How far can a Maltese walk?

Before you buy a Maltese, you should look more closely at the breed in advance whether it really suits you. If you like to hike in your spare time it is important to know how much exercise a maltese need and how far a Maltese can walk.

A Maltese generally needs about 60 minutes of exercise spread over 2 to 3 walks a day to be happy. Longer walks are also possible with the right training. A Maltese can walk 3 miles (5 kilometers) or even further. If you are looking for a dog that will accompany you on long walks, you are probably better off with another breed.

How long can a Maltese walk?

Even if a Maltese looks like the classic lap dog, it is an active dog breed that needs exercise and can walk longer.

You can walk or hike with your Maltese for 60 minutes or more at a time. Of course with small breaks in between.

However, you must remember that it is a small breed that must first be introduced to the load.

But if you are specifically looking for a dog for long walks several times a week, the Maltese is probably not the best choice. Every now and then they can walk far and long but not every day.

How often does a Maltese need to be walked?

It is better to take your Maltese for 2 to 3 walks, each lasting 20 to 30 minutes. This will give you a total of 40 to 90 minutes a day and a good basis.

It is important that your Maltese has time to sniff and absorb the smells during the walk. Walking only next to you is not enough for your Maltese.

Vary the walks. So do not run the same round 2 to 3 times every day. After a while your Maltese will get bored.

I would say that every dog owner should have at least 2 better 3 different “house rounds” that he can run alternately.

Does a Maltese need a lot of exercise?

How much exercise is “much” is probably defined differently by everyone.

For us 60-90 minutes are rather little for our dogs, for one or the other Maltese owner 60-90 minutes are probably a lot, because they had completely different ideas and saw the Maltese rather as a lap dog.

Contrary to the general assumption, a Maltese does not need little exercise and is definitely not a lap dog that is content to lie next to you on the couch and play in the garden.

With 60 minutes, sometimes more, sometimes less, the little Maltese needs an average amount of exercise.

If you take your Maltese for a walk 2 x 30 minutes a day and make the walks interesting and fulfilling for your Maltese, you have a good basis.

If there is also a longer walk on the weekend, with small breaks, through the forest or so, and so there is variety and additional workload, it is ideal.

Then it is not dramatic if your Maltese does not go for a walk in extremely bad weather, but only gives small rounds to pee. It always depends on whether your Maltese has enough movement and occupation in the long run.

With enough exercise and activity it is also possible to leave your Maltese alone if you have urgent appointments or if you want to go to a party where you can’t take your dog with you.

How much exercise do Maltese puppies need?

For Maltese puppies, or puppies in general, there is the 5 minute rule. This states that a puppy can walk for 5 minutes at a time per month of life.

So a 3 month old puppy can go for a 15 minute walk. Of course, he can do this 2 times a day.

Puppies are just getting to know the world with all the smells and sounds. Everything must be absorbed and processed by them. Usually after these 5 minutes per month they are very exhausted and tired.

Of course, this is only a rough guide. One puppy may only manage 10 minutes, the other 20.

Best ways to exercise a Maltese

A Maltese, contrary to popular belief, is an active dog that loves to play and is very docile.

Walks

In addition to the classic walks in nature, it is important to keep your Maltese mentally active.

Education / Obedience

Education and obedience are a very good way to keep your Maltese mentally engaged. Unfortunately, it is usually the small dogs that are not educated. This has nothing to do with the dog, but rather with the owner.

Why should you also educate them sensibly. If they don’t listen, you just carry them away.

Tricks and tricks

But the Maltese also likes learning little tricks and puts a good mental strain on him.

Play

The Maltese is enthusiastic for all kinds of games. The classic ball throwing is a good way to tire him out quickly.

Consequences of too little exercise

If you see a Maltese as a mere lap dog and, for example, only take him for a short walk around the block every day to pee, you can expect undesirable misbehavior at some point.

Like many small dogs, the Maltese tends to yelp when bored. Increased aggressive behavior can also occur when there is too little exercise and activity.

Frequently asked questions:

Can a Maltese be left alone?

A prerequisite for leaving a Maltese, or any dog in general, alone is that they have enough exercise and activity.

A balanced or even tired dog is much more likely to stay alone than a hyperactive dog that is underutilized.not fully occupied.

If you take care of enough exercise and occupation in the long run, you can leave your Maltese alone.

3 to 4 hours in between should not be a problem, if you have got him used to it. However, with every breed there are always exceptions and no guarantee.

Are Maltese suitable for allergy sufferers?

As a rule, Maltese are suitable for allergy sufferers because they do not have a regular coat change and generally little to no hair.

Conclusion: How much exercise does a Maltese need?

A Maltese needs about 60 minutes of exercise per day. Sometimes more sometimes less. If you slowly introduce the little Maltese to longer distances, longer walks of 3 miles (5 km) or similar are possible in between. But not daily.

Besides the classic walks, a Maltese loves to play. But also mental workout through education or learning tricks is important.

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