Maltese — Puppy Care
Care recommendations — Puppy stage
During the puppy stage, feed a puppy-formulated diet sized for Malteses to support steady growth, and keep vaccinations and deworming on schedule as recommended by a vet. growth happens quickly for a small breed, though gentle handling and appropriately sized food and toys still matter. The long, silky white coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting and staining, and many owners keep it trimmed short for easier upkeep. Starting a gentle grooming and handling routine now, while a Maltese puppy is small and adaptable, tends to make care far easier once it's grown, and this is also a valuable window for socializing a young Maltese to people, other pets, and everyday household sounds.
⚠️ Watch for
Most of the conditions linked to Malteses tend to appear later in life, so this stage is mainly about tracking normal growth: steady weight gain, bright eyes, a good appetite, and a comfortable gait. If anything looks off this early — such as an intermittent skipping gait or occasional hind-leg lameness — a prompt check-in with a vet is worthwhile rather than waiting.
Related small breeds
Curious how a different size category ages?
Compare other sizes →