Maltese: Adult and senior changes
For an adult or senior Maltese, a change from the dog's own normal baseline deserves more attention than a generic age expectation. Use the individual dog's age, comfort, and recovery to set the pace. Compare movement, appetite, sleep, interaction, and body condition week to week; make one low-impact change and record the result. Compare with the dog's own recent baseline and make one low-impact change before judging the result.
What a change may be telling you
Maltese's weight is recorded as under 7 pounds. Here, that matters because it gives context for the individual dog's body condition, but not a target by itself.
Compare the dog with its baseline
- Compare movement, appetite, sleep, interaction, and body condition week to week; make one low-impact change and record the result.
- Use the weight (under 7 pounds) as context, then measure the individual dog's trend rather than changing the plan from the reference alone.
- Compare with the dog's own recent baseline and make one low-impact change before judging the result.
Arrange veterinary review if
Book a veterinary assessment for persistent pain, reduced mobility, weight change, confusion, or a sudden behaviour shift.
If this may be a health problem
This page is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Do not change food, medication, exercise, or care for an individual dog based on this page alone; contact a veterinarian for symptoms, pain, weight change, skin changes, persistent behaviour change, or any urgent concern.
References
Height: 7-9 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: under 7 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The long, white coat of the Maltese is eye-catching and glorious. It requires daily gentle brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats and tangles. Maltese should also have regular baths and coat conditioning to keep their hair looking its best. They have fast-growing nails that should be trimmed regularly. Check their ears weekly, and remove any…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: Maltese are full of energy but require only occasional exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks with their owner or bouncing around in their fenced yard, or even indoors, will usually suffice to keep them fit.
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Maltese are very intelligent, and in centuries of being companions to humans they have learned how to get exactly what they want from their people. It is important to be consistent with their training. Maltese are athletic and talented and make a fun choice as competitive companions in dog sports such as obedience or agility. They can be stubborn and…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The tiny Maltese, 'Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,' has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Patella Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Serum Bile Acids']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Maltese.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
Use the tools