Toy · Dog
Maltese
The Maltese is a small, ancient toy breed covered in a long, silky white coat. Originating from the Mediterranean island of Malta, they are gentle, playful, and affectionate companions that have been cherished lapdogs for thousands of years.

Available Malteses

Tobby
Maltese
🇦🇹Lochen, Austria

Freddy
1 yearMaltese · large
🇩🇪Hannover, Germany

Boni
7 yearsMaltese · small
🇦🇹Linz, Austria

Coco
9 yearsMaltese · small
🇦🇹Linz, Austria

Ravioli
1 yearMaltese · large
🇩🇪Germany

Kalle
5 yearsMaltese · small
🇩🇰Denmark

Rosie
8 yearsMaltese
🇬🇧Newton Tony, United Kingdom

Scout
2 yearsMaltese
🇬🇧United Kingdom

Mina
8 yearsMaltese
🇪🇸Spain

Ella
9 monthsYorkshire Terrier · large
🇩🇪Germany

Elena
9 monthsYorkshire Terrier · large
🇩🇪Germany

Riky
6 yearsMaltese
🇩🇪Mannheim, Germany

Dot
13 yearsMaltese
🇩🇪Stadtsteinach, Germany

Jenny+Ronny
Yorkshire Terrier · small
🇦🇹Vienna, Austria

Cindy
17 yearsMaltese · medium
🇦🇹Vienna, Austria

Frederik+Socker
11 yearsMaltese · medium
🇦🇹Vienna, Austria

Bella
9 yearsShih Tzu
🇩🇪Homburg, Germany

Tedy
2 yearsMaltese
🇫🇷Clermont-Ferrand, France

Bobby
13 yearsMaltese · small
🇩🇪Cologne, Germany

Benji
3 yearsMaltese · tiny
🇬🇧United Kingdom

Ciuffetto
3 yearsMaltese · small
🇮🇹Verona, Italy

Rio (vermittelt)
Maltese
🇩🇪Wasbek, Germany

Benni
7 yearsMaltese · large
🇩🇪Bergheim, Germany

Lola – 6 year old Female – MEETING BOOKED
Maltese
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Page 1 of 4 · 87 Malteses
About the breed
Maltese characteristics.
The Maltese is a member of the Toy group, typically small in size. Like all dogs, individual Maltese personalities can vary — rescue dogs especially may have unique temperaments shaped by their prior experiences. Getting to know a dog before adopting is always recommended.
As a smaller breed, the Maltese can adapt well to apartment living. Despite their size, they still benefit from daily walks and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Rescue Maltese dogs may need extra patience during the settling-in period. Many shelters provide behavioural assessments and can advise on whether a specific dog is suited to your household.
Adoption guide
What to expect when adopting a Maltese.
Adopting a Maltese from a rescue shelter gives a deserving animal a second chance at happiness. Shelters across Europe care for thousands of dogs, and every adoption makes room for another animal in need.
The adoption process
Most European shelters follow a structured adoption process: an initial application, a meet-and-greet with the animal, a home check (in some countries), and finally the adoption contract.
Health and veterinary care
Reputable shelters vaccinate, microchip, and neuter or spay animals before rehoming. Adoption fees typically cover these veterinary costs.
Settling in at home
The first few weeks are an adjustment period. A quiet space, consistent routine, and patience go a long way. Many rescue dogs blossom within weeks once they feel safe and loved.
Adopting from another country
Cross-border adoption within Europe is common. Your Maltese will need an EU pet passport, a valid rabies vaccination, and a microchip. Check our dog import guides for country-specific requirements.
Why adopt
Why adopt a Maltese?
Many people are surprised to find purebred and pedigree animals in rescue shelters. Maltese dogsend up in shelters for many reasons — changes in owner circumstances, allergies, moving abroad, or simply being found as strays. None of these reasons reflect on the animal's character.
By choosing to adopt rather than buy, you help reduce demand for commercial breeding, give an animal a loving home, and support the vital work that rescue shelters do across Europe.
Find your match
84 Maltese are waiting for a home right now.
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