Quick summary: Malteses carry an elevated risk of dental disease and tooth loss, patellar luxation, and portosystemic liver shunt. Most of what goes wrong starts with subtle changes in activity, sleep, or skin temperature — often weeks before a veterinary diagnosis. Continuous monitoring gives you an early signal. See our smart collar comparison for 2026 for the full breakdown.
Health Guide for the Maltese
Maltese are long-lived toy dogs with predisposition to dental disease, patellar luxation, and ocular conditions. Preventive dental care and regular veterinary monitoring are essential.
Maltese are hypoallergenic and barely shed, but 75% develop dental problems before age 3. Daily dental care is essential.
In this guide we cover the key health aspects of the Maltese: from nutrition and exercise to common conditions and a preventive care calendar. Everything you need to keep your Maltese in optimal health.
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Breed Profile
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Weight | 3-4 kg kg |
| Size | Toy |
Nutrition
- Feed high-quality small-breed dog food with clear protein sources; minimum 18% crude protein
- Portion 140-170 kcal daily in two meals to prevent obesity and pancreatitis risk
- Avoid human food and excessive treats; obesity increases risk of joint problems and diabetes
- Ensure adequate healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6) for skin and coat health
- Provide fresh water ad libitum; small breeds are susceptible to dehydration
Exercise
- Minimum 20-30 minutes daily activity; multiple short walks are ideal
- Avoid intense jumping or running on hard surfaces due to patellar luxation risk
- Use a harness rather than collar to minimize neck and tracheal pressure
- Indoor play and training sessions are suitable; protect from extreme temperatures
- Supervise outdoor and play activities due to small size and delicate frame
Common Health Conditions
Dental disease and gingivitis
High prevalence of plaque buildup and periodontal disease due to small jaw and tooth crowding
Watch for
Halitosis, drooling, food refusal, oral swelling; professional cleaning recommended annually
Patellar luxation
Medial patellar luxation common in toy breeds; patella shifts out of groove
Watch for
Hopping gait, acute lameness, hindlimb limp; moderate cases may require surgical intervention
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hereditary degenerative eye disease leading to blindness; no cure available
Watch for
Night blindness, obstacle avoidance, pupil dilation; diagnose via ophthalmologic examination
Tracheomalacia and tracheal stenosis
Weakening of tracheal walls or narrowing; exacerbated by collars and heat
Watch for
Dry, honking cough; respiratory distress; heat intolerance; use harness and avoid overexcitement
Hypoglycemia in puppies
Very young Maltese have limited glucose storage and risk of acute blood sugar drops
Watch for
Lethargy, tremors, seizures; frequent feeding (3-4 times daily for puppies) essential
How Camicoo helps with the Maltese
Camicoo continuously measures four signals that map directly to Maltese-specific risks:
- Skin temperature — early detection of low-grade chronic inflammation from periodontal disease (relevant to dental disease and tooth loss).
- Activity level — an unexplained drop can indicate subtle gait or jump changes from knee instability.
- Sleep quality — fragmentation points to stress, pain, or insufficient recovery.
- Bark patterns — a shift in bark frequency can reflect appetite-linked whining or restlessness (possible liver shunt sign in young dogs).
For the Maltese this is meaningful because activity dip patterns are often the only early indicator of mouth pain in toy breeds that hide dental discomfort well. See how Camicoo compares against other health monitors.
Source: The American Veterinary Dental College reports over 80% of toy-breed dogs develop periodontal disease by age 3, with Maltese among the most-affected breeds.
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Preventive Care Calendar
Monthly
- Inspect gums and teeth for plaque and inflammation signs
- Check ears for redness, odor, and cerumen; gently clean with soft cloth
Annual
- Comprehensive veterinary examination with attention to cardiac murmurs and luxation signs
- Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia; pre-anesthetic blood tests recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common health problems in Malteses?
How much exercise does a Maltese need?
What is the life expectancy of a Maltese?
What is the best food for a Maltese?
See also: Best Smart Dog Collar 2026
See also: Best Dog Health Monitor 2026
More Breed Guides
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Sanne de Vries
Pet Health Editor
Sanne de Vries is Pet Health Editor at Camicoo. She reviews smart collars, health monitors, and training tools based on specifications, owner feedback, and independent testing.
