The number one reason dogs should exercise is to maintain their weight. It also builds endurance and can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Exercise can keep a dog happy.
If you start a regular schedule, then your Maltese will start anticipating when you're going to take them for a walk or a jog. Generally, long-legged dogs or members of the sporting, hounds or working groups are best suited for regular jogging or speed walking, but all dogs can use regular walks. As a rule of thumb, with a Maltese, wait until he's 8 months old to start a regular jogging or high-level walking program. Dogs who weigh 45 to 95 pounds can go when they're more than 1 year and giant breeds who weigh more than 100 pounds can start a regular program when they're more than 18 months. You have to give their bones a chance to develop.