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Maltese
Gentle, playful, fearless
- Adult weight
- 2–4 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Toy
- Exercise
- Low
- Origin
- Malta / Mediterranean
- Group
- Toy
Reference update: · Not veterinary-reviewedCompare weight & lifespan with the American Kennel Club breed profile ↗
Health topics to discuss with your vet
- ●Patellar luxationBreed-specific association not yet verified. General condition reference: OFA – Patellar luxation ↗
- ●Dental diseaseBreed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Tracheal collapseBreed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Portosystemic shuntBreed-specific association not yet verified.
Not a diagnosis or a complete risk list. A general condition reference explains a disease but does not establish increased risk in this breed or group. Unsourced associations still need verification.
Care tips
- ✓Daily brushing and tooth care
- ✓Tear-stain cleaning
Calculators for your Maltese
Sources & review
Reference update 25 October 2026; not an independent veterinary review. Direct breed evidence is identified above. General directories below do not verify every listed health association.
- Official breed profile – Maltese ↗
- OFA – Patellar luxation ↗
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – Breed nomenclature ↗
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Breeds A to Z ↗
- American Kennel Club – Dog breeds ↗
- UFAW – Genetic welfare problems of companion animals ↗
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals – Health screening ↗
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for healthy adults from breed standards and veterinary references; individuals vary. Not veterinary advice.