Travelling with a Maltese: car, crate and rules
Maltese : At 3 to 4 kg, it travels very well in a carrier bag or approved soft crate, by car or train. A lightweight harness is preferable to a collar to protect its slender neck on walks.
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In short: A miniature dog of 3 to 4 kg with a long, silky white coat and no undercoat, of moderate energy. A gentle, playful, delicate little dog, very close to its owners and made for indoor life. Its long, silky white coat with no undercoat sheds very little but shows everything: reddish tear stains around the eyes call for daily cleaning of the eye area.
In the car with a Maltese
At 3 to 4 kg, the Maltese travels in a rigid crate of about 50 cm placed in the rear footwell or strapped in, or an approved carrier bag for the lightest. An unrestrained dog of this weight becomes a projectile under braking — and a possible fine for distracted driving.
Trains, planes, holidays
Under 8 kg including the bag, the Maltese is allowed in the cabin on most airlines (approved soft carrier, booking required) and rides trains on a small-dog ticket. Tame the crate weeks ahead — open in the living room, seeded with treats — so that on the day, your Maltese walks in by itself.
Identification and good habits
Before any departure, check the trio: microchip, up-to-date vaccines and an EU passport for trips abroad. In warm weather a Maltese never stays in a parked car: fifteen minutes is enough for tragedy.
Frequently asked questions
What crate size for a Maltese?
The rule: roughly 50 cm, i.e. room to stand and turn without contortion. For air travel, check the specific model’s IATA approval.
Can a Maltese fly in the cabin?
Yes on most airlines: under 8 kg including the bag, in an approved soft carrier booked in advance.
The guides that apply to you
- Microchip or tattoo: which ID actually gets a lost dog home?
Dog identification: what a study shows about return-to-owner rates depending on whether the dog is microchipped or not.
- Small dog carrier bag: choosing the right one for trains, the metro and city life
Approved dimensions, ventilation, comfort: how to choose a small dog carrier suited to trains, public transport and city journeys.
- Retractable or standard leash: which one for your dog?
Safety, leash training, comfort in town: retractable or standard leash, the comparison to choose the right lead for your dog and your walks.
- Dog muzzle: when it's needed and how to get your dog used to it stress-free
Public transport, the vet, certain regulated breeds: a muzzle is sometimes required. How to choose the right type and desensitise a dog that refuses to wear one.