How Long Do Maltese Live?
Maltese live 12-15 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Maltese more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At under 7 pounds, the Maltese is a small breed. Small breeds age more slowly and are among the longest-lived dogs, which its 12-15 years average reflects.
Does a Maltese fit your life?
The Maltese is a tiny, endlessly affectionate lapdog that thrives on being close to its people and adapts well to apartment life. Its low-shedding coat keeps a home clean, but that coat needs real grooming attention to stay tangle-free. The biggest tradeoff is time and money at the groomer, plus caution around toddlers given how delicate a dog under 7 pounds can be.
A great match if you
- You'll get a dog that wants to be near you constantly and thrives on lap time.
- You can keep a spotless house without fighting a shedding coat.
- You'll appreciate a dog that settles into apartments, condos, or frequent moves without fuss.
- You'll have an alert little watchdog who lets you know when someone's at the door.
Think twice if
- You'll need to budget for regular brushing or professional grooming to keep that coat from matting.
- You'll want to supervise young kids closely since a dog this small can get hurt during rough play.
- You won't get an especially fast trainee, expect some patience with house training and consistency.
Health areas for the Maltese
Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Maltese are Joint and mobility, Dental and oral health, Cardiac and Hepatic / liver (owners often watch for luxating patella, teeth, tooth).
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Maltese facts, quick answers
How long do Maltese live?
Maltese live 12-15 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do Maltese get?
A full-grown Maltese stands 7-9 inches and weighs under 7 pounds, which puts it firmly in the small-breed range.
What kind of dog is a Maltese?
The Maltese is a toy breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 37 of 208. It is a small dog that typically lives around 12-15 years.
Are Maltese high-energy dogs?
Maltese are moderate in energy, so daily activity matters but they are not bouncing off the walls.
Are Maltese easy to train?
Maltese are trainable with patience and consistency; short, rewarding sessions work best.
Do Maltese shed a lot?
Not really. They shed very little, though low-shedding coats often trade that for more regular grooming or clipping.
Do Maltese bark a lot?
They bark a normal amount, mostly to let you know something is up.
Are Maltese good with kids?
Maltese are able to do well with children, but they are best in homes with older, dog-savvy kids and benefit from early socialization.
Do Maltese get along with other dogs?
Maltese are able to get along with other dogs, though early socialization helps and some prefer to be the only dog.
Are Maltese good for first-time owners?
Maltese are rewarding but not the easiest first dog; they do best with an owner ready to commit to their exercise, training and grooming.
