Every Dog’s Chance

Maltese Dogs for Adoption

194 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 91–120 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 4 of 7

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Photo of Bandit, adoptable Maltese in Phoenix, Arizona

Bandit

Maltese • Male • Small • 3 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Ruff! My name is Bandit and I weigh 17 LBS! ~I have a sweet personality and a nervous side! ~I like to take my time g…

Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Theo, adoptable Maltese in McKinney, Texas

Theo

Maltese • Male • Medium • 0 years

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Applications Only* Theo was abandoned at his dog boarder's home. The boarder reached out to Legacy Humane Society for help and …

Legacy Humane Society • McKinney, TX

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At Risk
Photo of Ralph, adoptable Maltese in Newark, Delaware

Ralph

Maltese • Male • Small • 5 years

This dog is located in Newark, DE. Visit us on the web at https://fur-everpaws.com/fur-ever-paws-adoption-application/ to submit an application. Pleas…

Fur-Ever Paws Dog Rescue • Newark, DE

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Photo of Cider, adoptable Maltese in Grafton, Wisconsin

Cider

Maltese • Female • Small • 0 years

To sponsor my trip to WI, go to www.tailwaggers911.com for more info! ***I am able to go home to my forever family right from transport!! You get a 5 …

Tail Waggers 911 • Grafton, WI

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Updated recently
Photo of Molly, adoptable Maltese in Cuba, New York

Molly

Maltese • Female • Small • est. 7–2023 yrs

Molly was born about August 18, 2023 and weighs about 20 pounds . A long time volunteer of Joyful Rescues stopped by CBAS (City of Buffalo Animal Shel…

Joyful Rescues, Inc. • Cuba, NY

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Photo of Linda, adoptable Maltese in Orlando, Florida

Linda

Maltese • Female • Small • 3 years

Meet Linda! READ ENTIRELY BEFORE APPLYING, not everyone is going to be a good match. Read below for requirements. From a rough start to a total sweeth…

Hunter's Village Rescue • Orlando, FL

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Updated recently
Photo of Maple, adoptable Maltese in Grafton, Wisconsin

Maple

Maltese • Female • Small • 1 year

To sponsor my trip to WI, go to www.tailwaggers911.com for more info! ***I am able to go home to my forever family right from transport!! You get a 5 …

Tail Waggers 911 • Grafton, WI

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Updated recently
Photo of Thea, adoptable Maltese in Rockville, Maryland

Thea

Maltese • Female • Small • 2 years

Name: Thea Sex: Female Estimated Age: 2 years old Best Guess for Breed: Maltese Mix Weight: About 10 lbs Good With: Dogs, cats, kids and all people! H…

Petey and Furends • Rockville, MD

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Maltese dogs by state

California80Texas16Illinois14Florida12Arizona10North Carolina9Massachusetts7Nevada6Wisconsin5South Carolina4Washington4New Jersey3

Other breeds

Pit Bull Terrier6635Labrador Retriever3815German Shepherd3648Mixed Breed2739Terrier1923Chihuahua1765Staffordshire Terrier1689Australian Cattle Dog1170Siberian Husky1036Shepherd963Husky762Boxer725

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.