Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years. A suitable diet, weight control, regular activity and regular dental care contribute to good longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed shows good overall robustness. Its small size should not, however, lead to underestimating the possible fragility of the kneecaps, the trachea, the eyes and the teeth.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Veterinary check-ups should primarily focus on the joints, the heart, the eyes, the respiratory tract and oral health. A prompt consultation is recommended in case of lameness, persistent cough, breathing difficulty, ocular discharge or a drop in condition.
Cataract: Clouding of the lens can progressively impair vision and requires ophthalmologic monitoring.
Tracheal collapse: A collapse of the trachea can cause a dry cough, breathing discomfort, and exercise intolerance.
Patellar luxation: Common in small dogs, it can lead to a hopping gait or intermittent lameness.
Progressive retinal atrophy: This hereditary retinal condition can lead to a progressive loss of vision.
Patent ductus arteriosus: This congenital heart malformation disrupts blood circulation and may require specialized care.
Congenital portosystemic shunt: An abnormal diversion of hepatic blood flow can cause digestive or neurological disorders, or growth retardation.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Maltese Bichon does not tolerate cold and humidity well, despite its long coat. In winter, walks must be adapted and the dog carefully dried upon return. Its tolerance to heat is average: cooler hours should be favored, shade provided and intense exertion avoided during high temperatures.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be measured according to its weight, its age, its physiological condition and its activity level. Treats must remain limited and included in the daily energy intake.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Brush the teeth several times a week to limit tartar.
- Gently clean the secretions around the eyes.
- Inspect the ears each week and keep them clean.
- Have any lameness or persistent cough examined promptly.
- Protect the dog from cold, humidity, and extreme heat.
Vaccination
Maltese vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Maltese need? Like all dogs, Malteses should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Maltese vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Maltese booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Maltese need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Maltese
An examination of the patellas and a cardiac check-up are recommended in breeding dogs. Ophthalmological follow-up can complement this monitoring due to possible eye conditions. The veterinarian also checks the teeth, ears and trachea during regular visits.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
