Are Maltese Dogs Hypoallergenic? Price, Lifespan and Facts for Allergy Sufferers

Are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic? Not completely. No dog breed is allergen-free, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says breeds like the Maltese are not guaranteed to be safer. Maltese shed lightly, which some allergy sufferers find easier, but they still produce allergens in dander and saliva.

The Maltese is a tiny, silky white companion dog that often tops lists of hypoallergenic dog breeds and small dogs that don’t shed. If you or someone at home has allergies, it is worth knowing what that label really means. This guide answers are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic using allergist and veterinary sources, then covers Maltese price, lifespan, size, health and care so you can decide with clear eyes.

Are Maltese Dogs Hypoallergenic? The Honest Answer

The short answer to are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic is “less allergenic for some people, but not allergen-free.” In an ACAAI Ask the Allergist answer, an allergist names Samoyeds, Portuguese water dogs and Maltese as breeds often called hypoallergenic, but says none is guaranteed to be safer for people with allergies.

The ACAAI cites a Detroit study that found the main dog allergen, Can f 1, in 94% of 173 homes, with no statistically significant difference between homes with “hypoallergenic” breeds and homes with other dogs. A 2012 Dutch study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, indexed by Utrecht University, reached a similar conclusion: it found a lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic.

Sources: ACAAI and the 2012 Can f 1 study. Note: Fel d 1, sometimes quoted online, is a cat allergen, not a dog allergen.

Why people ask: are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic?

The reputation comes from the coat. Hill’s Pet Nutrition calls Maltese light shedders, and a WebMD breed guide, reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM, says they almost never shed or drool. Less hair on furniture can mean less visible mess, but it does not remove the proteins people react to, so the “Maltese dog hypoallergenic” label is really about shedding, not allergens.

If you have allergies and want a Maltese

• See an allergist first; the ACAAI says an allergist can evaluate your symptoms and prescribe medication.
• Ask about allergy shots (immunotherapy), which can reduce sensitivity over time.
• Spend time with the specific dog before committing, since individual dogs vary.
• Keep the dog out of the bedroom and clean floors and bedding often.

Maltese Dog Breed Overview

Knowing the breed helps you judge are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic enough for your home. So what is a Maltese dog? It is a toy companion breed with a long, straight, pure white coat. Hill’s says the breed is believed to come from Malta, a small island south of Sicily, with references in Roman, Greek and Egyptian sources, and that the American Kennel Club registered it in 1888. Dog Food Advisor notes the breed’s exact origins are uncertain.

Maltese dog size estimates vary slightly by source. The Maltese is small, but it is not the smallest dog breed, as some sites claim.

Maltese personality

Hill’s describes the Maltese as gentle, affectionate, intelligent and playful, and highly alert, often barking at unfamiliar noises. WebMD notes they become very attached to their people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. Both sources warn they can be snappy with rowdy young children, and WebMD notes the AKC rates the breed 3 out of 5 for good with young children. They suit calm homes or families with older kids.

Grooming a Maltese

That flowing coat takes work. WebMD says the coat needs daily brushing and combing to prevent mats, plus frequent baths. Owners can keep it long or clip it to about one to two inches, which is much easier to maintain. Hill’s adds that cleaning around the eyes daily helps prevent tear staining.

If that sounds like a lot, our guide to easy, low-maintenance pets may help. Regular grooming also helps keep loose hair under control, which matters to allergy-sensitive homes wondering are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic in daily life.

Maltese Price: How Much Does a Maltese Cost?

Once you have settled are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic for your household, budget is the next question. Maltese prices vary widely by breeder, region and bloodline. Dog Food Advisor puts show- or breeding-quality puppies at about $1,000 to $2,000, while a 2026 iHeartDogs guide gives the regional ranges below. Adoption through a rescue typically costs about $100 to $700.

Sources: iHeartDogs (2026) and Dog Food Advisor (2025). iHeartDogs does not publish its data method, so treat these as estimates.

Ongoing costs of owning a Maltese

The purchase price is only the start. iHeartDogs estimates yearly costs of about $240 to $480 for food (see our Pet Food Center for diet ideas), $300 to $1,200 for vet care, $320 to $1,080 for grooming and $200 to $600 for insurance. Over a 15-year life, it estimates $20,650 to $47,500, not including the puppy. In the UK, the PDSA suggests budgeting at least £70 a month.

Why a very cheap Maltese puppy is a red flag

Prices far below the ranges above can signal a puppy mill, a scam or a dog without health testing. Avoid sellers who will not show you the parents, share health records or let you visit. “Teacup” is a marketing label, not a recognized type of Maltese, so ask your vet about health risks before buying an unusually tiny dog. A healthy Maltese puppy from a tested litter is worth the wait.

Maltese Lifespan and Common Health Problems

The Maltese lifespan is long for a dog. Hill’s gives 12 to 14 years, while WebMD and Dog Food Advisor give 12 to 15 years. The PDSA says over 12 years. Good breeding, dental care and a healthy weight likely help a Maltese reach the upper end of that range. A long Maltese lifespan also means a long allergy commitment, another reason to settle are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic for you before buying.

Sources: PDSA and WebMD (reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM).

The American Kennel Club lists three tests recommended by the national Maltese breed club: a patella evaluation, a cardiac exam and serum bile acids, a blood test that screens for liver problems. Ask any breeder for these results.

Are Maltese Dogs Hypoallergenic Enough for Your Home?

Whether a Maltese works for you depends on how severe your allergies are and how much grooming you can manage. For people with mild allergies, a light-shedding, small dog kept well groomed may be manageable. For people with severe allergies or asthma, the ACAAI’s advice is to see an allergist first, and some may need to avoid dogs altogether.

If you are comparing small hypoallergenic dogs, the same rule applies to every breed. Explore more small breeds in our guide to cute small dog breeds, and if you adopt a Maltese mix, a dog DNA test kit can estimate its breed makeup.

Are Maltese Dogs Hypoallergenic? FAQs

Do Maltese dogs shed?

Very little. Hill’s calls them light shedders, and WebMD says they almost never shed.

Are Maltese good for people with allergies?

Some people with mild allergies cope well, but the ACAAI says no breed is guaranteed to be safer.

How much is a Maltese puppy?

Breeder prices in the US often range from about $1,000 to $4,500; adoption is about $100 to $700.

How long do Maltese dogs live?

Usually 12 to 15 years, according to Hill’s, WebMD and Dog Food Advisor.

How big does a full grown Maltese get?

Most weigh about 4 to 7 pounds and stand about 7 to 10 inches tall.

Are Maltese good with kids?

They are affectionate but can be snappy with rowdy young children, so they suit calm homes or older kids.

Where are Maltese dogs from?

The breed is believed to come from Malta, though its exact origins are uncertain.

Final Verdict: Are Maltese Dogs Hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, including the Maltese, but its light-shedding coat may suit some people with mild allergies. Expect to pay about $1,000 to $4,500 from a breeder, plan for 12 to 15 years of care, and see an allergist and meet the dog before you commit.