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TailHarbor

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.

77
available
Toy
group
SMALL
size
Maltese

Available Malteses

Sacco, male 5yo Maltese for adoption at Zürcher Tierschutz, Zürich

Sacco

Maltese · small

5 yearsMale
Baron von Kläff (im Probewohnen), male 7yo Maltese for adoption at Zürcher Tierschutz, Zürich

Baron von Kläff (im Probewohnen)

Maltese

7 yearsMale
Suzi, female senior Maltese for adoption at Tierschutzverein Wunstorf und Umgebung von 1934 e.V., Wunstorf

Suzi

Maltese · small

10 yearsFemale
Buddy, male English Bulldog for adoption at Tierheim Regensburg, Regensburg

Buddy

English Bulldog · large

Male
Nieve, female 5yo Maltese for adoption at Fundacion Animal Rescue

Nieve

Maltese · small

5 yearsFemale
Nube, female Maltese for adoption at Fundacion Animal Rescue

Nube

Maltese · small

Female
Cubi, male 4yo Maltese for adoption at Tierheim Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden

Cubi

Maltese · medium

4 yearsMale
Tinkerbell, female 5yo Maltese for adoption at Many Tears Animal Rescue, Llanelli

Tinkerbell

Maltese · extra large

5 yearsFemale
Orbit, female young Maltese for adoption at Many Tears Animal Rescue, Llanelli

Orbit

Maltese

2 yearsFemale
Orchid, female young Maltese for adoption at Many Tears Animal Rescue, Llanelli

Orchid

Maltese

2 yearsFemale
Toast, female 4yo Maltese for adoption at Many Tears Animal Rescue, Llanelli

Toast

Maltese · small

4 yearsFemale
Olive, female young Maltese for adoption at Many Tears Animal Rescue, Llanelli

Olive

Maltese

2 yearsFemale
Chalkie, male young Maltese for adoption at Many Tears Animal Rescue, Llanelli

Chalkie

Maltese

1 yearMale
Malteser (reinrassig), female 5yo Maltese for adoption at Yorkshire Hilfe

Malteser (reinrassig)

Maltese

5 yearsFemale
Malteser-Yorkie Mix Welpe (Mischling), female puppy Maltese for adoption at Yorkshire Hilfe

Malteser-Yorkie Mix Welpe (Mischling)

Maltese

PuppyFemale
Terrier-Mix (Mischling), female young Maltese for adoption at Yorkshire Hilfe

Terrier-Mix (Mischling)

Maltese

2 yearsFemale
Malteser (reinrassig), female 6yo Maltese for adoption at Yorkshire Hilfe

Malteser (reinrassig)

Maltese

6 yearsFemale
Kleiner Senior mit Herz sucht gemütliches Plätzchen 💛,  senior Maltese for adoption at Arche90 e.V. Dortmund, Dortmund

Kleiner Senior mit Herz sucht gemütliches Plätzchen 💛

Maltese · small

14 yearsUnknown
Jenny+Ronny, male Yorkshire Terrier for adoption at Tierschutz Austria, Vienna

Jenny+Ronny

Yorkshire Terrier · small

Male
Roberto (und Blanco), male Maltese for adoption at Tierheim Darmstadt, Darmstadt

Roberto (und Blanco)

Maltese · small

Male
Kopi, male Maltese for adoption at Bichos Raros Refugio

Kopi

Maltese

Male
Rubi, female Maltese for adoption at Franz von Assisi Hundenothilfe e.V. (Hunde ohne Lobby), Vilseck

Rubi

Maltese · small

Female
Mathilde, female 6yo Maltese for adoption at Franz von Assisi Hundenothilfe e.V. (Hunde ohne Lobby), Vilseck

Mathilde

Maltese · large

6 yearsFemale
Lucky - Vermittlungshilfe, male senior Maltese for adoption at Osttiroler Tierschutzverein, Osttirol

Lucky - Vermittlungshilfe

Maltese

9 yearsMale

Page 2 of 4 · 85 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

77 Maltese are waiting for a home right now.

Find Maltese for adoption →