How Long Do Maltese Dogs Live? Lifespan & Health

The Maltese is one of the oldest and most beloved toy breeds — a tiny, affectionate companion dog with a flowing white coat and an outsized personality. If you are thinking of welcoming one, or already share your home with a Maltese, one of the first questions is usually how long they live and what to expect as they age. The encouraging news is that this is a notably long-lived breed. Here is an honest look at Maltese lifespan, why small dogs tend to live longer, and the practical things that help yours stay well into old age.

How long do Maltese dogs live?

Maltese typically live to around 12–15 years, and plenty reach their mid-to-late teens with good care. That makes them one of the longer-lived dog breeds. As a general rule, smaller dogs outlive larger ones, and the Maltese — usually weighing only around 3–4kg — sits firmly at the small, long-lived end of the scale. Genetics set the outer limits, but everyday care has a huge influence on where an individual dog lands: weight, dental health, exercise and routine veterinary attention all matter. A well-bred, well-cared-for Maltese is very much a long-term member of the family.

Why toy breeds live longer

The link between small size and long life is well established in dogs, even though the precise reasons are still studied. What it means in practice is that a Maltese is a serious long-term commitment — potentially a decade and a half or more — and that the conditions you watch for tend to be those of a small, delicate dog rather than the joint and heart problems of giant breeds. Planning for that length of companionship, including the cost, is part of responsible ownership; our cost and buying guide covers the lifetime picture. It also means that the choices you make in the early years — diet, dental routine, weight, the kit you walk them in — shape their comfort and health for a very long time, so it is worth getting the basics right from the start rather than playing catch-up later.

Dental disease: the everyday threat

The single most common health issue in small breeds like the Maltese is dental disease. Their tiny mouths mean teeth are crowded together, which traps plaque and leads to tartar, gum disease and, over time, painful tooth loss and infection that can affect overall health. Daily tooth brushing with dog toothpaste is the gold standard, supported by dental chews and regular checks. Good dental care genuinely contributes to a longer, more comfortable life, so it is worth the effort — explore our dental care range for the tools to get started.

Knees, windpipe and other concerns

As a toy breed, Maltese can be prone to patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) and collapsing trachea, a weakening of the windpipe that can cause a characteristic honking cough. The latter is exactly why a harness is far safer than a collar for walks — it keeps pressure off the throat. They may also be affected by liver shunts and a neurological tremor condition sometimes called white shaker syndrome. Our honest health guide covers all of these in detail. None of them is a reason to avoid the breed, but knowing what to watch for means you can act early.

Weight: small dog, big difference

Because Maltese are so light, even a little extra weight is proportionally a lot, and it strains their delicate joints and worsens conditions like luxating patellas. Feed measured portions of a good-quality diet rather than free-feeding, and go easy on treats. Our dog portion and weight guide and the pet calorie calculator help you feed the right amount, and a slow feeder can pace an enthusiastic eater.

Helping your Maltese live a long, healthy life

• Keep their teeth clean — daily brushing is the most valuable thing you can do.
• Use a harness, not a collar, to protect the windpipe (see our grooming and care guide for kit).
• Keep them lean — measure meals and limit treats.
• Provide gentle daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation.
• Stay on top of vaccinations, worming and flea control.
• See your vet regularly, moving towards more frequent checks as your dog ages.
• Insure early, while your dog is young and healthy.
• Microchip and keep details up to date — it is a legal requirement in the UK.

You can get a rough sense of lifespan with our pet life expectancy tool, and find local and emergency clinics through our vet finder.

*This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet, who can assess your individual dog.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — Maltese breed information and health (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — dog health, weight and preventive care (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — caring for your dog (bluecross.org.uk).
• RSPCA — dog health and welfare (rspca.org.uk).
• RVC VetCompass — UK dog health and longevity research (rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass).