📅 Last updated:
A Maltese will happily spend most of the day in your lap, but a good bed of its own matters too, especially for sleeping at night, relaxing while you work, and resting safely without climbing on high furniture. The breed feels the cold easily, is prone to kneecap problems that make jumping risky, and has a long white coat that shows every speck of dirt. The best bed for a Maltese is warm, low to the ground, easy to wash, and cozy enough that the dog chooses it over your pillow.
📋 Table of Contents
What Maltese need in a bed
Warmth
With a single coat and no insulating undercoat, a Maltese loses heat quickly. Beds with raised sides, a hood or cave shape, or a self-warming layer help trap body heat. Many Maltese love burrowing under a small blanket.
JOLLYVOGUE Small Dog Bed, Calming Dog Beds for Small Dogs & Indoor Cats - 20 Inches Donut Washable Cat Bed for Kittens & Puppies, Round Fluffy Plush Faux Fur Pet Beds(Smoke Grey)
Included for 'Best Dog Bed for Maltese' because the listing specifies Calming Dog Beds for Small Dogs & Indoor Cats and 20 Inches Donut Washable Cat Bed for Kittens & Puppies, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on Amazon
Bedsure Calming Small Dog Bed Donut Washable Cat＆Puppy Bed,23 inches Camel
Included for 'Best Dog Bed for Maltese' because the listing specifies 23 inches Camel, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on Amazon
JOEJOY Rectangle Dog Bed for Large Medium Small Dogs - Washable Orthopedic Sofa Bed, Soft Breathable Puppy & Pet Cuddler, Durable Calming Dog Bed with Anti-Slip Bottom, Multiple Sizes, Beige
Included for 'Best Dog Bed for Maltese' because the listing specifies Washable Orthopedic Sofa Bed and Soft Breathable Puppy & Pet Cuddler, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on Amazon
INVENHO Small Dog Bed for Small Dogs, Cat Beds for Indoor Cats Washable, Orthopedic Dog Bed, Warming Soft Calming Sleeping Puppy Bed Durable Pet Bed with Anti-Slip Bottom S(20"x19"x6")
Included for 'Best Dog Bed for Maltese' because the listing specifies Cat Beds for Indoor Cats Washable and Orthopedic Dog Bed, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonLow entry for delicate knees
Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is common in the breed. Repeated jumping onto and off high beds and sofas can aggravate it. A bed with a low entry, ideally under about 4 inches at the front, lets the dog step in easily.
Easy cleaning
White coats pick up dirt, and tear and saliva stains can transfer to bedding. A removable, machine-washable cover makes it easy to keep the bed and the dog clean.
Bed styles compared
See also: Best Electric Dog Fences for Reliable, Humane Containment • Best Dog Boots for Basset Hound
| Bed style | Typical price range (small) | Warmth | Why it suits a Maltese |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cave or hooded bed | Check on Amazon | High | Satisfies burrowing, blocks drafts |
| Donut or cuddler bed | Check on Amazon | High | Soft rim to curl against |
| Self-warming bed | Check on Amazon | High | Reflects body heat back |
| Low bolster bed with foam base | Check on Amazon | Medium | Support for seniors, easy entry |
| Elevated cot | Check on Amazon | Low | Not ideal; cold and harder to access |
Sizing a bed for a Maltese
Most Maltese curl up to sleep, so a bed around 18 to 22 inches across is usually enough. Measure your dog curled up and add a few inches. A bed that is too large can feel less secure and loses warmth. If your Maltese sleeps stretched out, choose a slightly longer rectangular bed.
Joint support for seniors
Older Maltese may develop arthritis, particularly if they have had kneecap problems. A small memory-foam base of 2 to 3 inches inside a bolster bed offers support without being too high. If your senior hesitates to lie down, limps, or skips on a back leg, talk to your veterinarian.
Safety and placement
Place the bed in a warm spot away from drafts and direct heat. If your Maltese sleeps on your bed, consider pet steps or a ramp so it does not jump down; a fall from bed height can injure a small dog. Check cave beds regularly for loose stuffing, which small dogs can chew and swallow.
Keeping bedding and coat clean
Wash the bed cover every week or two with a fragrance-free detergent. Rinse well to avoid residue that can irritate the skin. Use a light-colored or patterned cover if you want to hide stains, and wipe your dog’s face daily to reduce tear-stain transfer to the bedding.
Crate and travel beds
A thin, washable crate pad sized to your crate floor and a small travel bed make trips easier. Many Maltese settle better in new places with a familiar-smelling bed.
Materials that work with a silky coat
Bed fabric matters more for a Maltese than for most breeds. Rough, loopy fleece and nubby boucle can catch fine hair and start tangles on the side the dog sleeps on most. Short-pile faux fur, smooth microfiber, and cotton covers are gentler. If you notice mats forming mainly on one hip or shoulder, the bedding surface may be part of the cause. A small satin or smooth cotton blanket over the bed is an easy fix, and it can be washed more often than the whole cover.
FAQ
What kind of bed is best for a Maltese?
A warm, low-entry cave, donut, or self-warming bed around 18 to 22 inches suits most Maltese. Choose a washable cover to keep the white coat clean.
Should my Maltese jump on and off the bed?
It is best to limit jumping from high furniture, since Maltese are prone to kneecap problems. Pet steps or a ramp are safer.
Bottom line
For a Maltese, the best bed is small, warm, and easy to climb into: a cave, donut, or self-warming bed about 18 to 22 inches across with a washable cover. Add memory foam for seniors, use steps for high furniture, and keep the bed away from drafts.
