Maltese
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Maltese. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dental disease | high | Periodontal disease is nearly universal without regular professional cleanings. |
| Patellar luxation | moderate | Typical toy-breed kneecap slippage. |
| Portosystemic (liver) shunt | moderate | Maltese are overrepresented for congenital liver shunts; screen stunted puppies. |
| White dog shaker syndrome | moderate | Immune-mediated full-body tremors in young white dogs; responds to steroids. |
| Mitral valve disease | moderate | Common in senior Maltese; monitor murmurs annually. |
Pet insurance for a Maltese
Insurers price a Maltese from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Dental disease. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Maltese is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 4–6 lbs and a grooming score of 5/5, the Maltese sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Maltese
The Maltese has been a Mediterranean lap dog for over two thousand years, and the job description has not changed. It is gentle, playful, and devoted, with a white silky coat that sheds almost nothing but demands daily brushing or a short clip, plus regular tear-stain care. At four to six pounds it is fragile around small children and large dogs, and it barks more than its size suggests. Long-lived and cheap to insure, it suits seniors, apartment dwellers, and attentive first-time owners.
Origin: Malta (Mediterranean)
Temperament
Related reading for Maltese owners
Maltese FAQ
How long do Malteses live?
The typical Maltese lifespan is 12–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Maltese?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Maltese carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Maltese policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Maltese a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a small build, the Maltese adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Malteses prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Dental disease, Patellar luxation, Portosystemic (liver) shunt. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.