Maltese Age Calculator, Lifespan & Breed Guide

The Maltese is a small, cheerful companion dog loved for its silky white coat, bright eyes, and friendly heart. This breed is the focus of our Maltese Age Calculator, which helps you translate your dog’s age into human years. With the Maltese Age Calculator, families can understand how their dog’s needs change across life stages and plan care with confidence. The Maltese has a long history as a lapdog in the Mediterranean, where nobles prized them for their beauty and charm. Similar to the Bichon Frise, the Maltese shines in homes where love, attention, and gentle daily routines are part of life.

Breed • 0.0y → 0y human

Maltese Lifespan & Maltese Age Calculator Insights

The Maltese lifespan is usually 12–15 years, and many live even longer with great care. Because the Maltese is a small breed, it often ages more slowly than large dogs. Owners who use the Maltese Age Calculator can watch how life stage milestones line up with care needs. Like the Coton de Tulear, this breed is known for longevity, especially when kept at a healthy weight and seen by a vet regularly.

Maltese Age Calculator: Human Years Guide

Our Maltese Age Calculator above gives you a quick view of your dog’s “human” age. As a rule of thumb, a one-year-old Maltese is like a 15-year-old human. At two years, a Maltese is about 24 in human years. After that, each year adds roughly 5–6 human years. This guide helps you choose the right exercise, food, and vet schedule for your dog’s stage of life.

Life Stages of the Maltese

Puppy Stage (0–12 months): Early Maltese Years

Maltese puppies are curious and full of joy. They are small, so early life should be gentle. Short play sessions, soft chew toys, and simple training build confidence. Start grooming right away so your puppy learns that brushing and combing are normal. Much like the Yorkshire Terrier, early socialization is key. Invite safe, calm visitors and friendly, vaccinated dogs to help your puppy practice being brave. Keep walks short at first and avoid rough play that could cause falls or injuries.

Young Adult (1–3 years)

Young adult Maltese dogs are lively and eager to learn. Now is the time to build strong habits. Daily walks, fun games, and short training sessions keep minds busy and bodies fit. The Maltese Age Calculator shows this stage is like human young adulthood—full of energy and learning. Work on recall, sit, stay, and polite leash walking. Use treats and praise. Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and end on a win.

Adult (4–7 years)

Adult Maltese dogs settle into a steady rhythm. They still enjoy playtime, but they also love naps and snuggles. At this stage, weight control becomes very important for long-term health. The Maltese Age Calculator shows this period is similar to a human’s 30s and 40s. Maintain routine vet care, keep up with dental hygiene, and adjust food portions to match activity. Many adults enjoy learning new tricks or doing scent games for fun mental exercise.

Mature (8–11 years)

Mature Maltese dogs may slow down a little, but many remain bright and playful. You may notice longer naps, stiffer steps after rest, or a bit more fussiness with weather. This is a good time to discuss joint support with your vet and consider senior wellness checks. Their needs mirror those of the Shih Tzu, another gentle small breed. The Maltese Age Calculator highlights the shift into later life, so you can plan shorter walks, softer bedding, and simpler routines.

Senior (12+ years)

Senior Maltese dogs often remain very loving and enjoy calm daily structure. Gentle walks, warm places to sleep, and regular vet visits keep seniors comfortable. The Maltese Age Calculator helps you see how these “golden years” compare to human ages, making it easier to choose the right pace for exercise and play. Many seniors appreciate ramps, non-slip rugs, and raised food bowls for comfort.

History of the Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, with roots in the Mediterranean. Ancient traders and nobles admired these little white dogs for their beauty and sweet temper. Over the centuries, they became treasured lapdogs in royal courts and homes across Europe. Their coat, charm, and manners made them favorites for portraits and gifts among the elite. Today’s Maltese keeps that special feel—soft, elegant, and people-focused. While times have changed, their job is the same: bring joy and comfort to the people they love.

Temperament: Gentle, Social, and Bright

The Maltese is gentle and loyal. Most love being near their people and will follow family members from room to room. With early socialization, they are friendly with visitors and can live peacefully with other pets. They are alert and may bark to announce someone at the door, but with training they can learn a quiet cue. Because they are sensitive, positive reinforcement works best. Praise, treats, and patience go a long way with this sweet, people-centered dog.

Common Health Issues in Maltese

Dental disease: Small mouths can crowd teeth, leading to tartar and gum problems. Brush often and ask your vet about cleanings.
Luxating patella: A “loose kneecap” can cause limping or skipping steps. Keeping a healthy weight lowers strain.
Collapsed trachea: Can cause coughing, especially with pressure on the neck. Use a harness instead of a collar for walks.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition that may lead to vision loss over time. Regular eye exams can help track changes.
Allergies and tear staining: Some Maltese have sensitive skin or staining under the eyes. Gentle grooming and vet guidance help.

These concerns are similar to those seen in the Papillon and other toy breeds. The Maltese Age Calculator can help you plan when to add checkups, blood tests, or senior screenings.

Grooming & Coat Care (Show Coat or Pet Trim)

The Maltese coat is long, flat, and silky. It does not have an undercoat and is often called “low-shedding,” but it does require steady care. Families usually choose one of two styles:

Show coat: Very long hair that needs daily brushing, careful bathing, and careful drying. This look is beautiful but time-intensive.
Pet trim (puppy cut): Shorter coat that is easier to brush and keep clean. Many families prefer this style for comfort and lower effort.

In either case, daily face wiping helps prevent tear stains and keeps eyes clean. Brush teeth 2–3 times per week, trim nails every 2–4 weeks, and clean ears as needed. A gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and a metal comb are helpful tools. Start grooming routines in puppyhood so your Maltese learns to relax during care.

Exercise & Daily Routine

Maltese do not need long runs, but they do need daily activity. Most will do well with 20–30 minutes of walking plus short indoor play sessions. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and simple games (like hide-and-seek with treats) keep minds busy. Because they are small, avoid rough play or high jumps from furniture. If your dog is shy in cold or wet weather, a soft sweater and short walks help. Like the Coton de Tulear, the Maltese loves routine and time with family most of all.

Training & Socialization

The Maltese learns quickly with kindness and consistency. Use tiny, soft treats and praise. Keep sessions short and fun. Focus on:

Potty training: Set a schedule, supervise closely, and reward success. Puppy pads can help in apartments.
Polite barking: Teach a “quiet” cue and reward calm behavior after alerts.
Leash skills: Use a harness to protect the neck. Practice loose-leash walking with slow steps and rewards.
Handling: Practice gentle touching of paws, ears, and mouth to prepare for grooming and vet visits.

Early socialization builds confidence. Invite calm guests to offer treats, visit pet-friendly stores, and pair new sounds with rewards. If shyness appears, go slowly and keep experiences positive.

Nutrition & Weight Management

Feed a high-quality small-breed diet. Tiny kibble pieces are easier to chew and digest. Measure meals (usually 2–3 small meals per day) and avoid free-feeding. Because the Maltese is small, extra pounds add up quickly. Ask your vet for a target weight and stick with it. Choose healthy treats and keep them under 10% of daily calories. If tear staining is a concern, talk with your vet about diet changes, eye care, and safe supplements.

Living With a Maltese: Home, Kids, & Other Pets

Maltese dogs are happiest when close to their people. They can live in apartments, townhouses, or large homes as long as they get daily attention and gentle activity. With children, teach soft hands and supervised play, since these dogs are small and can be injured by rough handling. Most Maltese get along well with other polite pets. Introduce slowly, reward calm behavior, and give each pet a safe space to rest.

Senior Care & Longevity Tips

As your Maltese grows older, you can help them stay comfortable and active:

Schedule senior checkups and bloodwork as advised by your vet.
Consider joint supplements if recommended.
Use ramps, rugs, and supportive beds to reduce slips and stress.
Keep walks shorter but more frequent to maintain muscle and mood.
Update the diet to a senior formula if suggested by your vet.

Because many Maltese live long lives, planning ahead keeps the golden years happy. The Maltese Age Calculator makes it easier to see when to adjust routines for comfort and health.

Helpful Links

Frequently Asked Questions About the Maltese

Are Maltese good family dogs?

Yes. Maltese are affectionate, playful, and gentle. They love spending time with family and enjoy simple daily routines. Similar to the Bichon Frise, they make excellent companions for people who want a loving housemate. The Maltese Age Calculator helps families plan care as their dog grows from puppy to senior.

Do Maltese shed?

Maltese are considered low-shedding. Their hair grows continuously, much like human hair. This means less shedding on furniture but more grooming time. Regular brushing, face cleaning, and scheduled trims keep the coat neat and prevent mats.

How much exercise does a Maltese need?

Maltese usually need about 20–30 minutes of activity a day, plus a few short indoor play sessions. This is similar to the exercise needs of the Coton de Tulear. The Maltese Age Calculator can guide you in adjusting exercise for different life stages.

Are Maltese easy to train?

Yes, with consistency and patience. Maltese dogs learn best with positive reinforcement. Keep lessons short and fun. The Maltese Age Calculator helps you match training goals to life stage—for example, gentle leash skills for seniors or trick training for active adults.

What is the lifespan of a Maltese?

Most Maltese live 12–15 years, and many reach 16 or 17 with excellent care. The Maltese Age Calculator provides a clear comparison to human years so you can plan care across a long, happy life.

Use the Maltese Age Calculator at the top of this page to check your dog’s human-equivalent age and see where they fall on the life stage timeline. Then, match your care—exercise, food, grooming, and vet visits—to that stage for a healthier, happier Maltese.