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Maltese Dogs for Adoption
194 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 121–150 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 5 of 7
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Lady
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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A171417
Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
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Junie
Humane Society of Missouri - Maryland Heights • Maryland, MO
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Nigel
The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV
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A928067
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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Kemet
Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA
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Bitsy
Meet Bitsy! Her name could not be more perfect for this tiny girl. Bitsy is an adorable 1 year old Maltese mix who weighs just 7 pounds and is full gr…
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
A5800217
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey • Downey, CA
Toodles
Toodles is a wonderful, beautiful boy, who has been waiting almost 2 years for his new family to come along. He has certainly made the best of his tim…
Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Weston, FL
Heff (in foster)
Heff is a 9 lb, 6-year-old Maltese who recently retired from a commercial breeding kennel. For most of his life, his only job was making puppies, so h…
Diane's Pet Rescue • Pottstown, PA
Alonzo
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster • Lancaster, CA
Maui
Meet Maui, a 5 year old Bichon/Maltese mix. He came to Castle of Dreams from a local animal shelter when he was found as a stray in Rahway. Maui is lo…
Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue • Cliffwood, NJ
Joey
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA
Max
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey • Downey, CA
Harry from Korea
Meet Harry Harry is a tiny 5-year-old Maltese boy, about 7 lbs, with a soft white coat, gentle eyes, and the sweetest little face. At only 7 lbs, Harr…
Ginger's pet rescue • Federal Way, WA
Chevy
Playful · Goofy · Good with Dogs · Good on leash · Gentle · Neutered
Eastwood Ranch Foundation • Agoura Hills, CA
Pebbles
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
Oliver
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Castaic • Castaic, CA
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.
