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A Maltese may be small, but it is playful, curious, and often surprisingly bold. Most love to chase, toss, and cuddle toys, and many carry a favorite plush friend from room to room. Choosing toys for this breed means thinking about size, weight, and softness. Toys that are too big or heavy can be hard to carry, while hard chews can damage small teeth, which are already prone to dental disease. This guide explains the types of toys that suit a Maltese and how to keep playtime safe.
📋 Table of Contents
What makes a good toy for a Maltese
Right size for a small mouth
Toys should be easy for a Maltese to pick up and carry but not small enough to swallow. For balls, aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter or larger, depending on your dog’s mouth size.
Zeaxuie 9 Pack Luxury Puppy Toys for Teething Small Dogs, Puppy Chew Toys with Cute Squeaky Dog Toys, Ball and More Rope Dog Chew Toys
Included for 'Best Dog Toys for Maltese' because the listing specifies Puppy Chew Toys with Cute Squeaky Dog Toys and Ball and More Rope Dog Chew Toys, details this guide uses to compare options.
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LOYEE 8 Pack Puppy Toys for Small Dogs, Luxury Dog Chew Toys with Squeaky Plush Toys, Rope Toys and Ball, Teething Toys for Puppy Supplies
Included for 'Best Dog Toys for Maltese' because the listing specifies Luxury Dog Chew Toys with Squeaky Plush Toys and Rope Toys and Ball, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Squeaky Dog Toy, Small, 5" x 7"
Included for 'Best Dog Toys for Maltese' because the listing specifies Small and 5" x 7", details this guide uses to compare options.
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Aipper Dog Toys 25 Pack for Fun and Teeth Cleaning, Puppy Chew Toys Pack with Squeak Plush Toy,Squeaky Toy Balls,Tug of War and Rope Toys for Puppy to Small Dogs
Included for 'Best Dog Toys for Maltese' because the listing specifies Puppy Chew Toys Pack with Squeak Plush Toy and Squeaky Toy Balls, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonSoft or gently flexible
Soft plush toys, lightweight latex, and gentle rubber are ideal. Hard nylon, antlers, and bones can crack small teeth.
Lightweight
A 5-pound dog cannot comfortably carry a heavy toy. Look for small-breed or puppy-size toys.
Toy types compared
See also: Best Electric Dog Fences for Reliable, Humane Containment • Best Dog Boots for Basset Hound
| Toy type | Typical price range | Best for | Safety notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small plush toys | Check on Amazon | Cuddling, gentle fetch | Remove squeakers if chewed out |
| Mini latex or soft rubber toys | Check on Amazon | Squeaky play, carrying | Replace if torn |
| Small puzzle toys | Check on Amazon | Mental stimulation | Choose toy-breed level |
| Snuffle mat | Check on Amazon | Sniffing games, slow eating | Supervise |
| Small soft tug toy | Check on Amazon | Gentle tug play | Play gently to protect teeth |
Mental enrichment for a smart toy breed
Maltese are clever and can become bored or bark more when under-stimulated. Small puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and snuffle mats give them a job. Use a portion of their daily food in these toys to avoid extra calories. Start with easy puzzles so your dog succeeds, then gradually increase difficulty.
Gentle play for small joints and teeth
Maltese are prone to kneecap problems and dental disease. Keep fetch games on carpet or grass rather than slippery floors to protect joints, and avoid encouraging jumps from furniture. Play tug gently, keeping the toy low and letting the dog pull rather than lifting or yanking, which can strain small teeth and necks.
Dental-friendly choices
Soft rubber toys with ridges can add a small amount of cleaning action during chewing, but they do not replace tooth brushing. Choose dental chews sized for toy breeds, supervise use, and count them in daily calories. Brushing daily or several times a week and regular veterinary dental checks are the best way to protect Maltese teeth.
Toy safety
Inspect toys regularly. Remove any toy with loose stuffing, exposed squeakers, or small detachable parts like plastic eyes. Small dogs can choke on pieces that seem tiny to us. Avoid toys with long strings or ribbons, which can cause intestinal problems if swallowed. Rotate toys every few days to keep them interesting.
Playtime ideas
Short indoor fetch sessions down a hallway, hide-and-seek with a favorite toy, and teaching tricks with toy rewards are great ways to keep a Maltese busy. Many Maltese enjoy learning to put toys away in a basket, which is a fun trick and helps keep the house tidy.
Toys for puppies and teething
Maltese puppies lose their baby teeth between roughly 3 and 7 months of age, and they chew more during that stage. Soft rubber teething toys, a damp washcloth twisted and chilled in the refrigerator, and small plush toys give them safe outlets. Toy breeds are known for retained baby teeth, where the puppy tooth does not fall out when the adult tooth comes in. If you see two teeth in the same spot after about 6 to 7 months, mention it to your veterinarian, since retained teeth trap food and speed up dental disease.
Toys for multi-dog homes
If your Maltese shares a home with a larger dog, keep separate toy sets. A big dog’s rubber ball or rope can be too heavy for a Maltese, and a Maltese-sized ball can be a choking hazard for a large dog. Supervise play between dogs of very different sizes, since an excited large dog can injure a small one by accident, even during a friendly tug game.
FAQ
What toys are safe for a Maltese?
Small plush toys, lightweight latex or soft rubber toys, and toy-breed puzzle feeders are good choices. Avoid hard chews that can crack small teeth.
How can I keep my Maltese mentally stimulated?
Use puzzle toys, snuffle mats, short training sessions, and hide-and-seek games with toys and treats.
Bottom line
The best toys for a Maltese are small, light, and soft: plush toys, gentle latex, and toy-breed puzzle feeders. Protect small teeth by skipping hard chews, play on non-slip surfaces to protect the knees, and rotate toys to keep a clever little dog engaged.
