Can a Maltese live 20 years
Maltese Lifespan How Long Can Maltese Dogs Live?
Maltese lifespan is widely reported online to be in the region of 15-18 years. Sadly, the reality is that scientific evidence shows average Maltese life expectancy is actually closer to 12.5 years. So why the misinformation when this is actually a pretty decent time for a pet dog to live? Today I will get to the bottom of why their lifespan is so long, and why it is exaggerated in some places. Ill also share tips to help your puppy live the longest, happiest, healthiest life possible.
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Average Maltese Lifespan
Looking online, there seems to be a consensus of 12-15 years for the Maltese lifespan, with a few outliers stating 15-18 years. These are really promising and good numbers! Unfortunately, the true number is likely to be in the lower end of these ranges.
A large cross-sectional scientific study was published in 2010, looking into the results of a 2004 survey. In the survey, owners reported any dog deaths within the family in the last ten years. Information was gathered about their breed, age when they passed, and the cause of death.
From the data gained a median average Maltese lifespan was deduced; 12.25 years. As this is from a large scientific study, its likely to be close to the true average lifespan for this breed.
Of course, its important to keep in mind that is just an average. The Maltese can and commonly will surpass this age. While the Maltese lifespan does not reach the optimistic estimations made online, 12.25 years is still a very good and long life for a dog.
There are many breeds whose lifespan does not even come close to these numbers. So what is it about the Maltese that promotes this longer life?
Causes of the Long Maltese Lifespan
A major reason the Maltese lifespan is longer than some other dog breeds may be due to the fact that the Maltese is so small. Larger dog breeds tend to die at a much earlier age, despite the fact that a bigger size usually brings with it a longer lifespan. So what is going on?
A scientific study concluded that one of the reasons is due to bigger dog breeds having high risks of serious developmental diseases. Another study found that large dogs have a much faster rate of aging, which leads to a much lower overall lifespan.
Therefore, with its small size, the Maltese does not experience either of these potential detriments to its lifespan. They grow and age at a normal rate. However, this does not mean the Maltese will be free of any and all severe health issues that may cut its life short.
Health Risks to Maltese Lifespan
While the long lifespan of the Maltese does seem to show that its a healthy dog, there are some serious conditions the breed is predisposed to.
A study into the common causes of death within dogs found that the Maltese died from cardiovascular problems and congenital disease.
Heart Conditions
The Maltese is at particular risk for the heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus. This is a congenital defect where a vessel in the heart that is meant to close after birth doesnt, leading to blood being diverted.
Depending on the severity of the condition, it can cause symptoms such as breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and stunted growth. Surgery to close the open vessel is usually recommended, as the condition can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Congenital Disease
A common serious condition seen in the Maltese is known as a Portosystemic Shunt. Also known as a Liver Shunt, this is similar to the cardiovascular condition above; an abnormal connection in the veins allows blood to veer off the intended path.
In this case, the blood is able to bypass the liver, meaning that toxins, proteins, and nutrients are not filtered out and left to circulate around the body. This can lead to symptoms such as stunted growth, behavioral abnormalities, seizures, and even blindness. Surgical intervention is again required, as leaving it untreated can lead to an early death.
Signs Maltese Lifespan Might Be Shorter Than Average
While these conditions can be fatal, they are potentially treatable if caught early. The prognosis for these conditions is generally good for a Maltese who has received a successful surgical intervention.
Therefore, its very important to keep an eye out for any strange behavior or signs of sickness in your Maltese when they are still a puppy. Catching these conditions early can help their chances. With all this in mind, what can we do to help increase the Maltese lifespan?
Increasing Maltese Lifespan
The first big thing you can do to ensure that a Maltese has a good chance at a long life takes place before you actually own one! Purchasing a Maltese puppy from a reputable breeder goes a long way to ensure they live a long life.
Both of the severe health conditions we described in the previous section have a genetic basis. A good breeder should be able to show documentation that proves these conditions and more arent present within the puppy.
(paid link) Avoiding these congenital diseases is a great first step! But what can you do to enhance a Maltese lifespan once you actually own one? Theres no trick to it; just keep them well-cared for!
Nutrition vs Lifespan
A good diet promotes good health, and good health increases the chance of a long life! Nutrition is very important, especially for a puppy. Select a high protein, high fat, low carb food, and make sure it matches your dogs current life stage.
Keeping on Top of Their Daily Needs
Another small thing that goes a long way is keeping on top of their grooming, exercise, and mental requirements.
Regular exercise keeps their body in top shape, good grooming prevents matting and skin conditions, and keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated helps keep them happy and hence increases the Maltese lifespan!
Be sure you can fulfill all of this daily to have a happy and healthy dog that could very well live on past 12.25 years.
How Long Do Malteses Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care
The exuberant Maltese radiates life, from their gleaming dark eyes to their happy trot. Their attitude expresses a joy in living and its hard to think that it could ever be time for our darling friends to leave us. We all wish our dogs would live forever, but thankfully for Maltese parents, this breed comes pretty close in dog years. The average lifespan of a Maltese is 12 to 15 years, which is about 25% above average for canines as a whole.
Whats the Average Lifespan of a Maltese?
The oldest Maltese on record lived to be at least 20 years old, according to Pawleaks1. Most Malteses enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, but its fairly normal to hear of Malteses reaching 17 years. Unfortunately, some Malteses dont reach their life expectancy due to a variety of factors. Some reasons for premature death arent preventable, but others can be mitigated with proper care.
Why Do Some Malteses Live Longer Than Others?
1. Nutrition
Everyone knows human snacks can sneak unnecessary calories, fat, and sugar into your dogs diet. However, cheap dog food can sometimes function like fast food of the canine world. Nutritionally shallow fillers such as potatoes and white rice often replace additional sources of meat, which your dog needs for protein. Plus, unless the dog food features human grade ingredients, the meat source isnt held by the same standards as the slab of beef youd buy from the grocery store.
As your Maltese ages, their nutritional needs shift, so youll also want to find food thats appropriate for their life stage. Ask your vet for help in finding a well-balanced food with human grade ingredients that are formulated for their life stage, whether theyre a puppy, adult, or senior. And while youre at it, stay away from grain-free diets unless your dog requires it due to allergies or sensitivities, and as recommended by your vet. Recent studies1have revealed that grain-free may be an expensive fad that doesnt enrich your dogs life and may even be harmful.
2. Exercise
Despite their small size and aristocratic airs, the Maltese is an energetic dog that needs at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to thrive. As companion animals, theyll doubly benefit if you join them in their activities, such as taking them on a walk or playing ball.
3. Housing
While certain breeds dont fare well in tight quarters or hot weather, the Maltese thankfully adapts to almost any living conditions. Fiercely loyal and relentless snugglers, the Malteses motto seems to be, Where you lead, Ill follow. As long as theyre receiving their core needs of food, exercise, and love, it doesnt really matter if you live in a palace or an apartment.
4. Size
Its no secret: small dogs live longer on average than larger breeds. We dont really know why, but this study2from 2011investigated common causes of death over two decades in nearly 80,000 dogs of all sizes. They found that large dogs often died earlier from cancer, musculoskeletal, or gastrointestinal issues, as opposed to neurological or endocrine issues being the leading causes of death in smaller dogs years later.
5. Sex
As in humans, female dogs generally live a bit longer than males. You can expect the average female Maltese to live about a year longer than a Maltese male in similar conditions.
6. Genes
Although the Maltese is a fairly healthy breed, they are known to have potential medical problems that are genetically influenced. The American Kennel Club recommends a cardiac exam and a patella evaluation before breeding to make sure relatedgenetic issues arent passed down to the puppies.
7. Healthcare
Even if the breed has no known health concerns, every dog becomes ill at some point. Routine vet exams and prompt sick visits can reduce the risk of your Maltese dying prematurely. You should also take care of your Maltese teeth with daily toothbrushing and routine dental cleanings as recommended by your vet.
The 4 Life Stages of a Maltese
1. Puppy
From the time theyre born until 4 to 6 months old, your Maltese will delight you with sweet kisses with fresh puppy breath, test your patience with potty training, and trade their baby teeth in for adult chompers. Technically, dogs are still considered puppies until theyre a year old, and small dogs such as the Maltese may behave like puppies even until their 4thbirthday. However, its worth defining the pure puppy stage as under 6 months because of the next phase that overlaps: puberty.
2. Adolescent
Sometime between 6 months old and their 1stbirthday, your Maltese will undergo rapid growth and experience puberty. Unless theyre spayed, females typically experience their first heat around 6 months old but may go into heat as young as 4 months. Males reach sexual maturity between 5 months and 1 year. Ironically, smaller dogs take longer than larger breeds to behave like a mature adults but develop sexually much faster. Youll need to make your decision about if and when to sterilize your Maltese by the time theyre 4 to 6 months old, or you may have a surprise on your hands.
3. Adult
Once theyve finished growing around 2 years old, your Maltese is considered a mature adult. Theyll still probably frolic like a puppy, though, until theyre around 3 to 4 years old. At this point, theyll want to play, but probably wont shred your bedroom slippers or run zoomies several times a day. Thanks to their long lifespan, your Maltese may stay in the adult stage for nearly a decade before they start to slow down.
4. Senior
A dogs twilight years span roughly the last 25% of their expected lifespan. For a Maltese, that means theyll be considered a senior sometime between their 8thand 11thbirthdays. Youll know when theyre getting close when they begin to gray, gain a little extra weight, or experience reduced activity levels. Malteses may also develop cataracts or arthritis as they age, but they can still have plenty of years ahead of them.
How to Tell Your Malteses Age
While its fairly easy to tell the difference between a puppy and an adult, or an adult from a senior, its a little harder to gauge the years in between. The presence or absence of puppy teeth informs you whether your Maltese is under 6 months old. Most dogs have a fair amount of plaque by the time theyre 4 years old, so squeaky clean teeth may also indicate a puppy or young adult.
Senior dogs often weigh a little more than a healthy adult, although obesity can be a concern at any age. Older dogs may also have trouble walking, or have cataracts as opposedto a bright-eyed and active younger adult.
Conclusion
Life isnt a guarantee. While the average Maltese lives 12 to 15 years, some live much longer or shorter depending on a variety of factors. Some risks of premature death are relatively preventable, such as obesity. Others, especially genetics, may have multi-faceted characteristics that are difficult to control. If your Maltese has a shorter life on average, you can rest assured that lifespan relies on many different things, and it wasnt your fault. If your Maltese is still alive, its a good idea to become familiar with the things that often cause premature death, so your pup stands a better chance at a longer life.
Featured Image Credit: Pezibear, Pixabay
