Maltese Puppies The Maltese is a small, hardy dog with silky hair. The Maltese is spirited, lively and playful. Gentle, loving, trusting and devoted to its master. Highly intelligent. Good at learning tricks.The Maltese is a good dog for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Daily combing and brushing of the long coat is important but be gentle, as the coat is very soft. The Maltese is hypo-allergenic and non shedding and is great all around family dog.