The Maltese may be small, but their personality is anything but. Known for their affectionate and lively nature, many families wonder if this elegant little dog gets along with children and other animals. The short answer? Often yes—but it depends on the dog’s training, personality, and early experiences.
In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about raising a Maltese in a household with kids or other pets.
Let’s talk about:
🐶 maltese temperament around kids and pets
🐶 how to safely introduce a maltese to children
🐶 can maltese live peacefully with other animals?
🐶 readers personal story
🐶 Brain Training for Dogs
🐶 final thoughts
Maltese Temperament Around Kids and Pets
Maltese are generally affectionate, gentle, and sociable. They form strong bonds with their human families and often enjoy cuddling, playing, and following their people around the house. However, their small size and sensitive nature mean they’re not always a perfect match for young children who haven’t learned how to handle dogs gently.
When raised properly, Maltese dogs can make wonderful companions for children and other pets. But rough play or unpredictable behavior can stress them out, leading to barking, hiding, or fear-based snapping.
- Pros: Loving, gentle, eager to please, non-aggressive
- Watch out for: Over-handling, rough tugging, loud environments
- Best fit: Older children who understand boundaries, calm multi-pet households
How to Safely Introduce a Maltese to Children
Introducing your Maltese to kids should be a slow, supervised process. You want to ensure your dog feels safe while also teaching children how to interact respectfully.
Here’s how to do it:
🧠 Give Your Husky the Mental Challenge They Crave
Huskies are intelligent working dogs that need more than just physical exercise—they thrive on mental stimulation too. Brain Training for Dogs is designed to engage their sharp minds with structured games and problem-solving activities.
👉 Click here to explore Brain Training for Dogs
This program is especially great for high-energy breeds like Huskies, helping to reduce stubborn behavior, improve focus, and make everyday training more effective.
- Teach children dog etiquette: No pulling fur, no loud yelling, and no sudden movements
- Always supervise early interactions until trust is established
- Give your Maltese an escape route: A cozy bed or crate where they can retreat
- Reward calm behavior with treats and praise on both sides
Maltese dogs will mirror the energy they’re given. If your child is calm and respectful, your dog will respond with the same.
Can Maltese Live Peacefully with Other Animals?
Yes—many Maltese dogs live happily with other dogs and even cats. But like with children, the key is proper introductions and setting clear boundaries.
The breed is not overly dominant or territorial, which helps. But being small, they may feel intimidated by large or boisterous pets if not properly socialized.
- Use controlled introductions: Short and neutral interactions work best
- Watch for resource guarding: Separate feeding areas can prevent conflict
- Respect their space: Never force closeness with another animal
With time and patience, Maltese can bond well with other pets and even enjoy their company.
A Reader’s Story: One Big Happy (Small) Family
Emily from Toronto wrote in about her Maltese, Daisy, and how she adjusted to a home with a toddler and a senior cat. “At first, Daisy barked anytime my son moved too fast. And our cat wasn’t thrilled either.”
Emily worked on slow introductions, giving Daisy space, and showing her toddler how to approach gently. “It took a few weeks, but now they nap on the same couch! Even the cat joins in. It’s like a tiny, fluffy truce.”
🧠 Strengthen Bonds Through Brain Games
When dogs and family members learn together, harmony grows. Brain Training for Dogs offers games that encourage patience, impulse control, and better communication—all useful in busy homes with children or multiple pets.
👉 Click here to explore Brain Training for Dogs
Fun, structured play builds stronger relationships across your entire household.
Final Thoughts
The Maltese can be a great fit for families with children or other pets, as long as everyone learns to interact with kindness and respect. With a gentle introduction, ongoing supervision, and a calm environment, this breed often becomes a loving part of the family dynamic.
Every dog is unique, but with the right approach, your Maltese can thrive in even the busiest homes.
Disclaimer
The advice given in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice in any context. Before making any decisions that may affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. For the FULL disclaimer Visit HereCopyright Notice: The content produced and published on My Happy Husky is unique and original. My Happy Husky makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken.
