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Maltese Rescue & Adoption Calgary

1 Maltese currently available from Calgary-area rescues

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About Malteses in Calgary

Maltese are one of the smallest, gentlest, and most-loved companion breeds in Calgary. Adult Maltese typically weigh 4-7 lbs, stand 8-10 inches tall, and have one of the longest lifespans of any breed — 12-15 years on average, with many reaching 16-18 with good care. They are calm, affectionate, devoted lap dogs that bond intensely with their primary person and adapt well to apartment living. The breed dates back over 2,800 years to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean and has been a companion dog for nobility and royalty across multiple cultures.

Maltese end up in Calgary rescues for predictable reasons: senior owner downsizing or passing (Maltese frequently outlive their elderly owners), allergies in the household (despite low-shedding coat), retired breeder dogs from puppy mill closures, "puppy was a gift" mismatches, and grooming overwhelm. Maltese adoption fees in Calgary typically range $300-$700 — far less than the $1,500-$3,500 breeder price. Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, BARCS, and Pawsitive Match all see Maltese and Maltese mixes regularly.

Maltese mixes are common in Calgary rescues. Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle) is the most popular cross — typically 5-15 lbs, low-shedding, low-allergen-friendly. Malshi (Maltese + Shih Tzu) combines lap-dog temperaments — typically 7-15 lbs. Morkie (Maltese + Yorkie) is another small companion mix — typically 4-10 lbs. Maltipom (Maltese + Pomeranian) appears occasionally. Read each rescue's temperament notes carefully — mix dogs vary widely depending on which parent they take after.

A note on "Black Maltese": the Canadian Kennel Club breed standard for Maltese is solid white only. Dogs marketed as "Black Maltese" are either (1) Maltese mixes with another small breed, (2) unethical-bred dogs not meeting breed standard, or (3) Bichon Frise or Havanese dogs misidentified. True purebred Maltese are always white. Don't pay breeder premium prices for "rare" Black Maltese — these are designer mixes at most. All Maltese and Maltese mixes listed below are from 15+ Calgary-area rescues, updated regularly.

Looking at all small dogs in Calgary?

Browse every available small dog from 15+ Calgary rescues — including Maltese, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Cavaliers, Boston Terriers, and small mixes — in one place. Listings refresh regularly.

Browse all Calgary small dogs → Read the small dog adoption guide →

Maltese adoption & care guides

Breed Guides

Maltese Adoption Calgary (2026): Rescues, Costs, Teacup Warning, Black Maltese Myth, Maltipoo Mix

Where to adopt Maltese in Calgary and Alberta, real adoption costs ($300-$700 vs $1,500-$3,500 from a breeder), Teacup Maltese warning, Black Maltese myth (CKC white-only standard), free Maltese fraud, "for sale under $300" warning, Maltipoo + Malshi + Morkie mixes.

Breed Guides

Maltese Health Issues Calgary (2026): Mitral Valve Disease, Liver Shunt, Patellar Luxation, Dental, Hypoglycemia

Maltese-specific health conditions every Calgary owner should know. Mitral valve disease (top-3 affected breed), liver shunt (toy-breed pattern), patellar luxation, hypoglycemia in puppies, severe dental disease, eye conditions, anesthesia profile, pet insurance ROI.

Breed Guides

Maltese Grooming Calgary (2026): White Coat Tear Stains, Daily Brushing, Top Knot, Hair Not Fur, 5 Cuts

Honest Maltese grooming guide for Calgary owners. White coat tear-stain management (Maltese-defining issue), daily brushing, top knot, the 5 most common cuts (puppy, teddy bear, top knot show, kennel, lion), Calgary groomer pricing, hypoallergenic reality.

Breed Guides

Maltese Behavior Issues Calgary (2026): Separation Anxiety, Barking, Small Dog Syndrome, Picky Eating

Maltese behavior survival guide for Calgary owners. Velcro/separation anxiety prevention, yappy barking management for apartments, small dog syndrome, leash reactivity, picky eating, fearful socialization (rescue Maltese), training stubbornness, second-dog companion myth.

Maltese Adoption FAQ

Tap a question to expand

How many Maltese are available for adoption in Calgary?▼
As of September 2026, Maltese are rare in Calgary rescue — only 1 is listed right now across 1 rescue on LocalPetFinder. They tend to get adopted fast, so setting an alert is the most reliable way to find one.
Where can I adopt a Maltese in Calgary?▼
Maltese appear regularly in Calgary rescues. Best places to check: Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, BARCS, Pawsitive Match, Calgary Animal Rescue. Senior-focused rescues like Happy's Place also occasionally take Maltese. The listings on this page aggregate all currently available Maltese and Maltese mixes (Maltipoo, Malshi, Morkie) — updates regularly. The most common Calgary Maltese surrender reasons: senior owner downsizing/passing, allergies in household, retired breeder dogs, gift-puppy mismatches. See our Maltese adoption guide for the full Calgary playbook.
Are "Teacup Maltese" a real breed?▼
No. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes one Maltese breed standard: under 7 lbs adult weight (with most show Maltese 4-6 lbs). Dogs marketed as "Teacup Maltese" are typically the smallest end of the standard breed naturally, underbred runts from unethical breeders, or puppies sold before adult weight is established. So-called teacup Maltese often have serious health problems including hypoglycemia, fragile bones, dental issues, liver shunts, heart defects. The teacup label is one of the strongest red flags for unethical breeding. Adopt a small adult Maltese from a Calgary rescue — same end result without the health gamble.
Is a "Black Maltese" a real Maltese?▼
No. The CKC breed standard for Maltese is solid white only. Dogs marketed as "Black Maltese" are either Maltese mixes (most commonly Maltese/Shih Tzu, Maltese/Pom, or Maltese/Yorkie crosses), unethically-bred dogs not meeting breed standard, or sometimes Bichon Frise or Havanese dogs misidentified. True purebred Maltese are always white. If a Calgary breeder offers Black Maltese puppies at premium prices, it's mixed-breed marketing. For adopters, mixed-breed black-and-white small dogs in Calgary rescues are common — labeled "Maltese mix" or "small mix." Genetics-wise these are designer crosses, not Maltese breed.
Are Maltese hypoallergenic?▼
Often tolerated by people with mild dog allergies, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic. Maltese have a single coat of hair (not fur) with minimal shedding — both reduce dander and saliva-protein exposure. People with mild allergies often tolerate Maltese well. Severe allergies, asthma triggered by dogs, or specific protein allergies (Can f 1) may still react. Maltipoo and Malshi mixes are typically considered slightly higher allergen due to mixed parent. Before adopting: 2-3 hour visit with the specific dog, in your home if possible, then 48-hour wait for delayed allergic response. Many Calgary rescues will arrange "trial" foster periods specifically for allergy compatibility — ask.
How much grooming do Maltese need?▼
Significant. Maltese need daily brushing if kept in a long coat (the breed standard show coat reaches the floor), professional grooming every 4-8 weeks ($60-$95 in Calgary), and most pet owners keep them in a "puppy cut" (1-2 inches all over) for easier maintenance. White coat shows tear stains dramatically — daily eye-area cleaning is essential. Topknot required to keep hair out of eyes. Most owners do bath + face/sanitary trims at home between professional grooming. See our Maltese grooming Calgary guide for the full protocol.
How long do Maltese live?▼
Maltese typically live 12-15 years, with many reaching 16-18 with good care — among the longest-lived breeds. Common Maltese health issues to watch for: mitral valve disease (Maltese are top-3 affected breed for senior heart disease), liver shunt (toy-breed pattern), patellar luxation, hypoglycemia in puppies, dental disease (small jaw, ~85% develop dental disease without daily brushing), eye conditions (PRA, dry eye, tear staining). With excellent care, many Maltese reach the upper end of their range. See our Maltese health issues Calgary guide for breed-specific conditions and Calgary surgery costs.
What is the difference between a Maltese and a Maltipoo?▼
A Maltipoo is a Maltese crossed with a Poodle, so it is a different dog with its own page here, not a variety of Maltese. The purebred is the predictable one: a single long, straight, silky white coat that grows continuously, sheds very little and mats without brushing several times a week. A Maltipoo inherits somewhere between that and a poodle curl, and which one you get is not knowable from a puppy photo. That matters because the curlier the coat, the tighter the clipping schedule. If a fixed grooming routine is what you are planning around, the purebred is the safer bet.
How much does it cost to adopt a Maltese in Calgary?▼
Adopting a Maltese in Calgary typically costs $300 to $600, and puppies usually carry a premium at $500 to $900. The exact fee varies by rescue, and older dogs are often reduced. That fee is not a purchase price. It covers work already done on the dog: spay or neuter, vaccinations, deworming, microchip, and a basic vet workup, which would cost several hundred dollars more if you arranged it yourself after buying. Buying the same breed from a registered breeder generally runs well over $1,000, usually with a waitlist. Ask the rescue what is included before you apply, since a few include extras like a starter bag of food or a first-month insurance trial.
Are these Maltese for sale in Calgary?▼
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Maltese here comes from a Calgary rescue or shelter, not a breeder, pet store, or classified seller. Adoption fees are typically $300 to $600, with puppies at $500 to $900 and already include vaccinations, deworming, microchip and spay or neuter when age-appropriate, versus roughly $2,000 to $5,000 or more to buy a Maltese from a breeder. If you searched "maltese for sale calgary" or "maltese puppies for sale," adopting gets you a healthy, vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Maltese in Calgary, and should I?▼
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable Maltese breeder typically charges $2,000 to $5,000 or more and often has a waitlist, while a rescue Maltese costs $300 to $600, with puppies at $500 to $900 fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap maltese-for-sale ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are frequently backyard breeders or puppy-mill resellers with unvetted, sometimes sick animals and no health guarantee. If you do buy, insist on seeing where the puppies were raised and getting vet records. For most families in Calgary, adopting a rescue Maltese is cheaper, faster, and gives a dog in need a home.
Are there free Maltese in Calgary, or maltese under $500?▼
Adoption is the closest honest answer, and it is not free. A rescue Maltese in Calgary typically costs $300 to $600, with puppies at $500 to $900, so the lower end lands under the "$500" people search for and the rest does not. What the fee buys is work already done, the vaccinations, deworming, microchip and spay or neuter, which would cost more than the fee itself if you arranged it yourself, and it is still far below breeder prices. Be wary of genuinely free maltese listings. An animal advertised free to a good home has usually not been vetted, and free rehoming ads are the route flippers and unregistered breeders use to move animals with no health guarantee and no recourse. Paying a rescue fee buys you a dog someone has already examined, treated, and been honest with you about.
Are there Maltese puppies in Calgary, or only adults?▼
Both, but adults far outnumber puppies, and it is worth knowing that before you start looking. Most Maltese arriving in Calgary rescue are adolescents and adults, because that is the age at which first homes tend to give up. Puppies do come through, usually as accidental litters or with a surrendered mother, and they are typically spoken for quickly. Setting an alert beats refreshing the page. It is also worth asking whether you actually want one: an adult arrives with a temperament a foster has already observed and described, where a Maltese puppy is a prediction, and for this breed in particular knowing what you are getting is the more useful thing.
Where can I find a Maltese near me in Calgary?▼
Start with the listings on this page, which pull from Calgary rescues and shelters and are refreshed regularly, so what you see is what is genuinely available rather than a stale directory. If nothing suits today, that is normal for this breed: rescue intake is intermittent rather than steady, and a breed with none listed this week often has several next month. Setting an alert beats checking back, and it is worth widening to nearby towns, since most rescues serving Calgary will adopt out across a reasonable driving distance rather than only inside one municipality.

Need to rehome a Maltese?

If you can no longer keep your Maltese, you can list them for free on LocalPetFinder. Your dog stays in your home until you find the right family, you screen who applies, and there is no surrender fee. Not sure yet? Our guide to surrendering a dog in Canada walks through every option first.

List your dog for free →

Free tools for Maltese owners

📏Puppy Weight Calculator

How big will your Maltese get?

🎂Dog Age Calculator

Your Maltese's age in human years.

🍖Dog Feeding Calculator

How much to feed your Maltese.

🦮Dog Exercise Calculator

How much exercise your Maltese needs.

Need to rehome your Maltese?

If you are on the other side of this page and need to find your maltese a new home, we have a breed-specific guide: the rescues worth contacting first, realistic timelines, and how to screen adopters. Listing on LocalPetFinder is free.

How to rehome a Maltese responsibly →

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Looking beyond Calgary?

Alberta rescues transport between cities and several operate province-wide, so it is worth checking Maltese elsewhere in the province before you give up on a match in Calgary.

Maltese in EdmontonMaltese in Red DeerMaltese across Alberta