Maltese age in human years
A Maltese is a small breed (4–7 lb / 2–3 kg) living 12–15 years, senior from about age 11, and gaining roughly 4 human years per dog year after age two.
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How Malteses age
Long-lived and generally robust, with teeth once again the deciding factor. Maltese also hold their puppyish appearance late, which masks ageing from owners.
Maturity: Physically grown at about 10–12 months.
Maltese age chart
| Maltese age | Human years | Life stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | Adolescent | |
| 2 years | Adult | |
| 3 years | Adult | |
| 4 years | Adult | |
| 5 years | Adult | |
| 6 years | Adult | |
| 7 years | Adult | |
| 8 years | Adult | |
| 9 years | Adult | |
| 10 years | Adult | |
| 11 years | Senior | |
| 12 years | Senior | |
| 13 years | Senior | |
| 14 years | Geriatric | |
| 15 years | Geriatric |
Based on the small-breed curve: about 15 human years for the first year, nine more for the second, then 4 per year. Compare against other breed sizes.
Health conditions that shape how a Maltese ages
These are the conditions most likely to affect a Maltese's later years — not a full list, but the ones that change the ageing picture:
- Dental disease
- The primary lifespan limiter in the breed.
- Portosystemic shunt
- A liver blood vessel defect seen more often than average, usually found young.
- Collapsing trachea
- Progressive airway weakness in middle age.
Caring for a senior Maltese
Dental cleanings and a harness. Their long coat hides weight loss, so monthly hands-on checks matter.
From about age 11, most vets move to twice-yearly examinations with bloodwork, because six months is a meaningful fraction of a small-breed dog's remaining life.
What most affects a Maltese's lifespan
Consistent dental care is worth two to three years in this breed.
How to tell a Maltese's age without papers
If you took your Maltese in as a rescue or a stray, these are the checks a vet uses:
- Teeth
- All adult teeth by 7 months, tartar building from 2, noticeable wear by 5, and heavy staining or loss past 10.
- Eyes
- A bluish haze across the lens (lenticular sclerosis) is normal from about 7 and is not cataracts.
- Coat
- Grey around the muzzle and eyebrows usually starts around 5 in large breeds and 7–8 in small ones.
- Movement
- Slower to rise from lying down and reluctance to jump are the earliest reliable signs of ageing joints.
Maltese age — frequently asked
How old is a 14-year-old Maltese in human years?
About 72 human years. Malteses are a small breed, so after age two each year counts for roughly 4 human years rather than the 5 used for an average dog.
How long do Malteses live?
Typically 12–15 years. Consistent dental care is worth two to three years in this breed.
When is a Maltese considered senior?
Around age 11. That is the standard threshold for a small breed — senior status arrives at about 6 for giant breeds and not until 11 for small ones.
Do Malteses age faster than other dogs?
Slower, in fact. Small breeds gain about 4 human years per year after age two, against 8 for giant breeds — which is why small dogs live longest.
How can I tell how old my Maltese is if I don't know?
Teeth are the most reliable guide: all adult teeth by seven months, tartar building from two, noticeable wear by five. A bluish haze across the lens is normal from about seven and is not cataracts.
What most affects a Maltese's lifespan?
Consistent dental care is worth two to three years in this breed. Beyond that, keeping them lean is the best-evidenced intervention for any dog.
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References
- AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines
- American Kennel Club — breed standards
- The Kennel Club (UK) — breed information
- Royal Veterinary College VetCompass — life expectancy research
Lifespan figures are typical published ranges and vary between sources by a year or two. This page is an estimate, not veterinary advice — an actual health concern needs an actual vet.