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Kevin
This sweet boy’s story is heartbreaking. Kevin was being surrendered to BARC when we happened to be there picking up another dog. He sat in the back o…
Yorkie Rescue Houston • Spring, TX
Maltese Dogs for Adoption
194 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 61–90 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 3 of 7
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Kiki
Cocker Rescue of Florida is a not for profit 501(c)3 chartered organization based in central, Florida. We are a true no-kill rescue committed to placi…
Cocker Rescue of Florida • ft lauderdale, FL
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Teddy
Petite pup seeking a chest to lay on or the back of your recliner to share with you. Introducing Teddy, a 3-4 year old, 6 pound, Morkie (Maltese/Yorks…
A Caring Place - All Breed Dog Rescue • Westmont, IL
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Otto
Otto may be small, but this fluffy little guy has enough personality to fill an entire house! At just about 15 pounds, this adorable Maltese mix is pl…
Our Underdog Rescue Squad • La Verne, CA
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Portobello
At just two years old, this adorable Maltipoo may be small, but his personality is anything but! He’s a loyal little guy with a big heart and an even …
Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid • Mission Viejo, CA
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Posey
Meet Posey, a 4 year old, 7-pound darling with a sophisticated look that belongs on a Hamptons getaway. Rescued from a difficult past, Posey is a sens…
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
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Dodger
West Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Chatsworth, CA
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Denis
Personality: active, playful Breed: maltese/poodle mix Age: approx DOB 7/14/26 Weight: 5lbs Sex: male Affectionate, playful Working on potty tr…
Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA
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Ember
Updated: 9/13/26 Dog Name: Ember Sex: Female Estimated Breed: Maltese Mix Approximate Age: 3 years Approximate Weight: 13 lbs Spay/Neuter Status: Spay…
Tail Waggers 911 • Grafton, WI
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Kip
Meet Kip! Kip is a 1-year-old Maltese mix looking for a family who will love him through his journey of discovering the world. Everything is still new…
Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL
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Alexander
Meet Alexander! Alexander is around 4 years old and came to us when his owner could no longer care for him. Alexander is a friendly, affectionate boy …
Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA
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Ralphina
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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Nick
Nick is just as sweet as he is adorable! At only 8 pounds, this precious 4-year-old Maltese mix is the perfect little sidekick for adventures of every…
Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC
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Puff
Personality: active, playful Breed: maltese/poodle mix Age: approx DOB 7/14/26 Weight: 5lbs Sex: male Affectionate, playful Working on potty tr…
Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA
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Honey Bear – 1 Year Female Maltipoo
PAWS pound Animals worth saving • Mesa, AZ
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Mazzy
West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
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Candi
East Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Van Nuys, CA
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Pumpkin
Updated: 9/13/26 Dog Name: Pumpkin Sex: Female Estimated Breed: Maltese Mix Approximate Age: 5.5-6 months Approximate Weight: 13 lbs Spay/Neuter Statu…
Tail Waggers 911 • Grafton, WI
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Saint
Courtesy Post MEET SAINT 1½ years old • Maltese • 5 lbs • Spayed This tiny little girl traveled all the way from Korea and is now ready for the most i…
Hopeful Paws of Florida • Estero, FL
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Guava
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
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Manny
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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Max
To meet me, visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter Tuesday-Sunday, Noon - 5:00 pm, Wednesdays, Noon - 6:00 pm. All adoptions are on a first-come, first-ser…
Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA
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Flounder
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
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Ophelia (Rescue Only)
HESPERIA ANIMAL SHELTER • HESPERIA, CA
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Angel
Say hello to the adorable Angel, a sweet girl who is looking for someone special to help her discover just how wonderful life can be. Angel can be a l…
Redemption Road Rescue Rehab Inc. • Wauconda, IL
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Grace
Personality: active, playful Breed: maltese/poodle mix Age: approx DOB 7/14/26 Weight: 5lbs Sex: female Affectionate, playful Working on potty …
Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA
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Oscar
Personality: active, playful Breed: maltese/poodle mix Age: approx DOB 7/14/26 Weight: 5lbs Sex: male Affectionate, playful Working on potty tr…
Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA
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Maltese dogs by state
Other breeds
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.
