TL;DR
The typical Maltese lifespan is about 12 to 14 years, and many live into their teens. In a 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs, Maltese had a median lifespan of 13.1 years, longer than the 12.0 years of mixed breeds. Teeth are the breed's biggest issue: in a study of 248 small dogs, Maltese had a significantly higher rate of tooth resorption than other breeds, and the problem rose sharply from 9 years of age. Like other small breeds, Maltese are also prone to gum disease, heart valve disease and slipping kneecaps. A Maltese is a senior from about 9.8 years.
How long do Maltese live?
| Measure | Maltese | Mixed breed |
|---|---|---|
| Median lifespan, 2024 UK study (666 deaths) | 13.1 years | 12.0 years |
| 95% confidence interval | 12.6 to 13.5 years | 12.0 to 12.1 years |
| Senior from about (last 25% of lifespan) | 9.8 years | 9 years |
Small breeds generally live longest: in the same study, small purebreds lived a median of 12.7 years against 11.9 for large breeds.
Maltese age in human years
| Dog's age | Life stage | Roughly like a person aged |
|---|---|---|
| 4 years | Mature adult | 24 |
| 5 years | Mature adult | 30 |
| 6 years | Mature adult | 36 |
| 7 years | Mature adult | 42 |
| 8 years | Mature adult | 48 |
| 9 years | Mature adult | 54 |
| 10 years | Senior | 60 |
| 11 years | Senior | 66 |
| 12 years | Senior | 72 |
| 13 years | Senior | 78 |
| 14 years | Senior, past the median | 84 |
| 15 years | Senior, past the median | 90 |
| 16 years | Senior, past the median | 96 |
This uses the share of the breed's typical lifespan a dog has lived, compared with US human life expectancy of 79 years. For puppies and young dogs, the DNA-based method in the calculator below is more accurate. Try any age:
Dog age calculator
Enter your dog's age and breed. Choose "Mixed breed" if you are not sure.
Human age (DNA method)
64
From age-related DNA changes in Labradors compared with people (Wang 2020). Least reliable for puppies under a few months.
Same point in a human life
53
Your dog has lived about 67% of the typical 12.0-year lifespan for this group. The same share of a 79.0-year US life expectancy is age 53.
Life stage
Mature adult
AAHA: from maturity until the last 25% of expected lifespan, about 9.0 years for this group.
Mixed breed (crossbreed): median lifespan 12.0 years (95% CI 12.0 to 12.1), senior from about 9.0 years.
Lifespans: UK study of 584,734 dogs (McMillan 2024). Life stages: AAHA. Every dog ages differently; health, weight and lifestyle all matter.
Teeth: the Maltese's biggest health problem
Tooth resorption
Tooth resorption is when the hard tissue of a tooth slowly breaks down, often hidden below the gum line and painful. In a study of dental X-rays from 248 dogs under 15 kg:
- Maltese had a significantly higher prevalence of tooth resorption than other breeds.
- Resorption increased with age, rising significantly in dogs aged 9 to 11, 12 to 15 and over 15 years.
- It was most common in the premolars.
Because it often cannot be seen by looking, it needs full-mouth dental X-rays under anesthesia to find.
Gum disease
Small dogs carry 42 adult teeth in a tiny mouth. In a UK study of 22,333 dogs, heavier dogs had progressively lower odds of periodontal disease, and in a 2026 US study, smaller dogs had more missing teeth. See how many teeth does a dog have.
What helps: daily brushing, professional cleanings when your vet recommends them, and daily help in food if brushing is hard. In a randomized trial of 60 small dogs, daily treats containing the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum led to significantly less plaque and tartar over 90 days. Our Daily Dental Cleaning Powder contains 700 mg of Ascophyllum nodosum per 4 g serving and is now available to pre-order.
Other small-breed health risks
- Heart valve disease. In a UK study, dogs under 20 kg had about twice the odds of degenerative mitral valve disease of larger dogs. Ask your vet to listen for a murmur at every check, and watch for coughing or fast breathing at rest.
- Slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation). One of the most common orthopedic problems of small dogs, recorded in 1.30% of dogs in England, with breeds such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers at highest risk. A skipping, hopping step on a back leg is the classic sign.
- Injuries. A tiny dog is easily hurt by falls from furniture or arms. Use ramps or steps.
How to help a Maltese live longer
- Make dental care a daily habit, and ask about dental X-rays from middle age.
- Keep it lean, which protects the heart and knees.
- Ask about the heart at every check-up.
- Prevent falls with ramps and careful handling.
- Keep the coat and eyes clean. See senior dog grooming.
- Twice-yearly vet checks from about 9.8 years.
FAQ
How long do Maltese dogs live?
Most Maltese live about 12 to 14 years. A 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs found a median lifespan of 13.1 years for the breed.
Is 12 old for a Maltese?
A Maltese is a senior from about 9.8 years. At 12 it has lived about 92% of the breed's median lifespan, roughly like a person aged 72.
What health problems do Maltese dogs have?
Dental problems are the biggest, especially tooth resorption, which was significantly more common in Maltese than in other small breeds in a dental X-ray study. Gum disease, heart valve disease and slipping kneecaps are other common small-breed problems.
Why do Maltese have bad teeth?
They have a full set of 42 adult teeth crowded into a very small mouth, and small dogs have higher odds of gum disease. Maltese also had a higher rate of tooth resorption than other small breeds.
How can I help my Maltese live longer?
Brush its teeth daily, keep it lean, prevent falls, ask your vet about its heart, and book twice-yearly checks from about 9.8 years.
References
- McMillan KM, et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 2024. PMID: 38302530
- Bae J, Kim SE, Seo K. Prevalence and classification of tooth resorption in small-breed dogs: a retrospective study using full-mouth intraoral radiographs. The Veterinary Journal. 2025. PMID: 40374100
- O'Neill DG, et al. Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2021. PMID: 34374104
- Stepaniuk KS, Gingerich W, Ziche AM. Oral examination in a random anesthetized canine population for the prevalence of periodontal disease and fractured teeth. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 2026. PMID: 42095652
- Mattin MJ, et al. Prevalence of and risk factors for degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2015. PMID: 25857638
- O'Neill DG, et al. The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. 2016. PMID: 27280025
- Gawor J, et al. Effects of edible treats containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the oral health of dogs: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled single-center study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2018. PMID: 30109236
For individual health questions, your veterinarian remains the best partner.
