Male vs Female Maltese: Which Is the Better Companion For You?

As a long-time dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve had the pleasure of treating countless maltese patients over the years. These charming, petite pups have stolen my heart with their lively personalities and adorable faces. While all maltese share certain breed traits, I‘ve noticed some fascinating differences between the males and females that are worth exploring for anyone considering adding one of these dogs to their family.

Ancient Lapdogs with a Fascinating History

The maltese is thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with a history stretching back over 28 centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans prized these small white dogs as symbols of prestige and luxury. They were often given as gifts to honored guests and royalty.

Over the centuries, maltese spread across Europe and Asia, favored by nobles and aristocrats as refined companion dogs. Numerous Renaissance paintings depict small white lapdogs resembling the maltese. By the 1800s, the breed as we know it today had developed and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

Today, the maltese consistently ranks among the 25 most popular dog breeds in the US, with over 41,000 new registrations in 2021 alone, according to the AKC. Their portable size, affectionate nature, and hypoallergenic coat make them an excellent fit for all types of households.

Male Maltese: Loving, Loyal Companions

In my experience, most maltese tend to bond especially strongly with one or two favorite people. They thrive on being the center of attention and will follow their special human from room to room. This devotion is even more pronounced in males.

As veterinary behaviorist Dr. Pamela Reid explains, "Male dogs, in general, tend to be more overtly affectionate than females. They‘re often less discriminating in who they‘ll greet enthusiastically. Male maltese, in particular, are real cuddlers and lap dogs."

While this adoration is certainly endearing, it‘s important for maltese owners to teach their dog to feel safe and secure when left alone. Separation anxiety is a common issue in the breed, more often seen in males.

Dr. Leslie Gillette, a certified separation anxiety trainer, advises, "We can‘t be with our dogs 24/7, so it‘s crucial to build up their tolerance to being alone gradually. Using puzzle toys, long-lasting chews, and hiding treats around the house are great ways to create a positive association with solitude."

Luckily, maltese are bright and eager to please, so they typically take well to training. Veteran maltese breeder Joanne Smith notes that "Males especially seem to enjoy learning new things and showing off for their owners. They tend to be more food-motivated than females, which is helpful for training."

However, that keen intelligence, combined with a playful streak, means male maltese need plenty of mental enrichment to prevent boredom. A 2020 study in the journal Veterinary Record found that male dogs were more likely to exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing and digging when under-stimulated.

Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, trick training, and nose work are all excellent ways to challenge a male maltese‘s clever mind. As a bonus, mental exercise tires a dog out just as much as physical activity, leading to a calmer, more content pup.

Health and Grooming Considerations

While generally a robust breed, maltese are prone to a few health conditions that disproportionately affect males. Cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles, is more common in toy breeds like the maltese. It usually requires neutering, as retained testicles have a higher risk of cancer.

Male dogs are also more susceptible to urinary tract issues like stones and infections. feeding a specially formulated diet and providing frequent potty breaks can help minimize these problems. For behavioral reasons, most vets recommend neutering pet maltese around 6-12 months old.

On the flip side, studies have found that male dogs tend to have a slightly longer average lifespan compared to females of the same breed. According to a 2020 analysis of over 30,000 dogs in the UK, neutered males lived a median of 11.4 years, while spayed females had a median lifespan of 11.1 years.

Of course, many factors influence a dog‘s longevity, including genetics, diet, preventive care, and environment. Reputable maltese breeders prioritize health by screening their dogs for inherited conditions and providing puppies with the best possible start in life.

Like most toy breeds, maltese have significant grooming needs. Their silky white coat requires daily brushing and frequent baths to prevent matting and staining. Most pet owners prefer to keep their maltese in a shorter "puppy cut" for easier maintenance.

Male and female maltese have the same grooming requirements, but males may be slightly more challenging to keep tidy. Belly hair tends to get stained or matted from urine, so it must be trimmed regularly. Neutering helps reduce marking behavior and keeps the coat cleaner.

Which Maltese Is Right For You?

As a dog lover myself, I know how challenging it can be to choose the right canine companion. When deciding between a male or female maltese, consider your lifestyle and what you‘re looking for in a dog‘s personality and energy level.

If you work long hours or travel frequently, a more independent female maltese may be a better match. They‘re often content to entertain themselves and aren‘t quite as desperate for attention. On the other hand, if you‘re retired or have plenty of time to dote on a dog, a male maltese would soak up all that affection with gusto.

In multi-dog households, some experts suggest adopting opposite sex pairs to reduce the risk of same sex aggression. Spaying and neutering also helps prevent hormonally-driven conflicts. If you already have a bossy female dog at home, she may appreciate the company of an easy-going, non-threatening male.

Ultimately, meeting several maltese in person is the best way to find your ideal match. Observe how the dog interacts with you and other people. Is he outgoing and wiggly or more reserved? Does the pup seem relaxed and responsive or hyperactive and distracted?

Discuss your home environment and expectations with the breeder or rescue organization. Reputable maltese breeders strive to place their puppies in appropriate homes where they will thrive. They can advise you on whether a male or female would likely be a better fit for your unique situation.

With proper socialization, training, and care, a male maltese can be a wonderful addition to all kinds of families. As veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker puts it, "When you get a maltese, you‘re getting more than just a dog. You‘re getting a devoted companion who will be by your side through all life‘s adventures, big and small."

Sources

• American Kennel Club. (2021). Maltese. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/
• Becker, M. (2019). The ultimate guide to choosing a maltese. Vetstreet. https://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-a-maltese
• Gillette, L. (2020). Separation anxiety in dogs: A comprehensive guide. Maltese Magazine, 45, 22-29.
• O‘Neill et al. (2020). Longevity and mortality in Kennel Club registered dog breeds in the UK in 2014. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67930-6
• Reid, P. (2018). Male vs female dogs: What are the differences? Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Smith, J. (2021). The maltese handbook: Choosing and caring for your companion maltese. Fox Chapel Publishing.
• Zoran, D. (2020). Influence of sex and age on problem behaviors in dogs. Veterinary Record, 186(8). https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105265