Maltese Age Calculator: Dog Years to Human Years

Maltese age in human years

Dog years	Human years	Life stage
1	15	Adolescent
2	24	Adult
6	40	Adult
10	56	Senior begins
13	68	Senior
15	76	Geriatric

Figures based on The Royal Kennel Club's published small-breed guidance, as tabulated by Purina UK. For an exact figure, try the Dog Years calculator.

The Maltese is classified by The Royal Kennel Club within the smaller ageing band, typically weighing 2–4 kg as an adult, with a median life expectancy of around 13.1 years, according to a 2024 analysis of UK veterinary records by Dogs Trust. One of the oldest toy breeds in Europe, the Maltese has long been kept as a companion dog for royalty and nobility, prized for its long, silky white coat and gentle temperament.

What this means for your Maltese

The Maltese's long, silky coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting, and many owners keep it clipped shorter for easier day-to-day care as their dog ages. The breed's small jaw makes dental crowding and periodontal disease common, so regular dental checks matter more than for larger breeds.

Luxating patella (a dislocating kneecap) and tracheal collapse — which can cause a persistent, dry cough — are also seen more often in the Maltese than in larger breeds. Portosystemic shunt, a liver condition affecting blood flow, is also worth being aware of, as with several other toy breeds.

When is a Maltese considered a senior?

Under The Royal Kennel Club's size-adjusted guidance, small breeds like the Maltese are generally considered senior from around 10 dog years old.

Related reading: Is the ×7 Rule Real? · Dog Life Stages Explained · Signs Your Dog Is Entering Its Senior Years

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