Maltese Dogs for Adoption
194 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 151–180 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 6 of 7
Marshmallow from Korea
Meet Marshmallow Marshmallow is a 6-year-old Maltese boy weighing approximately 5 lbs, with a beautiful white coat and an adorable little face that is…
Ginger's pet rescue • Federal Way, WA
Nugget
Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center • Brownsville, TX
Theodosia
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster • Lancaster, CA
Waylon
Waylon is a 2-year-old 12 lb Maltipoo mix who has mastered the art of being the perfect companion. This calm, gentle boy is happiest when he's right b…
Starfish Animal Rescue • Plainfield, IL
Anakin
Don’t let his small, 10 pound, size fool you—Anakin is packed with personality! This adorable little Maltese mix is always ready for some fun and love…
Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control • Fort Wayne, IN
Pebbles
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
Girlie
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Scooby
Harbor Animal Care and Control Center • San Pedro, CA
Binky (bonded with Winky 89935)
Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Winky (bonded with Binky 89936)
Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Isabel
Meet Isabel! Isabel is such a precious little girl! She can be a little shy when you first approach her or go to pick her up, likely because she didn’…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Rosie
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West Valley Animal Care Center • Phoenix, AZ
Susie
Adoption fees and what is included in your adoption fee: https://www.sterlingshelter.org/pet-finder/animal-rescue-fee/ Current Hours and VIP Donor (…
Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling MA • Sterling, MA
Rupert
Adoption fees and what is included in your adoption fee: https://www.sterlingshelter.org/pet-finder/animal-rescue-fee/ Current Hours and VIP Donor (…
Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling MA • Sterling, MA
Ross
Adoption fees and what is included in your adoption fee: https://www.sterlingshelter.org/pet-finder/animal-rescue-fee/ Current Hours and VIP Donor (…
Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling MA • Sterling, MA
Hazel
THIS PUP WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION AFTER SHE IS SPAYED AUGUST 25th Hazel is a 3 month old female Teddy Bear who weighs in at 5 pounds. This pup's…
Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF-IL) • Wheaton, IL
Hunter
Meet Hunter! Hunter is lookng for a nice quiet home to call his own. He loves playing with toys and cuddling up with his close friends. Hunter has bee…
MSPCA - Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center • Boston, MA
Maltese dogs by state
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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.
