How much exercise does a Maltese need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Maltese need about 20–30 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 to 3 short walks.

LowEnergy

0.5–1 miDaily distance

ModerateHeat tolerance

LowCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Maltese's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Maltese need this much exercise

The Maltese is an ancient Mediterranean companion breed, kept as a lapdog for thousands of years.

Maltese exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	20–30 min	2 to 3 short walks
Senior (10+ years)	10–25 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Maltese puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
5 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
6 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
8 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
10 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
12 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a toy breed.

Best exercise for Maltese

Short leash walks
Indoor play
Trick training
Sniff walks

Walking tips for Maltese

A couple of short, gentle walks plus play is plenty.
The single-layer coat offers little warmth, so use a sweater when it is cold.
Use a harness rather than a neck collar.

Maltese in hot and cold weather

Heat: Maltese handle heat about as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks. Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Maltese feel the cold. A coat helps once it’s near freezing, and walks should get shorter below about 20°F (−7°C). Wipe paws after walking on salted sidewalks. Check today's cold risk.

Maltese exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Maltese?

A healthy adult Maltese needs about 20–30 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 to 3 short walks. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can a Maltese walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 0.5–1 miles (1–1.5 km) a day for a healthy adult. For Maltese, time and sniffing matter more than distance, so keep the pace comfortable.

When can a Maltese puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a toy breed like the Maltese. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 15 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Maltese handle hot weather?

About as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks.

Do Maltese need a coat in winter?

Usually, yes. A coat helps once it’s near freezing, and walks should get shorter below about 20°F (−7°C). Wipe paws after walking on salted sidewalks.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.