Maltese Life Span: How Long Do These Cute Dogs Usually Live?

If you're thinking about getting a Maltese, it's important to know how long you can expect to care for your new furry friend. On average, Maltese dogs live 12-15 years. However, with the right care in terms of nutrition, medical attention, and socialization, many Maltese can live well into their late teens. In general, smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs, and the Maltese's small size is a big reason for their long life expectancy.

To give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of your Maltese's life span, we'll look at information from veterinary studies, breeder reports, and surveys of dog owners. This will help us determine the lifestyle choices, health issues, and genetic factors that will have the biggest impact on how long a Maltese lives. By the end, you'll know exactly how to take care of your Maltese at every stage of life to ensure they live as long as possible as a happy and healthy member of your family.

What to Feed Your Maltese

Diet is one of the most important factors in your Maltese's overall health and well-being. This is especially true because Maltese are such small dogs, and their nutritional needs change as they grow from puppies to adults.

Puppies need to eat more often, with most experts recommending that they eat 3-4 times a day to keep their energy levels up and prevent hypoglycemia. To make sure that your puppy is getting all the nutrients they need, My Family Vets suggests that you feed them a complete and balanced diet that's been specifically formulated for small breed puppies.

Once your Maltese is an adult, you can switch to feeding them twice a day. VIDA Veterinary Care says that you should make sure that you're feeding them a high-quality diet that's appropriate for their life stage, and that you should adjust the amount you're feeding them based on their ideal weight and activity level. Maltese are prone to obesity, and overfeeding them can lead to a number of health issues, including joint problems, heart disease, and other issues that are common in the breed.

Regardless of their age, all Maltese need to have access to fresh, filtered water at all times. The ASPCA Pet Insurance explains that Maltese can be fussy eaters, so it's important to find a kibble that they like that's also nutrient-dense. If you can do that, and make sure that you're feeding them the right amount, you can help ensure that your Maltese has the energy to be the loving, playful companion that they were born to be.

How Much Exercise Do Maltese Dogs Need?

Maltese dogs are small, but they still need exercise to stay at a healthy weight and keep their energy levels in check. The Ultimate Guide to Exercise and Physical Activity for a Happy and Healthy Maltese suggests a daily exercise plan that includes two 20-30 minute walks and time for play and interactive games.

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is important for Maltese dogs and can be achieved through training, tricks, and bonding exercises, according to Maltese: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care. My Family Vets explains that a Maltese's exercise requirements will change as they get older, so their exercise plan should be adjusted accordingly. On days when the weather is bad, indoor exercise options like fetch and hide-and-seek can be added to outdoor exercise.

Maltese Grooming and Bathing

The Maltese's long, flowing white coat is one of the breed's most distinctive features, but it also requires a lot of care to keep it looking its best. Grooming Online explains that daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and keep the coat in good condition. The American Maltese Association suggests that Maltese should be bathed every 3-4 weeks with a high-quality, moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner.

Regular coat trimming is another important part of Maltese grooming, and it should be done about once a month according to Dogster. The right grooming supplies and techniques, including line brushing and blow drying, are important for keeping the Maltese's coat long and luxurious. As wikiHow explains, Maltese owners need to be willing to put in the time and effort to keep their dog's coat in good condition so that it stays healthy and beautiful.

Maltese Dog Common Health Issues and Conditions

Maltese dogs are generally healthy, but there are some health issues that are more common in this breed. According to Dogster, these include respiratory problems such as asthma, dental problems, eye issues, joint issues, and digestive problems.

To catch and address these issues early, it's important to take your dog to the vet for regular checkups and preventative care, notes VIDA Veterinary Care. In addition, some of these issues can be avoided or minimized with good grooming, dental care, and weight control.

If you're considering getting a Maltese, ASPCA Pet Insurance recommends that you research genetic health issues and make sure to buy from a reputable breeder. With good preventative care and responsible breeding, many Maltese dogs will be healthy, happy pets.

How Much Does a Maltese Dog Cost?

The cost of a Maltese puppy from a reputable breeder can range from $1,000 to $2,500, according to the American Kennel Club. In addition to the initial cost of the dog, owners can expect to spend $500 to $2,000 or more per year on food, supplies, grooming, and veterinary care, according to Spot.

One of the biggest costs associated with Maltese ownership is grooming. Maltese dogs need to be professionally groomed on a regular basis. Hill's Pet estimates that the average annual cost of grooming a Maltese is between $50 and $100. Prospective owners should also consider whether they can meet the exercise, social, and grooming needs of this breed.

In total, the lifetime cost of a Maltese is estimated to be $18,000 to $20,000 or more, according to Spot. While the Maltese's affectionate personality and long lifespan make it a wonderful pet, the cost in terms of both money and time is something to consider when determining whether this is the right breed for you.

The Maltese Temperament: A Sweet and Loving Companion

Maltese dogs are sweet, loving, and playful. The Spruce Pets explains that they are also intelligent and learn quickly with positive reinforcement training and early socialization, which means they can be a great fit for a variety of families.

That said, Maltese are also known to suffer from separation anxiety and don't like to be left alone for long periods of time, according to Dogtime. While they are typically friendly, wikiHow points out that they can be defensive or shy around strangers if they aren't socialized properly. They are also often used as therapy dogs.

If you can meet their training, socialization, and care needs, Maltese are loving and loyal pets that can be a great addition to many families. However, it's important to make sure that you can meet their needs before bringing one home.

Conclusion: Is the Maltese the Right Breed for You?

The Maltese is a popular toy breed that is known for being a loving and loyal companion. However, the breed also has a relatively long lifespan, which means that you need to be prepared to care for a Maltese for a long time. Diet, exercise, grooming, and medical care are all important factors that can help ensure that your Maltese lives as long as possible.

It's also worth noting that the breed is high maintenance and requires a significant time, energy, and financial investment. That said, if you are willing and able to make that investment, a Maltese can be a wonderful and devoted pet for many years. Before getting a Maltese, it's important to think about your lifestyle and whether you can meet the breed's needs.