Maltese Lifespan: How Long Do Maltese Live?
Maltese live 12 to 15 years and frequently more. Teeth and knees are the routine items; a liver shunt and a tremor syndrome that run in the breed are the two worth knowing by name.
How old is your Maltese in human years?
Size-adjusted vet chart, Maltese lifespan range, life stage and a shareable ID card.
How long do Maltese live?
Breed clubs quote 12 to 15 years and UK data put Maltese among the longer-lived breeds. Small-breed aging: a 14-year-old Maltese is roughly a 72-year-old human.
For context, the size-class ranges we use across all breeds: small dogs 12 to 16 years, medium 10 to 14, large 9 to 12, giant 7 to 10. Individual dogs beat their breed's range all the time; the range is where the odds sit, not a ceiling.
What decides a Maltese's lifespan
Teeth
Small mouth, early dental disease. Daily brushing and cleanings.
Knees
Luxating patellas: lean weight, treat persistent skipping.
Liver shunt
Portosystemic shunt appears in Maltese lines: poor growth, disorientation after meals, seizures. Diagnosable with a blood test, treatable.
White shaker syndrome
Whole-body tremors, usually in young adults, responsive to steroids. Frightening to see, generally good outcome.
Maltese life stages and human-age equivalents
| Stage | Maltese years | Human years | What matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy | under 1 | 0 to 15 | Growth, vaccines, socialisation window |
| Young adult | 1 to 3 | 15 to 32 | Adult body, teenage brain; habits and weight set now |
| Mature adult | 4 to 10.1 | 32 to 56 | Prime years; annual exams, dental care, lean weight |
| Senior | 10.1 to 15 | 56 to 76 | Twice-yearly exams and bloodwork (AAHA) |
| Golden years | 15+ | 76+ | Past the typical range: comfort first |
Human equivalents use the veterinary size-adjusted chart (small class); the senior threshold is 75% of the breed's mid-range lifespan.
Maltese lifespan FAQ
How long do Maltese live?
Typically 12 to 15 years, and 16 to 18 is not unusual for well-kept dogs.
At what age is a Maltese a senior?
About 10. Twice-yearly checks with dental care and heart auscultation.
What is white shaker syndrome in Maltese?
A tremor condition seen mostly in small white breeds, usually appearing in young adults. It responds to steroid treatment and most dogs recover well.
Are Maltese healthy dogs?
Yes, comparatively. The list is short and mostly manageable: teeth, knees, and in some lines liver shunt and white shaker.
Premiums rise with age, and nothing pre-existing gets covered
If you are going to insure a Maltese, the math says do it while the dog is young and healthy. Real 2026 prices by provider, no forms.
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Sources: American Maltese Association; VetCompass life tables (Teng et al., Scientific Reports 2022); Merck Veterinary Manual on portosystemic shunts and steroid-responsive tremor syndrome. Life-stage thresholds follow AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Last reviewed August 2026.