Maltese Lifespan & Health Guide
The typical Maltese lives 12–15 years, with a median of 14 years.
The Maltese is one of the most ancient toy breeds, with a documented history spanning over two millennia as a treasured companion of aristocracy and royalty throughout the Mediterranean world. Weighing under seven pounds with a flowing, pure white silky coat, the Maltese combines elegance with a surprisingly bold and playful personality. Despite their diminutive size, Maltese are lively, fearless, and highly affectionate dogs that form intense bonds with their owners and adapt well to apartment living.
12–15
years lifespan
4–7
lbs (male)
8–10
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
How Long Do Malteses Live?
Malteses have a lifespan of 12–15 years, with a median of 14 years. The main health factors that affect how long a Maltese lives:
- dental disease
- luxating patella
- portosystemic liver shunt
- progressive retinal atrophy
- collapsing trachea
Temperament
How Old Is Your Maltese in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Maltese Age CalculatorMaltese Size & Weight
4–7 lbs
Male weight
4–7 lbs
Female weight
8–10″
Male height
8–10″
Female height
Size category: small · Group: Toy
Common Maltese Health Problems
Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Dental disease is the single most prevalent health concern in Maltese, affecting virtually all members of the breed to some degree by middle age. Their tiny jaws create overcrowding of teeth, which traps food debris and accelerates plaque and tartar formation. Left untreated, periodontal disease leads to painful infections, tooth loss, and bacteria entering the bloodstream that can damage the heart, liver, and kidneys. In Maltese, dental disease is not merely a cosmetic concern — it is a life-shortening condition that requires aggressive, proactive prevention and treatment.
Typical onset: 1–3 years
Luxating Patella
Luxating patella (dislocating kneecap) is very common in Maltese and other toy breeds. The condition occurs when the kneecap slides out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone, causing intermittent or permanent lameness. It is graded from I (mild, manually reducible) to IV (severe, permanently luxated). In Maltese, the medial (inward) luxation is most common. Many dogs with grade I-II luxation function well with conservative management, while grade III-IV typically requires surgical correction to prevent arthritis and chronic pain.
Typical onset: 0.5–3 years
Portosystemic Liver Shunt (PSS)
Portosystemic liver shunt is a congenital vascular abnormality where blood bypasses the liver, preventing normal detoxification and protein metabolism. The condition is more common in Maltese than in most breeds. Affected dogs have blood that flows around rather than through the liver, allowing toxins (particularly ammonia from protein digestion) to accumulate in the bloodstream and affect the brain and other organs. Symptoms typically appear in the first two years of life and range from subtle (poor growth, unusual behavior after eating) to severe (seizures, hepatic encephalopathy).
Typical onset: 0–2 years
Collapsing Trachea
Collapsing trachea is a progressive respiratory condition common in toy breeds including the Maltese. The cartilage rings that hold the trachea (windpipe) open weaken over time, causing the trachea to flatten during breathing, particularly during excitement, exercise, or when pressure is applied to the neck. The condition causes a distinctive honking cough and can range from mild and manageable to severe and life-threatening. While it can appear at any age, symptoms typically worsen over time, particularly in overweight dogs.
Typical onset: 2–8 years
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye disease in which the photoreceptor cells of the retina gradually degenerate, ultimately leading to blindness. In Maltese, PRA typically manifests first as difficulty seeing in dim light conditions, with progressive deterioration over months to years. Because the Maltese is primarily an indoor companion dog, early vision changes may go unnoticed until the condition is moderately advanced. DNA testing is available for the breed-specific mutation, and responsible breeders screen all breeding stock to prevent producing affected puppies.
Typical onset: 3–7 years
Recommended Health Screenings
Breed-specific tests and evaluations recommended for Malteses:
- Patellar evaluation (OFA)
- Ophthalmologic exam (CAER)
- Cardiac evaluation
- Bile acid test (liver shunt screening)
- Dental examination
Typical Veterinary Costs
Malteses are generally rated medium on the annual veterinary cost scale, based on breed-specific health risks, known chronic conditions, and typical screening requirements. Routine wellness care plus budget for breed-specific screening tests.
When Is a Maltese Considered Senior?
Malteses are generally considered senior at around 10 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Maltese’s age in human years →Maltese Exercise Needs
Adult Malteses need 30–45 minutes of exercise per day. Adult Maltese are adaptable and their exercise needs are modest compared to larger breeds, making them excellent apartment dogs. A 30-minute daily walk combined with indoor play is typically sufficient. Despite their small size, Maltese enjoy walking and exploring — do not carry them everywhere. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is important to prevent boredom-related behaviors like excessive barking. Their playful spirit means they enjoy games well into their senior years.
Cautions: harness only — never a collar; avoid extreme temperatures (heat and cold); watch for patellar luxation symptoms during activity; long coat may need protection from mud, rain, or snow
Maltese Diet & Nutrition
Adult Malteses typically eat 0.25–0.5 cups of small-breed adult formula per day, split into 2 meals. Maltese have very small daily food requirements and every calorie counts. Measure portions precisely — treats and table scraps can easily represent 20-30% of a tiny dog's daily caloric intake and cause rapid weight gain. Choose formulas designed for small breeds with kibble that encourages chewing to support dental health. The Maltese's stunning white coat benefits from omega fatty acid supplementation. Avoid overfeeding despite the dog's persuasive begging skills.
Key nutrients: high-quality protein (25-30%), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health, dental-supporting ingredients or kibble design, moderate fat for energy without excess calories, antioxidants for immune support
Weight management is critically important for Maltese because even small amounts of excess weight — literally half a pound — can stress tiny joints, worsen patellar luxation, exacerbate tracheal collapse, and strain a small heart. A healthy Maltese at 5 pounds gaining just one extra pound has effectively increased body weight by 20%. Treats should be tiny, low-calorie, and accounted for in daily food intake. Regular weigh-ins at home using a kitchen scale provide more accurate tracking than veterinary scales designed for larger dogs.
Maltese Dental Care
Dental disease is the most significant health challenge in the Maltese breed. Their tiny jaws create severe overcrowding of teeth, and retained baby teeth (which are extremely common) worsen this crowding dramatically. Without aggressive daily home care and regular professional cleanings, most Maltese will develop significant periodontal disease by middle age, leading to painful infections, tooth loss, and systemic health impacts. Daily brushing, dental-specific diets, prompt extraction of retained baby teeth, and professional cleanings starting by age 2 are essential. Many Maltese owners report that disciplined dental care is the single most important thing they do for their dog's health and longevity.
Maltese Coat & Grooming
Coat type
Long, silky, single coat (no undercoat)
Shedding
minimal
Energy
moderate
Maltese Trainability
Malteses are rated moderate to train. They typically calm down around 24 months of age.