Where to Buy Maltese Puppies: Trusted Sources & Tips

About the Maltese

The Maltese is a small breed known for its long, white, silky coat and gentle personality. These dogs often weigh 4 to 7 pounds when fully grown. Maltese are friendly, playful, and easily get along with families and other pets. They are alert and can make good watchdogs, but they rarely show aggression.

Here are some basic facts about the Maltese:

Feature	Details
Size	4-7 pounds, small
Coat	Long, white, silky
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Gentle, playful, loyal
Exercise	Light daily activity

• Grooming is important. Their hair needs brushing almost every day so it doesn’t tangle.
• They usually have dark, round eyes and a black nose, giving them a sweet look.

Although they enjoy short walks, the Maltese is happy with indoor playtime and doesn’t need lots of space. If you live in an apartment or a house, this breed can adjust easily. Maltese dogs are often chosen for their affectionate and loyal nature. If you want a small, loving companion that does well in most homes, the Maltese is a strong choice.

Is This the Right Breed for You?

The Maltese is a small, friendly dog that is known for its long, white coat and playful personality. This breed usually weighs under 7 pounds and does not need a lot of space, making it a good choice if you live in an apartment or small home.

Key traits of the Maltese:

Trait	Details
Size	Very small
Energy Level	Medium
Coat Care	High (daily brushing)
Shedding	Low

• You may enjoy a Maltese if you want a companion dog that is affectionate and enjoys spending time with people. Maltese dogs tend to form strong bonds with their families and often follow their owners from room to room.
• If you are away from home often or want a very independent dog, this breed may not be ideal. Maltese dogs can experience separation anxiety and may not like being left alone for long periods.
• Maintenance is an important factor. Their coat needs regular grooming to keep it clean and tangle-free. You will likely need to brush your Maltese every day and schedule regular trims.
• The Maltese can adapt to many lifestyles, but they do best in calm homes without a lot of loud noise or rough handling. If you have young children, gentle supervision is necessary to prevent accidental injury to such a small dog.

Where to Buy a Maltese Puppy or Dog

You have a few options when looking for a Maltese puppy or adult dog. Each option offers something different, so it helps to know where to start.

Reputable Breeders
Choosing a responsible breeder is important. Good breeders provide healthy, well-socialized puppies with vaccination records. Many breeders also offer support as your puppy grows. You can find breeders with experience on sites like Puppy Spot.

Online Marketplaces
Several websites list Maltese puppies for sale from breeders and owners. The AKC Marketplace connects buyers with AKC-registered breeders.

Adoption
You may find Maltese dogs or mixes at your local animal shelters or rescue groups. Some breeders sometimes have older, desexed dogs available for adoption.

Tip:

• Always visit in person when possible.
• Ask for health certificates and meet the puppy’s parents.
• Beware of scams or offers that seem too good to be true.

Here’s a quick list to help you decide:

Place to Buy	What to Expect
Breeder	Healthy, purebred puppy
Online Marketplace	Variety and choice
Shelter or Rescue	Adopt older or mixed Maltese

How to Choose a Reputable Breeder or Platform

Choosing the right breeder or platform is important. Not all breeders or websites are responsible or trustworthy. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid scams and unhealthy puppies.

Key things to check before buying:

• Ask for health certificates and proof of vaccinations
• Visit the breeder’s home or kennel if possible
• Meet the puppy’s parents
• Look for breeders who only have a few litters each year
• Ask about health guarantees
• Make sure the puppy is at least 8 weeks old before leaving its mom

A reputable breeder will want to learn about you and your lifestyle. They may have a waitlist and often ask questions to make sure their puppies go to safe, loving homes. Good platforms and breeder directories can also help. The American Maltese Association offers a breeder referral by state listing for trusted sellers.

Here’s a quick table to help compare:

Feature	Good Breeder	Bad Breeder
Health Test Results	Provided	Not available
Puppy Visits Allowed	Yes	No
Parent Dogs On Site	Yes	Not shown
Puppy Age at Adoption	8+ weeks	Under 8 weeks
Number of Litters/Year	Few	Many

Getting Your New Pup Home

Before your Maltese puppy arrives, make sure your home is ready. Set up a space with a comfy bed, food and water bowls, and safe toys. Remove anything dangerous or small enough for your puppy to swallow. If you buy from a breeder, ask if they offer delivery or pickup options.

When you bring your Maltese home, keep things calm. Let your puppy explore its new home at its own pace. Limit visitors for the first few days, so your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed.

Pack a small bag for travel that includes:

• Puppy food
• Water and a bowl
• A blanket or toy from the breeder
• Cleanup supplies

If you’re traveling a long distance, plan for breaks so your puppy can stretch and use the bathroom. After you get home, help your puppy settle in with a routine. Feed, walk, and play at the same times each day. This helps your Maltese feel more comfortable and secure.

Visit your vet within the first week for a check-up, even if your puppy already had shots and vet checks from the breeder. This makes sure your dog starts off healthy in its new home.