How Long Do Maltese Dogs Live? 7 Enlightening Questions That Will Clear Everything!

Your little fella` is so special, especially because it`s from the Maltese breed. But these cute canine creatures won`t be around forever. So, how long do Maltese dogs live?

Dogs of this breed are always a source of unconditional affection. You probably chose it because this is your favorite breed. Still, even the cutest creature alive will leave us at some point.

A Maltese has a great life expectancy compared to other breeds, especially to larger dog breeds. Frequently, dogs of toy breeds tend to live longer. Additionally, the duration of their life can be affected by various medical conditions and health issues which a breed is predisposed to.

When talking about the Maltese, most of these healthy problems aren`t fatal.

What Age Do Maltese Dogs Die?

The Maltese has a fairly good life span because it`s a small-sized dog. The longevity of this breed is somewhere between 12 and 15 years, but your average Maltese will reach 10 to 15 years. Obviously, this would apply to canines of this breed that have ended their life from natural causes.

With love and care, you could certainly expect to improve the life span of this type of dog with a few good years.

Why Maltese Live Longer Compared to Larger Dogs?

Although it kind of sounds inexplicable, large species of animals have a tendency of living longer than smaller ones. But why this rule doesn`t apply for certain species?

Surprisingly, small-sized canines have a tendency to live longer than their counterparts.

The causes of this particular phenomenon aren`t really clear! However, a research that involved 80.306 canines on the breed-, size-, and age-related death causes had the following outcomes:

There is evidence that small and large dog breeds are differentially susceptible to certain diseases, with large dogs being more prone to musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and neoplastic disorders, and small dogs to endocrine-related disease.

Hormonal and genetic factors that have been found to modulate lifespan in model organisms also vary significantly across big and small breeds.

Ageing: It`s a Dog`s Life – ScienceDirect

A more recent research has proven that large dog breeds have an earlier senescence onset with a high aging rate. The study also found that the average life expectancy of a canine reduces the more body mass the dog has, especially when talking about a very large dog breeds.

A clear positive relationship between the absolute rate of aging and body mass was detected, with the mortality hazard increasing more rapidly in larger breeds following the onset of senescence.

Ageing: It`s a Dog`s Life – ScienceDirect

What Health Problems Do Maltese Dogs Have?

Generally speaking, dogs of this breed are healthy little canines. However, health issues might arise with just about any dog breed.

You, as a canine owner or dog lover, will undoubtedly want to be in a position from where you could easily deal with any of these health issues. If you are aware of any of these, do the right thing and get in touch with your vet immediately.

Ear Issues

Because these dogs are usually so light in color, it shouldn`t be that difficult to find out if your little one has any ear problems.

Symptoms of infected ears can include a smelly discharge that has a brownish color. This will soon lead to a sore, inflamed ear. At this point is when your canine might start scratching its little ear or might hold the head on that ear`s side due to the pain.

As a dog owner, you should keep in mind that your dog`s ears has to be kept clean all the time. However, infections can occur all the time, so talking to a veterinarian to prescribe you appropriate drops should be the next taken step.

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Dental Problems

The Maltese dog, like many other small breeds, experience frequently dental illnesses and other similar abnormalities! Build-up tartar and retained teeth might result in root and other gum related infections which could your little fella`s teeth to start falling out.

Misaligned teeth might result in lots of health issues and will most likely require to be fixed using dental braces. If your pooch`s teeth won`t start falling out up to 4 months old, they may begin to overcrowd the teeth that your little pal will start developing as an adult.

This might prevent them from developing in a natural way and this might lead to cavities and other teeth related infections.

Eye Issues

Our little pal is a coated dog breed, so its coat might lead to eyeball irritations In turn, this might lead to conjunctivitis, which is quite likely to result in an excessive production of tear.

That being the case, your dog might then start suffering of tear staining below its little eyes, which can easily be noticed on light-colored canines. Obviously, care and attention can go a long way when it comes to your dog`s eyes.

Another frequent health problem that your Maltese might experience is eye ulcer, which is quite common among small dog breeds. Frequently, these are the result of common scratch or bumps. Vet prescription that includes eye drops or ointments can generally get rid of this issue quite fast.

Note: Veterinarian help needs to be sought as soon as possible when eye ulcers may be noticed in order to avoid eye damage on the long term.

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Congenital Disease

This represents the second leading death cause regarding the Maltese canine with 9.7%. This percentage includes all disorders or illnesses which might be transmitted genetically with this small dog breed (e.g. liver shunts, colitis or hydrocephalus).

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones may at times lead to a health issue, as these are discovered more frequently in small dogs than large canines. Signs of bladder stones might include depression, blood in the dog`s urine, low appetite, frequent urine passing, overall weakness or straining to pass water.

Getting in touch with a vet is mandatory when it comes to bladder stones, as they might lead to kidney damage, and this might prove to eventually be fatal.

In lots of situations, these stones could be dissolved by following a specific nutritional diet with vet supervision. However, specific types of bladder stones might need surgery.

Cardiovascular Disease

With 21.1%, this is the leading death cause when it comes to this little fella`. The highest concern for the Maltese regarding all heart disease is the mitral valve illness.

This represents a very high death cause with this dog breed. The Newfoundland dog is the only breed where the cardiovascular disease is seen more often.

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Irritations

At times, even tiny irritations will lead to a dog licking his skin, and this might turn to a routine in no time. When it comes to the Maltese breed, this kind of licking will turn the dog`s white coat into pink, so this should be avoided.

There are a few really good preparations that are available now to discourage your little one from licking. They generally taste a bit bitter and this bad habit can often be put to an end if you are to use such an agent.

Obesity

Gaining weight is an important health issue when it comes to small dog such as a Maltese. It`s a serious condition which might lead to back pain, joint issues, digestive or metabolic problems or heart disease.

We know it`s rather tempting to offer your canine companion its favorite foods whenever it wants, especially when it looks at you with those small, cute eyes.

But have you heard about the statement “love it to death?” Because that`s exactly what you are doing if you give your little pal all your leftovers whenever it feels like it.

Instead, you could give it a hug, play with it or take it for a walk in the park. Love can be expressed in so many ways!

Cancer

Cancer represents the third leading death cause for the Maltese circling around the 9.2% figure. One should keep in mind that for senior canines, the probability of experiencing cancer reduces quite a lot after 10 years of age.

What Do Maltese Usually Die From?

Heart failure represents the leading death cause among some small canines like the Maltese. Most such diseases in canines are the result of valve weakening. This will slowly become deformed and it won`t close tightly anymore.

Then, blood will leak back around the valve, straining the little one`s main organ, the heart. Dogs with mitral valve disease experience a heart blurred sound. – More info!

If your Maltese has such a blurred sound or any other outward symptoms that might suggest heart issues, it`s mandatory to visit your nearest veterinarian clinic for further testing and investigation to find out just how severe the heart disease really is.

How Do I Know If My Maltese Is Dying?

At first, you might think that your little one has eaten something that it didn`t really liked. Your suspicion should increase if you see it staying the next day quietly at the very same spot without drinking or eating anything. Not necessarily that your Maltese is really dying, but at least that something is wrong.

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Symptoms that your dog might soon leave you might include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Vomiting or incontinence
• Prolonged disinterest
• Loss of coordination
• Labored respiration
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle twitching
• Loss of consciousness

What Is the Longest a Maltese Has Lived?

The oldest canine of this breed that has ever lived reached 20 years of age. This is a clear proof that if one should take enough care if his dog, the life span of a Maltese can be improved with a few years for sure.

How to Improve a Maltese`s Life Expectancy?

With the right routine, you can help your little one live a lot longer. Keep your pooch healthy and happy, and there`s no reason for your canine companion not be around for at least a couple more years. Here`s some of the things you can do to improve its life span:

• Give your dog a consistent, healthy diet that doesn`t include human food or leftovers.
• Clean its little ears every week, even from an early age.
• Dogs of this breed have serious issues with teeth. Regular brushing at least 3 times per week is necessary!
• Regular grooming will keep skin infections away, not to mention your furry friend will have a shiny fur.
• Keep your little one mentally stimulated by teaching it how to perform a large range of tricks.
• Exercise your canine companion on a regular basis: playing games, walks in the park or on the beach, etc. Start slowly from when it`s only a puppy!

Final Word

So, now you know just how long do Maltese dogs live and what health issues canines of this breed might be prone to throughout their lives.

Use the advice offered in the lines above to offer your little pal the optimum care and safety to improve its life with a few more years.