Common Mistakes Maltese Owners Make (And How to Fix Them)
Alright, so you’ve welcomed a tiny cloud of sass and fluff into your life—a.k.a., a Maltese. Congrats! 🎉 You’ve basically signed up for a lifetime of snuggles, judgmental side-eyes, and a lot of cleaning.
But here’s the thing: Maltese are adorable, but they’re also tiny divas. And even the most well-meaning humans (yes, you) make mistakes that can turn your sweet angel into a full-blown terror in a tiara.
Here are the 7 common mistakes Maltese owners make—so you can avoid them and keep your fluffy dictator happy. 😉
1. Skipping Training Because “They’re So Small, What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”
Oh, you sweet summer child.
Just because your Maltese fits inside a tote bag doesn’t mean they don’t need serious boundaries. Without training, your cute little nugget can morph into a barking, biting, carpet-destroying menace faster than you can say, “It’s fine, he’s just small!”
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- Sit, stay, come. (You know, the basics.)
- Socialization is huge. Otherwise, they’ll act like everyone except you is a serial killer.
FYI: Being tiny doesn’t excuse bad manners. Imagine a rude Maltese running society. Terrifying.
2. Letting the Grooming Slide… Until They Look Like a Dust Bunny
You thought you were ready for that silky, flowing coat. Then… life happened. And suddenly your Maltese looks like a walking mop that’s seen better days.
Major no-no.
- Maltese coats mat like crazy if you slack even a little.
- Mats aren’t just ugly—they hurt. Like, “tiny torture devices” level hurt.
Solution:
Brush them daily (yes, daily…welcome to your new hobby).
Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is non-negotiable unless you’re aiming for the “abandoned ghost dog” look.
3. Feeding Table Scraps Like You’re Their Personal Chef
Listen, I get it. They give you that look—the one that could melt steel—and the next thing you know, you’re handing over half your burger.
Here’s the reality check:
- Maltese have sensitive stomachs.
- Rich, fatty human food = vet bills that will make you cry into your wallet.
Stick to dog food designed for small breeds. And if you have to spoil them (because duh, you will), use safe treats like carrots or sweet potatoes in tiny amounts.
IMO, a healthy Maltese is way cuter than a bloated, gassy one. (Trust me.)
4. Babying Them to the Point They Forget They’re Dogs
Spoiler: Your Maltese is still a dog.
Yes, even if they’re wearing a bowtie and have a stroller.
When you baby them too much—like carrying them everywhere or never letting them walk—you’re setting them up for anxiety, fear, and zero confidence.
They need:
- Regular walks (on their own tiny legs).
- Interaction with other dogs and humans.
- Some independence so they don’t panic if you, gasp, leave the room for two seconds.
Basically: cute doesn’t mean helpless. Don’t raise a codependent gremlin. 🙂
5. Ignoring Dental Care (Until Their Breath Can Knock Out a Horse)
You ever smelled a Maltese mouth that’s been ignored? It’s… an experience.
Small breeds like the Maltese are prone to dental problems. Like, really prone.
If you don’t brush their teeth regularly:
- They’ll end up with rotten teeth.
- Or infections.
- Or losing teeth entirely (not a good look).
Easy fix:
- Brush those pearly whites at least 3–4 times a week.
- Dental treats help, but they’re not magic.
- Regular vet cleanings are a must (yeah, sorry, more bills).
Your dog (and your nostrils) will thank you later.
6. Leaving Them Alone Too Much (And Wondering Why Your Couch Is Dead)
Maltese are not exactly the “Netflix and chill by themselves” type.
They’re companion dogs—which is fancy talk for “they will literally lose their minds if they feel abandoned.”
Signs you’re gone too much:
- Destructive behavior (like rearranging your couch stuffing).
- Excessive barking (your neighbors love that, btw).
- Full-blown anxiety.
Solutions:
- Dog sitters.
- Doggy daycare.
- Bringing them with you more often (Maltese love being VIPs anyway).
Short version? Don’t leave your needy marshmallow home alone for 10 hours and expect a welcome-home party.
7. Thinking “Exercise? For This Tiny Floof? LOL Nah.”
Surprise:
Your little fluffball needs exercise.
No, not marathon training. But daily walks and playtime are crucial to keeping them healthy, sane, and not horribly bored.
Without it:
- They gain weight fast (and that’s bad news for their tiny joints).
- They turn into hyperactive monsters at 11 p.m. (ask me how I know).
- Their behavior problems get worse.
Get moving:
- Walks twice a day (even short ones).
- Games of fetch (tiny balls, please).
- Training games that work their brains.
A tired Maltese = a well-behaved Maltese. Math checks out.
The Bottom Line (Because Your Maltese Deserves Better)
Look, owning a Maltese is basically signing up for life with an adorable, needy, slightly bossy toddler… who has fabulous hair.
If you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll have a happier, healthier, way-less-dramatic dog.
(And honestly, you’ll save yourself a lot of future gray hairs.)
TL;DR?
Train them. Groom them. Exercise them. Brush their teeth. Let them be dogs sometimes. Don’t treat them like a doll. Love them like crazy—because they’re already obsessed with you.
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
