I never recommend keeping a Maltese Dog Puppy with children under the age of about 9, no matter how well-meaning the child. Younger children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child "meant well" is little solace to a Maltese who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, squeezed, hit with an errant ball, or dropped down the stairs or onto the concrete patio. In addition, most Maltese feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making, and stress and fearfulness (even defensive biting) may be the result.
