemic shunt
• Tracheal collapse

Insurance note: Low-moderate premiums. Dental disease is near-universal — confirm policy includes dental disease (not just injury). Patellar luxation and white shaker syndrome are other concerns.

Best food for a Maltese in Australia

Our top picks based on coat quality, digestion, and AU availability:

• Royal Canin Maltese Adult
• Hill's Science Diet Small Bites
• Advance Small Breed Adult

Essential gear for a Maltese

Three things that genuinely matter for a Maltese living in Australia:

Frequently asked questions

Similar dog breeds

If the Maltese doesn't quite fit, these breeds share a similar size and energy profile:

Read next

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Updated 2026-05-06 · Not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.