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Maltese Dogs for Adoption
194 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 194 below.
About adopting a Maltese
The Maltese is an ancient toy breed, kept for centuries purely as a companion, and it wears its history in a flowing white coat and an expectation of being carried. Underneath is a lively, alert little dog that enjoys play and will bark at anything unusual. Shelter Maltese often come from breeder closures and from elderly owners who could no longer care for them.
Exercise needs are small. Indoor games and a short walk cover it, so they suit apartments and quieter homes. Grooming is the real work. A long coat mats quickly and stains around the eyes, and most adopters keep it clipped short. House training tends to be slow, and separation anxiety is common, since the breed was designed to be with a person constantly. Puppies are delicate. Adults are often already calm lapdogs.
Teeth, kneecaps, heart valves, and tear staining are the areas to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about. They are affectionate and gentle but do not tolerate rough handling, so homes with older children or none at all tend to be best. Ask the shelter or rescue how this Maltese has coped with being alone and with grooming, and what house training and manners she has learned so far.
194 Maltese dogs available — page 1 of 7
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Magnolia
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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Ember
Adoption fee: $800 Meet Ember! Ember is a very special little 13 week old puppy whose bright spirit has carried her through a painful beginning. She a…
Doggie Protective Services • Romoland, CA
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MALTIPOO (Maltese/Poodle)
MALTIPOO 16 WEEKS SUPER SWEET SPAYED/NEUTERED, SHOTS, MICROCHIP ADOPTION FEE $595.00 These darling babies were "left overs" from a broker from a pet s…
My Young & Old Fur Babies Rescue • Woodsfield, OH
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Quincy
Quincy is a sweet 2 year old Maltese that loves other dogs and children. He is great on leash walking and plays so nicely with children.
Animal Advocates FL • Sanford, FL
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Max
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
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Gizmo
Hi everyone! My name is Gizmo, but my friends like to call me Gizzy. I'm a fun-loving guy that LOVES toys, especially the ones that squeak! I am curre…
Richardson Rescue • York, SC
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Bishop
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster • Lancaster, CA
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Carolina
This dog is a recent arrival to REACH Rescue. Please check back for more information as their foster family gets to know them! Stop by our weekly adop…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
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Grizzle
North Central Animal Care and Control • Los Angeles, CA
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Canelo
East Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Van Nuys, CA
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Bruno Softball
This dog is available to meet by appointment only. Please submit an adoption questionnaire to meet him.
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
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Ellie
I am catching up on my vetting! I can go home with my forever family on October 3rd! ** Updated: 9/13/26 Dog Name: Ellie Sex: Female Estimated Breed: …
Tail Waggers 911 • Grafton, WI
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Caroline
She is 1 year old and 13 pounds. Our adoption center & Spay Clinic is open by appointment with approved application. We are located at 571 NE 44th Str…
Animal Aid, Inc. • Oakland Park, FL
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A171418
Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
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Lemonade
All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption. Adoption fee: $750 Meet lovely l…
Doggie Protective Services • Romoland, CA
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Heath
Heath is an adorable four year old 16 pound Maltese mix. Possibly some Shih Tzu or some Westie. He's such a love bug. He's shy at first but warms up q…
Second Leash on Life • San Diego, CA
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Milo
Meet Milo! Milo is a sweet, happy young pup whose tail rarely stops wagging. He may approach new people cautiously at first, but he warms up quickly a…
Sandy Paws Rescue inc. • Oak Bluffs, MA
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Luna
Meet Luna Just look at this precious girl! Luna is absolutely gorgeous, with the softest, fluffiest, non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat. Her beautiful …
Adopt A Dog Rescue • Phoenix, AZ
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CoCo
Lil' Bit and CoCo are owner surrenders that are a bonded pair. They are 4 year-old little princesses that need a good home. They love car rides, long …
Stanly County Humane Society, Inc • Albemarle, NC
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Lil' Bit
Lil' Bit and CoCo are owner surrenders that are a bonded pair. They are 4 year-old little princesses that need a good home. They love car rides, long …
Stanly County Humane Society, Inc • Albemarle, NC
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Oso
Meet Oso! Oso is a 6-year-old, 25 lb. Poodle/Maltese mix with a sweet, affectionate personality and an enthusiastic love for life. He is friendly, cur…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Gemma
Hi, I'm Gemma! My days are filled with gentle tail wags and soft nuzzles. I love a good game of fetch, but I'm just as happy curled up by your side, s…
Morgan County Humane Society • Hartselle, AL
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Howard
_________ B I O ______________ Name: Howard Size: ~Small range: Up to 25 lbs Adoption Donation: $250 (applicable sales tax included). Adoption fees ma…
4 Luv of Dog Rescue • Fargo, ND
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Falcor
Hi, I’m Falcor. ❤️ I’m not really sure how I ended up here, but I’m hoping my story has a much happier chapter ahead. I was hit by a car and a kind Go…
A Doggie 4 You • Pipe Creek, TX
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Adopting a Maltese — FAQ
Are Maltese dogs good for apartments?
Yes, they are among the better apartment breeds. They are small, need little exercise, and are happy indoors. Barking at hallway noises is the main challenge, and it can be reduced with training. Ask the shelter how this dog has handled alone time, since Maltese tend to dislike it.
How much grooming does a Maltese need?
A lot if the coat is kept long, with daily brushing and regular trims to prevent painful mats. A short puppy clip reduces it to brushing a few times a week. Tear staining around the eyes needs daily wiping. Skipping grooming is the most common way a Maltese ends up matted in a shelter.
Do Maltese dogs get along with children?
With gentle, older children, yes. They are playful and affectionate. Very young children can hurt a small dog by accident, and a frightened Maltese may snap. Supervision and teaching kids to be gentle matter. Ask the shelter whether this dog has lived with children before.
How do I adopt a Maltese?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.
Are Maltese dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Many Maltese dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.
How much does it cost to adopt a Maltese?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.
Are Maltese dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.
Can I foster a Maltese instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Maltese gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Maltese?
Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.
