Maltese Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Maltese colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Maltese Colors Overview

The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus.. The breed standard defines which colors are acceptable for competition.

Prospective owners should understand that color has no bearing on a dog's temperament or health (with rare exceptions linked to specific color genes). Choose a Maltese based on health, temperament, and breeder quality—not color alone.

Recognized Colors

White Standard

White and Lemon Standard

White and Tan

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($1000–$3000)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$900–$1500)

Coat Genetics

The Maltese's coat color is the product of several interacting genes. The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus..

Modern DNA testing panels can identify a dog's genotype at key color loci, allowing breeders to predict puppy colors and avoid producing colors linked to health issues (such as double merle).

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among Malteses, the standard colors (White, White and Lemon) are most common. Non-standard colors like White and Tan are rarer and may command premium prices above the standard $1000–$3000 range. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus..

Do Maltese Colors Change with Age?

Maltese puppies often look quite different from their adult selves. With 3 recognized color varieties, coat color may lighten, darken, or develop new markings during the transition from puppy to adult coat, typically between 4 and 12 months. The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus..

Controversial Colors

When shopping for a Maltese, be skeptical of breeders who advertise unusual colors at prices above $3000. Non-standard colors beyond White, White and Lemon can indicate mixed breeding or genes linked to health issues. The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus..

Frequently Asked Questions

The Maltese comes in White, White and Lemon, White and Tan. The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus..

Rarity depends on genetics. Non-standard colors may be less common but should not be prioritized over health and temperament. The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus..

Color changes during the puppy-to-adult coat transition (4–12 months) are normal in Malteses. Their long silky coat undergoes significant texture changes during this period as well. Standard colors (White, White and Lemon) tend to be established by maturity.

For the Maltese, standard colors have no known health associations. Some non-standard colors in certain breeds can be linked to deafness, eye problems, or skin sensitivity. The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus..

Among Malteses, the most commonly seen colors are White, White and Lemon. The breed has a relatively limited color palette. The Maltese should be pure white, though slight lemon or tan markings on the ears are tolerated. The white color is determined by the extreme white spotting gene on the S locus..