The Maltese is a beautiful toy breed that can melt the heart of any dog lover. But, how long is the average Maltese lifespan?
There are certainly many answers to this question online, but in most cases, they are unsubstantiated. This can lead to a lot of conflicting information.
However, in this article, we look at the facts to give you a true average Maltese lifespan.
Along with this, we will give important tips to owners in keeping your cute Maltese healthy and energetic for as long as possible.
So, let’s answer this question once and for all!
How Long Do Malteses Live?
Looking online, there seems to be a consensus of 12-15 years for the Maltese lifespan, with a few outliers stating 15-18 years.
These are really promising and good numbers! Unfortunately, the true number is likely to be in the lower end of these ranges.
A large cross-sectional scientific study was published in 2010, looking into the results of a 2004 survey.
In the survey, owners reported any dog deaths within the family in the last ten years. Information was gathered about their breed, age when they passed, and the cause of death.
From the data gained a median average Maltese lifespan was deduced; 12.25 years.
As this is from a large scientific study, it’s likely to be close to the true average lifespan for this breed.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that is just an average. The Maltese can and commonly will surpass this age.
While the Maltese lifespan does not reach the optimistic estimations made online, 12.25 years is still a very good and long life for a dog.
There are many breeds whose lifespan does not even come close to these numbers.
So what is it about the Maltese that promotes this longer life?
Causes of the Long Maltese Lifespan
A major reason the Maltese lifespan is longer than some other dog breeds may be due to the fact that the Maltese is so small.
Larger dog breeds tend to die at a much earlier age, despite the fact that a bigger size usually brings with it a longer lifespan.
So what is going on?
A scientific study concluded that one of the reasons is due to bigger dog breeds having high risks of serious developmental diseases.
Another study found that large dogs have a much faster rate of aging, which leads to a much lower overall lifespan.
Therefore, with its small size, the Maltese does not experience either of these potential detriments to its lifespan. They grow and age at a normal rate.
However, this does not mean the Maltese will be free of any and all severe health issues that may cut its life short.
Maltese Health Risks
While the long lifespan of the Maltese does seem to show that it’s a healthy dog, there are some serious conditions the breed is predisposed to.
A study into the common causes of death within dogs found that the Maltese died from cardiovascular problems and congenital disease.
Heart Conditions
The Maltese is at particular risk for the heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus. This is a congenital defect where a vessel in the heart that is meant to close after birth doesn’t, leading to blood being diverted.
Depending on the severity of the condition, it can cause symptoms such as breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and stunted growth.
Surgery to close the open vessel is usually recommended, as the condition can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Congenital Disease
A common serious condition seen in the Maltese is known as a Portosystemic Shunt.
Also known as a Liver Shunt, this is similar to the cardiovascular condition above; an abnormal connection in the veins allows blood to veer off the intended path.
In this case, the blood is able to bypass the liver, meaning that toxins, proteins, and nutrients are not filtered out and left to circulate around the body.
This can lead to symptoms such as stunted growth, behavioral abnormalities, seizures, and even blindness.
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Surgical intervention is again required, as leaving it untreated can lead to an early death.
Be Vigilant
While these conditions can be fatal, they are potentially treatable if caught early. The prognosis for these conditions is generally good for a Maltese who has received a successful surgical intervention.
Therefore, it’s very important to keep an eye out for any strange behavior or signs of sickness in your Maltese when they are still a puppy.
Catching these conditions early can help their chances.
With all this in mind, what can we do to help increase the Maltese lifespan?
Keeping a Maltese Healthy
The first big thing you can do to ensure that a Maltese has a good chance at a long life takes place before you actually own one!
Purchasing a Maltese puppy from a reputable breeder goes a long way to ensure they live a long life.
Both of the severe health conditions we described in the previous section have a genetic basis. A good breeder should be able to show documentation that proves these conditions and more aren’t present within the puppy.
Avoiding these congenital diseases is a great first step!
But what can you do to enhance a Maltese lifespan once you actually own one?
There’s no trick to it; just keep them well-cared for!
Nutrition
A good diet promotes good health, and good health increases the chance of a long life!
Nutrition is very important, especially for a puppy. Nutritionally valuable, high-quality food should always be bought over cheaper alternatives.
It’s recommended that you work with your veterinarian to create a diet plan for your Maltese. This can be the best way of making sure that their body is receiving everything it needs to be healthy and strong.
Keep in mind that a dog’s diet isn’t static; it changes with age and other circumstances! Be sure to re-evaluate your Maltese’s dietary needs throughout their life stages.
Keeping on Top of Their Daily Needs
Another small thing that goes a long way is keeping on top of their grooming, exercise, and mental requirements.
Regular exercise keeps their body in top shape, good grooming prevents matting and skin conditions, and keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated helps keep them happy and hence increases the Maltese lifespan!
Be sure you can fulfill all of this daily to have a happy and healthy dog that could very well live on past 12.25 years.
The Maltese Lifespan and You
It’s no wonder Maltese owners want this lovely and beautiful companion to be with them for as long as possible. We hope this article has given you some insight into how you can achieve a long life for this breed.
Keep in mind that 12 years is already a pretty long life for a dog. Any years past that is great, but it is good to recognize that an earlier death doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong; it was just their time.
Just love and care for them the best you can regardless of how long they live, they will have led a happy life.
Have you ever owned a Maltese? Have any more tips on keeping them healthy?
Let us know below!
References and Resources
Adams, VJ, et al, Methods and mortality results of a health survey of purebred dogs in the UK, The Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2010
Fleming, JM, et al, Mortality in North American Dogs from 1984 to 2004: An Investigation into Age, Size, and Breed-Related Causes of Death, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2011
Oliveira, P, et al, Retrospective Review of Congenital Heart Disease in 976 Dogs, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2011
Tisdall, PLC, et al, Congenital portosystemic shunts in Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Veterinary Journal, 1994
Tobias, KM, Portosystemic Shunts
Galis, F, et al, Do large dogs die young?, Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B: Molecular and Developmental Evolution, 2006
Kraus, C, et al, The Size-Life Span Trade-Off Decomposed: Why Large Dogs Die Young, The American Naturalist, 2013
Lani G says
I have a Maltese name Cally, she will be 12yrs old in two months. She was recently diagnosed with TCC bladder cancer. The oncologist gave her at least one more year with us. It’s been a hard pill to swallow and trying to process it all. She will be put on a medication called Piroxicam to help slow the cancer cell from spreading. I keep praying for her each day. She is part of our family.
Lori says
Aww. I’m so happy your puppy was loved so much and so sad she is sick. I know the heartbreak of the loss of a pet. I’m thinking of you!
Andrea says
My Ozzy is 11 1/2 years old and was recently diagnosed with advanced diabetes after he suddenly went blind over a only a months time. He also has liver issues and a heart murmur and they have been suspicious of cushings for 3 years (always comes back inconclusive) has had a laundry list of health issues his entire life. My vet suggested putting him to sleep as he is really struggling and not really enjoying life anymore. I have taken him to another vet who has started me on insulin with not much improvement. His entire life right now is peeing a thousand times a day, eating when he can and being anxious constantly. It’s so hard and I am struggling making a decision. There are times he still shows his old loving self and that is what makes it so hard. I am not sure if I should continue to spend money I don’t really have or if he is ready to go. I am so heartbroken. I thought I would have him so much longer.
J. Nil says
We just put our Maltese down at 15 years 3 months. He had liver problems for 7 years but was still happy. The last 6 months he went blind, deaf and had dementia. It became sad and we knew we were keeping him alive for us not him. It is better to put your pet down one week early than one week late. Maltese’s are so loving and affectionate but towards the end he did not know us. I don’t think I can ever do that to a dog again. It was selfish.
Joy says
You did what was in your heart. He couldn’t speak to tell you he was declining fast. My little Maltese was put to sleep over the summer 2020. He was also 15 1/2. Broke my heart in a million pieces. I’m still not over him. He was also blind and deaf for over 1 year. Had a collapsed trachea at one point but recovers. Toward his end He developed hind legs arthritis. No longer couldnt walk or stand (too many pain meds made him sleepy) he peed in his bed at night as he couldn’t get up to pee. He ate good Drs k a lot in the last days. My vet said it was time. I couldn’t do it but my little guy was begging me with his eyes. Ge knew. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. That was 5 months ago. I’m still crying over his loss.
George says
My beloved Maltese Cannoli past away a week ago – he lived 18 years 7 months! A long life full of love and companionship. But, the last year was difficult with arthritis and glaucoma, but all able to be addressed by medication. He showed no obvious signs of pain but he had mobility issues the last three months of his life. He did not have any teeth since 16 years old, and I actually think that contributed to an even longer life. He always had tooth decay issues, which was more my fault than his. Keep your pups teeth in good shape! I also cooked a variety of food for him and probably fed him half pet food and half meat and veggies. And lots of exercise – a good hour of walks every day until his last year. So just the usual things you would do for any dog. Likely good genes helped, too. Blessed with such a long time, but missing him something awful.
DJM says
Hi all,
I am curious to know if your little ones were spayed/neutered.
My little boy is 2 months away from his 12th birthday. He is a ball of fun and incredibly loving. He hasn’t experienced any major health problems other than a minor heart murmur, which gets checked every 6 months.
It’s great to read that some of your fur babies have lived up to 20 years! I would love to learn your secrets. I adore my bundle of joy so much and would like to help him live a long and healthy life. I believe I have done all that I can so far; quality nutritious food, exercise, much love and attention, and regular veterinary visits.
My snow bear is still intact. His veterinarian has recommended I have him neutered, but I haven’t done so because I am not sure if he would benefit much from it. He has lived perfectly fine w/o being neutered. What do you advise I do? I am thinking about having him neutered; better late than never. But again, would he benefit from it at this point. I have read a couple of research papers that make me believe otherwise.
Your help is appreciated! 🙂
Priya says
Hi my Maltese is 11 years 6 months old , he suddenly started having health issues . He has a big gallbladder stone , few small bladder stones , severe limp in front leg and weak hid legs and suddenly I’m noticing gum diseases and he has become very difficult to handle. I could easily put medication in his mouth now it’s impossible.i feel surgery is not the best option for him especially now with this pandemic going on and his recovery. I’m at loss and I don’t know what to do . He is still eating but throws up sporadically. Can someone advice me .
janet says
Just want to comment that I personally had gall stones, and I can’t tell you how horrible the pain is. I had my gall bladder removed immediately. Your baby may be in alot of pain, and that’s not fair. My husband suffered from kidney stones, and I had to take him to the hospital for treatment several times. The stones were so big nothing they did helped, so they finally had to surgically remove them.
I don’t know if canines suffer the same way as humans, but I can tell you it’s horrible!!! My opinion is surgery or put him down.
My maltese is 16 years so far, I have given her cosamin tablets and thyroid pills for a few years now. I have also changed her food to “Dr. Marty’s”. It is raw, with no fillers, additives, nothing but food that is freeze dried. She has cataracs and has lost most of her hearing, but I can’t imagine my life after she’s gone.
It costs a small fortune to properly care for a pet, I get their teeth cleaned every year, etc. I hope this isn’t TMI, and help’s you make your decision.
Steve says
We’ve had 2 Maltese female sisters. One passed a couple years ago at 15 from a liver shunt. Our other girl is closing in on 18. She seems to be fading, hasn’t eaten in 3 days. Vet visit tomorrow….Until I read this article I didn’t realize our girls were at at the upper age limit for the breed. We’ve been blessed to have them in our lives for this long.
Lynda says
So sorry to here this. I just lost my male Maltese 2 days ago. He was turning 12 next month. They are special little dogs. I am hoping to find another Maltese ❤️
martha brady says
my Maltese male was terrific until he developed a heart mumur – he is on medication however he has lost so much energy – wondering if the drugs are the cause. He is 14.5 years old and until 4 months ago everyone thought he was a puppy. am concerned that the medications are too strong – he no longer plays with his toys and doesn’t want to walk – 3 houses down and he just stops. overnight he changed so much! Going back for another heart test and will investigate changing the meds. He is the love of my life and to see this sudden change is breaking my heart.
Michelle Spangle says
I’m curious as to what you found out.
I lost my Cooper yesterday and my heart is breaking. His health seemed to deteriorate rapidly I’ve the last month or so. I wish I had taken him to the vet sooner.
Mick says
My maltese just turned 20 years old how much longer does she have to pass away
Barbie says
Wow that’s so good , mine is 5 and for the last two days has been puking bile and now foam. So scared we’re going to the vet in the morning . I’m praying he was so happy and full of life three nights ago them at [email protected] started puking. I also switched him on iams soft chicken and rice. I hope it wasn’t bad
Lynda says
My Maltese did the same thing, puking bile. I tried to keep food in his stomach at all times, it seemed to help. He just passed 2 days ago one month shy of 12. Well wishes for you and your Maltese.
joyce thompson says
I took on a maltese from a rehoming charity, he was 6, it cost me to have his rotten teeth removed and generally constant vets visits for over a year, with yellow vomit and one episode of severe foam vomit. Its taken me 3 years to organise his diet, no bought tinned food, I discovered intolerance to grain, wheat etc so now, steamed chicken breast and Lilys Kitchen grain free chicken and duck kibble soaked as he has no teeth. Since settling his food to two meals (when he asks ) 2 oz chicken chopped up small with about 10 kibble pieces each meal, no more yellow vomit or foam. He has probiotic paste once a week which certainly helps his digestion. He only has pure meat treats as rewards, True instinct do chicken and turkey pellets, he can’t tolerate lamb or beef they are too fatty and if its bile trouble less fat helps. good luck i hope your furbaby improves.
Joe says
Maltese have a very hard time changing food. Must be done very slowly. And not often.
Vincent Price says
Good luck to you, we lost our Maltese the last time that April 15, was on a Friday. He had gotten two (2) weeks into his 21st. birthday
martha brady says
Thanks for that – did he/she have any issues?
Leo says
Ours is almost 18 years old and I’m wondering how much longer she has too.
Evan says
We just put ours to sleep this morning after a courageous battle with Cushing’s Disease. She had been declining the last 5 months. She was 3 months shy of her 17th birthday….
Meg Austwick says
I’m so sorry for your loss Evan
Marilyn Rysdon says
Can you explain her Cushings disease?
Marsha says
Evan ….. so sorry to hear this 💔 our Maltese Davidson developed diabetes and Cushings at almost same time. Both are difficult to control, but we did and he passed away 12/27/19 3 months shy of his 16th Birthday. He was a real trooper till the end but he missed his half brother who passed away at 14. They had a wonderful life as I know yours did. We are very fortunate to have experienced their love so long. Hugs to you
Elizabeth says
My Maltese is 12 and a half, He’s had two tumors that were benign and removed easily. That was about a year ago, but he’s been acting strange and not eating as often. Any suggestions? 🙁
Della says
As our Maltese got older, she suddenly started refusing to eat. We found a gently cooked pet food that had her back to normal and eating every bite (myperfectpetfood). She ate this food from age 14 until she died – a few days shy of her 17th birthday. The only health issue she had was degenerative disc disease (diagnosed at age 15). We managed her pain with a tiny piece (1/4 of a 50 mg tablet) of Tramadol (vet switched to this when Rimadyl sent her into a spiral) and a homeopathic called Herbaprin, mixed in with her food during the nighttime feeding. We also got stairs and ramps to keep her from jumping on/off furniture. We occasionally give our Morkie Herbaprin mixed in with the same food (my perfect pet food) for her aches and pain. She is almost 15. It relieves her pain and helps her relax at night just as it did for our Maltese. Our Mistletoe, aka Missie (Maltese) was an absolute treasure. We still miss her every day! ❤️
Joe says
Mine did the same thing. After thousands in vet bills and no improvment. We found he had a sever ear infection keeping him from eating. Within two days of antibiotics he was back eating normal,
Gloria Page says
I just put my perfect dog Hope to sleep forever. She had lost her eyesight & hearing… but she still seemed happy. She had stopped eating pretty much too. It was just a matter of time. She was 17. She lived on hot dogs her entire life as I could never get her to eat real dog food.
Barb Deere says
I can relate Gloria. My Maltese Millie will be 20 in a couple of months. She is both blind and deaf, her coat pretty scraggy looking but she eats and loves her humans. She needs to be taken to the toilet as she gets confused between inside and outside – she was such a clean dog previously so we make plenty of concessions for her as she has been a wonderful part of our family and deserves extra attention now that she needs it. As we are in lockdown here in Melbourne Australia due to Corona Virus restrictions she gets plenty of lap time – her favourite spot.
Nat says
My maltese Milo just lived 10 years and one month. I loved him as a son, I feel so much pain in my heart when I see his picture and his ashes on my mantle. He had cancer in one eye. I never thought he would have that effect on me when I first got him. Can’t ever get a better companion than a dog
Baygull says
We just put our 16 and 3 month old maltese to sleep yesterday. It’s ripped my heart apart, but we learned he had cancer and think it was at a later stage. He’d been slowly going downhill, and it took a very long time to convince myself it was his time. I still can’t believe he’s not here, but know he is much better off. Until about the last 6 months, he was romping down our trail, and in what seemed good health. They are little powerhouses, and as loving as can be.
amanda teo says
my maltese is 14 years old he still eats well sleeps well ocasisonally he has the stomach bug and gets grumpy but other then that still very healthy with no illness
Miaka says
The malteser hund I know is living 18+ years now. More years chanula. 😘😘😘
Michelle Cox McArdle says
What do you think about cosequin,for joints ?
Ivonne says
Our Maltese passed away this week. He would have been 13 years next month. Absolutely heart broken. Took him to the Vet early September because he’d chewed his paw off from being nervous. Vet gave him a shot of cortisone and prescribed Apoquel – noticed him acting ‘off’ week ago, he slept just about all day and last couple of days lost his appetite. No idea if Apoquel had any effect on his passing. God I miss him so much.
Marilou says
I feel for your loss.We lost our Brody 3 days ago. We can’t stop crying over him. Our life was about him. There is no easy way of dealing with the loss. Time will eventually help us accept that he has moved on to a better place where they are free of illness and they can be happy forever.
You should ask another vet about that medication and read up on it.
I asked for Brody’s medical records just so I have it. Just in case I have a question of how he passed away.
Our pets is part of our family and he will always be close to our hearts like he was my son.
Lynda says
Sorry for your loss. I just lost my Maltese and feel the same as you. Tears for days, miss him so much ❤️
Marcela Perez says
My Maltese is 12 and I take her every 6 month for full lab work and check ups. She’s very healthy! She is starting. To develop nuclear sclerosis which the vet explained is a normal part of aging and won’t necessarily cause blindness. She runs, plays and loves to be rubbed. She shows no signs of slowing down. She only eats healthy dog food and drinks alkaline water. She also takes a chewy that is purely made of healthy ingredients and collagen, vitamins and enzymes and glucosamine. I hope she still has many years ahead of her. I keep her as healthy as I can. She gets plenty of exercise and love!
Karen Ries says
Our little Ivy means so much to us. We rescued her from the Humane Society. We can only guess her age because she was found stray. We think she’s about 6 1/2 years old. Cute, playful, and she is very bonded to our 12 year old lab. They’re best friends.
Mickey Grossman says
Just lost our Angel ! We are Heart Broken ! She was 14 1/2 ! Never sick ! Stopped eating ! My heart is broken in 2 !
Squirrel Donna says
My girl Biskit made it to 18 yrs and 2 mo
Marcela Perez says
Your Maltese lived this long?! What a blessing!
martha brady says
Thank you for this – my Maltese is 14 however acts like a puppy – running, jumping and so active – We found him for my mother in law 7 years ago however he was too active for a 90 year old woman and while she loved him I fell in love with him never left him with her. We take him regularly to the vet to check everything – I pray to God that he will live 4 more years – he is the best thing that has ever to me in my life –
Rosemary says
We just lost our sweetie, Buster, at 19 years. 🙁
Donna says
My Maltese Nicki lived 14 1/2 years. Biskit just left us, making it to 18 yrs and 2 months. I have wonderful lifetime loving memories with our girls.and nowhere to post a photo ? I just wanted to say they can live much longer than 12 yrs.
I miss them so much
Squirrel Donna
Nicole says
I have a 16-year-old Maltese that still acts like a puppy. I don’t see her passing away anytime soon. She will be 17 in 6 months. Everyone that meets her thinks that she is still very young. She never got tear stains under her eyes either.
sue aris says
How lucky you are. My Maltese is 14 years old and she has IVDD on her back very bad so she is same like yours very active playfull every body says she is a puppy but when her pain comes she is panting and I feel so bad. She is on NSAID and gabapentine. I pray for her she fells better. I feed my maltese dr marty pet food she likes and good food. I gave her Dasuquine, cobalaquine, restorapet, nordic natural omega 3, turmeric pill and cbd oil for her pain
Lola says
My Maltese passed away 5 months before her 16 th birthday she was active. Lively still running up an down the stairs. She was eating and drinking the day she died, our vet thinks she might have had brain issues. We were out and we came home and she was in her favorite spot and she was gone m. We are beyond sad