Maltese Health and Costs
Breed Group
Toy Dogs
Country of Origin
Malta
Breed Size
Toy
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1888
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1955
Rarity
Very Common2 / 10
Purchase cost
Moderate5 / 10
Life expectancy
Long Lifespan8 / 10
Health
Fairly healthy6 / 10
Health problem risk
Average health burden5 / 10
Maintenance cost
Moderate upkeep cost4 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
Maltese Health Problems and Costs
The Maltese is a gentle, long-lived toy companion, and a small frame concentrates a short list of repeat issues: crowded teeth, a windpipe that can flatten, slipping kneecaps, a heart vessel that may fail to close after birth, and a liver blood vessel defect. None of them stops a Maltese from living a long, comfortable life, but knowing them early turns most into routine checks instead of emergencies.
In this guide
Why Do Maltese Get Dental Disease So Easily?
Small mouths leave little room for teeth, so plaque and tartar build up quickly, and toy breeds such as the Maltese are at higher risk of periodontal disease, an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. Periodontal comes from the Greek peri, "around," and odous, "tooth." Left untreated, it causes pain and tooth loss, and bacteria from the mouth can reach other organs. Daily brushing, a dental plan, and professional cleanings as your veterinarian advises are the most useful thing an owner can do.
What Is Tracheal Collapse?
A dry, honking cough is common with a weak windpipe, but blue or gray gums, fainting, or labored breathing that does not settle within minutes are emergencies. Go to a vet right away.
The trachea, or windpipe, is held open by rings of cartilage. In tracheal collapse those rings weaken and flatten, narrowing the airway. It is most common in toy and miniature breeds, and the typical sign is a dry, honking cough, often when the dog is excited. Weight loss in overweight dogs is considered critical, and managing excitement, medication, and sometimes surgery are used for more severe cases. Because pressure on the neck can aggravate coughing, many veterinarians suggest a harness instead of a collar for walks.
What Is Patellar Luxation?
Patellar luxation means the kneecap slips out of its groove. Patella is Latin for "small dish," and luxare means "to dislocate." Owners often notice a skip in the dog's step, where a back leg is held up for a stride or two before dropping back down. It is not always painful, but it can lead to other knee injuries or arthritis, so your veterinarian can grade it from mild to severe at a routine exam. Surgery is considered depending on the severity.
Do Maltese Have Heart Problems?
Patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, is an inherited heart condition in which a blood vessel that should close shortly after birth stays open. It makes the heart work harder and can lead to heart failure, and surgery is typically the best option when it is found. A veterinarian can often hear it as a murmur at a puppy's first exam, which is why the breed club lists a cardiac exam for breeding dogs. Heart disease can also develop in small breeds later in life, so ask your veterinarian to listen to the heart at every wellness visit.
What Are Liver Shunts?
A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that lets blood bypass the liver, so toxins that the liver would normally filter reach the brain instead. The Maltese is one of the breeds in which it is recognized. Signs can be subtle: a small body size, a slow recovery from anesthesia, or behavior changes that come and go, often after eating. A bile acids blood test is a common first clue, and imaging confirms the diagnosis. Treatment ranges from a carefully chosen diet and medication to surgery, and the surgical route is generally linked to better long-term survival.
- 01
Seizure
Shaking, stiffening, or loss of awareness.
- 02
Wobbling or disorientation
Unsteady, confused, or acting strangely, especially after a meal.
- 03
Head pressing or staring
Pushing the head against a wall, or a vacant gaze.
- 04
Weakness or collapse
Especially in a very young puppy, where low blood sugar is also possible.
What Does Managing a Maltese's Health Actually Cost?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dental cleaning | $400 to $900 | Per cleaning, more with extractions |
| Tracheal collapse | $300 to $3,500 | Medical care up to surgery |
| Patellar luxation surgery | $1,500 to $3,500 | Only for higher grades |
| PDA correction | $2,500 to $5,000 | Plus $300 to $600 for the heart ultrasound |
| Liver shunt surgery | $3,000 to $7,000 | Plus $400 to $800 for bloodwork and imaging |
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Ask for the parents' kneecap evaluation, a cardiac exam, and serum bile acids results, which are the tests on the breed club's recommended list. Ask whether the puppies have been checked for a heart murmur, and avoid breeders who advertise tiny "teacup" Maltese, since extreme smallness is not a health advantage.
Daily Life With a Maltese
This is a lap-loving companion that needs daily walks and indoor play but not vigorous exercise. The long white coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats, and many owners opt for a shorter cut with regular groomer visits, as the grooming guide explains. Tear staining is more visible on a white coat, and heavy discharge deserves a vet check. Maltese are affectionate and people-oriented, as the personality profile shows, and patient, reward-based training from puppyhood works well. Very young puppies can develop low blood sugar, so feed small meals three to four times a day until about four months of age.
Keeping Your Maltese Healthy for the Long Run
Brush teeth daily, use a harness, keep your dog lean, and ask your veterinarian to check the kneecaps and listen to the heart at routine visits. Learn the signs of a liver or breathing emergency before you ever need them. Pet insurance is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy, because premiums tend to rise with age and with conditions like heart disease.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Maltese usually live 12 to 15 years. Brush their teeth daily, use a harness, have kneecaps, heart and bile acids checked, and treat fainting or seizures as emergencies. Budget roughly $155 to $305 a month. Your veterinarian can tailor the plan.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do Maltese cost?
Purchasing a Maltese from a reputable breeder typically costs between $600 and $3,000, with $1,000 to $2,000 being common. Prices vary based on pedigree and size. Potential owners should also budget approximately $3,000 for the first year to cover essential supplies, vaccinations, and initial veterinary care.
Purchase cost: 5 / 10
How long do Maltese live?
Maltese typically live 12 to 15 years, and their small size is often linked to that longevity. A high-quality diet, daily dental care, a healthy weight, and consistent veterinary wellness checks help them stay comfortable into their senior years.
Life expectancy: 8 / 10
Are Maltese healthy dogs?
Maltese are generally healthy, long-lived companions, typically living 12 to 15 years. They are particularly prone to dental disease, luxating kneecaps, and collapsing trachea, and some have heart or liver vessel defects. Regular dental care and veterinary screening of the kneecaps, heart, and liver keep these small dogs active and comfortable.
Health: 6 / 10
What health problems do Maltese have?
Maltese are generally healthy but prone to dental disease because of their small mouths. They can also develop luxating kneecaps, tracheal collapse, patent ductus arteriosus, a heart vessel that fails to close after birth, and liver shunts. Puppies can have low blood sugar. Regular checkups and dental care help catch problems early.
Health problem risk: 5 / 10
Are Maltese expensive to maintain?
Maltese have moderate upkeep costs. They eat little, but the long silky coat needs daily brushing and often regular grooming appointments. Budget as well for dental cleanings and preventive care for breed risks such as luxating kneecaps and, in puppies, low blood sugar.
Maintenance cost: 4 / 10
How much does it cost to own a Maltese per month?
Expect to spend roughly $155 to $305 a month to own a Maltese. This covers food, grooming, routine veterinary care, and preventives, and costs vary with location and how much grooming you hire out. Keep a reserve for dental work or other veterinary bills.
Monthly ownership cost: 4 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a Maltese?
Pet insurance for a Maltese typically costs about $30 to $50 per month, though premiums can rise significantly as the dog ages or develops conditions such as heart disease. Pricing a policy while your dog is young and healthy is wise.
Pet insurance cost: 3 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a Maltese?
Yes, most homeowners policies cover Maltese, which are not typically classified as an aggressive or restricted breed. It is still wise to confirm your liability coverage with your provider, since some insurers have their own breed or size rules.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
Are Maltese on insurance restricted breed lists?
No, Maltese are not typically found on insurance restricted-breed lists, which generally target larger breeds seen as higher liability risks. As a small, gentle companion, the Maltese is usually viewed as a standard breed, but disclose your dog to your insurer.
Insurance restriction risk: 2 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a Maltese?
Yes, you can typically get renters insurance with a Maltese, since the breed is rarely restricted. Landlords often welcome small dogs, but verify your policy and lease for full liability coverage.
Renters insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
