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Maltese are show-stopping cuties with their long, silky coat and compact frames. But don’t let their adorable characteristics fool you. These dogs are athletic and intelligent, even thriving in the dog sports world in categories like agility and obedience. Because of this, Maltese need dog toys that will engage them physically, mentally, and in interaction with other dogs or people. They particularly love to play with you, their favorite person. But Maltese need toys designed for small dogs with delicate bodies and tiny teeth.
We consulted expert Michelle Reindal, CPDT-KA, professional dog trainer and owner of The Paid Pup, to learn more about what Maltese dogs need in a toy. With her insight and our research, we’ve rounded up the best dog toys for your playful Maltese.
Best Plush: Multipet Lambchop Plush Squeak Toy (Verified Review)
Reindal recommends avoiding large, hard toys that are particularly rigid on a Maltese dog’s small body and teeth. This highly popular Lambchop plush toy is super soft and lightweight and available in a mini size that’s suitable for small mouths. Our Rover dogs and pet parents have found this isn’t the most robust toy, though, so you’ll want to keep a watchful eye on your Maltese while they play. On the flip side, it’s highly affordable, so you can keep a ready supply of lambs on hand.
Key Features:
- Available in a mini Maltese size
- Super plush and squeaky
- Designed for light chewers
- Affordably priced
Best Chew Toy: PetStages Orka Mini Bone
“Considering their size, Maltese dogs need toys that are specifically designed for small breeds with small teeth,” says Reindal. This is especially important when it comes to chew toys.
Pet parents of Maltese dogs say the PetStages Orka Mini Bone is a crowd-pleaser in their house. The small, flat surface makes it easy to hold and carry, while the textured rubber adds interest. They do report, however, that the tassels tend to come off right away, but the bone itself is long-lasting.
Key Features:
- Mini size
- Made of solid and safe TPE rubber
- Textured surface aids in oral health
- Rope pieces are removable
- Bouncy and floats
Best Flirt Pole: Outward Hound Tail Teaser (Verified Review)
“Maltese prefer to have their favorite person by their side while playing, so look for toys that the two of you can play with together,” says Reindal. Flirt poles offer a fantastic way for humans and tiny dogs to interact and play, making up for the size difference.
We found the Tail Teaser durable, with its sturdy plastic rod reinforced with a nylon cord. The two faux-fur squeaky attachments are small and soft enough for a Maltese’s mouth.
Key Features:
- Interactive toy for dog-human bonding
- Lightweight at 7.2 ounces
- Includes two plush squeaky toys that can be replaced
- Rope offers 52 inches in length
Best for Fetch: Chuckit Ultra Small Dog Ball
Maltese are full of energy and need outlets like fetch to keep them entertained. The Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy comes in a small size, 2 inches in diameter, that’s a good fit for most Maltese. Slightly larger than a golf ball, it has a super high bounce and buoyancy to keep your playful pup engaged in an exciting game of fetch.
Key Features:
- 2-inch size is easy for small dogs to carry
- Designed for dogs weighing 0-20 pounds
- Comes in a two-pack
- Made of durable rubber
Best Squeaky Ball: Hartz Dura Play Small Ball
If your Maltese prefers a squeaky ball with a bit more give, this Hartz ball is an excellent choice. At 2.36 inches in diameter, it’s a little bigger than the Chuckit! ball above, but the soft rubber makes it easy and lightweight to carry. Plus, it comes in a pack of three and smells like bacon!
Key Features:
- 2.36-inches in diameter
- Squeaky rubber ball
- Infused with bacon scent
- Bouncy and floats
Best Automatic: iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher with Mini Balls (Verified Review)
“Maltese dogs are a small, toy breed—but don’t mistake that for a lack of play and excitement—they are feisty and intelligent, so you may find that toys that engage them mentally and physically are ideal,” says Reindal.
Training your Maltese how to fetch and return a ball to an automatic ball launcher is one way to simultaneously meet their physical and mental needs. This original model by iFetch is suited for smaller dogs, with three balls measuring 1.6 inches in diameter. We tested the larger design, the iFetch Too, and found it an engaging way to exercise energetic dogs.
Key Features:
- Automatic ball launcher for small dogs
- Three modes: 10, 20, and 30 feet
- Equipped with 1.6-inch balls
- For indoor and outdoor use
Best Rope Toy: Mammoth Mini Cotton Dog Rope Toy
A rope toy is essential to your dog’s toy box if your Maltese is more into tug than fetch. Specifically designed for small dogs and tiny mouths, this Mammoth rope toy measures 6 inches and has two large knots for gripping. The tightly braided rope may also help floss your dog’s teeth to help keep them clean. Just inspect the rope regularly to ensure there aren’t any loose pieces that could be a hazard.
Key Features:
- 6-inch mini size
- Made of 100% cotton
- Rope fibers for flossing and oral health
- Long-lasting toy for fetch
Best Puzzle Toy: Nina Ottosson Hide ‘n’ Slide Puzzle Toy
“Interactive problem-solving toys are great for Maltese dogs, as they are smart and eager,” says Reindal. This level-two brain teaser is a solid puzzle toy for dogs who like to hunt for their food. Hide the treats in the round blocks so your dog can flip the fins and slide the blocks open to find their reward. Once they’ve mastered this particular puzzle, there are additional levels they can achieve in the Nina Ottosson toy line.
Key Features:
- Hide-and-seek puzzle with varying difficulty levels
- Designed with food-safe plastic and wood composite
- No removable parts
- Non-slip bottom
Best Puzzle Ball: JW Pet Hol-ee Roller
The Hol-ee Roller by JW Pet is a versatile puzzle toy that can be used in several ways to keep your Maltese engaged. It’s bouncy and great for fetching, rubbery and stretchy for a gentle game of tug, and its holey design is also perfect for stuffing with treats. The mini measures 1.75 inches in diameter, and the small measures 3 inches, giving you a couple of small-size options.
Key Features:
- Soft puzzle ball in two small sizes
- Ideal for fetching, tugging, and puzzling
- Made of durable rubber
Best Interactive: Pet Qwerks Babble Ball
Self-moving toys can keep your Maltese entertained on the days when you don’t have enough time or energy to play with them. This small, interactive ball is made for dogs under 12 pounds. It features more than 20 different animal sounds—which can be a great socialization tool for Maltese puppies, too. This ball does have a harder surface, though, and is not intended for chewing.
Key Features:
- Interactive toy triggered by movement
- Features over 20 animal sounds
- Measures 2 inches in diameter
Best Burrow Toy: Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Plush Toy
While Maltese generally have low prey drives, this plush burrow toy can inspire their predatory instincts. Available in a junior size, the Hide-a-Squirrel toy features three squeaky critters that your pup can find, pull out, and play with. You can even scatter treats inside the log for extra enticement.
Key Features:
- Junior size measures 4 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
- Soft toy for small teeth and gums
- Suited for independent or interactive play
Best Treat-Dispensing Toy: WestPaw Toppl
This versatile puzzle toy works in several ways. You can fill it with your dog’s food or treats, so your Maltese has to work to fish them out. You can buy and interlock two toys for a wobbling treat dispenser. Or you can smear and freeze spreadable treats for a long-lasting stuffed puzzle. We especially like that the wide opening makes it easy for smaller dogs to access the food from the top. West Paw is also known for producing high-quality and eco-friendly toys.
Key Features:
- Well-designed and versatile food puzzle
- Several sizes available
- Can be interlocked together for a challenge
- Non-toxic and dishwasher safe (top rack)
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and an interview with a professional trainer. We prioritized dog toys for Maltese that are well-made, appropriately sized, and durable. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.