Maltese in human years

Size class: Small (under 10 kg / 22 lb) · Average lifespan: 12–15 years · Senior age: 10+ · AKC group: Toy

Breed

Your dog's age (years)

In human years

Full age chart

Year-by-year human-equivalent ages for a small-sized breed like the Maltese.

Maltese age	Human-equivalent	Life stage
1 year	15 human years	Puppy/Adolescent
2 years	24 human years	Adult
3 years	28 human years	Adult
4 years	32 human years	Adult
5 years	36 human years	Adult
6 years	40 human years	Adult
7 years	44 human years	Adult
8 years	48 human years	Adult
9 years	52 human years	Adult
10 years	56 human years	Senior
11 years	60 human years	Senior
12 years	64 human years	Senior
13 years	68 human years	Senior
14 years	72 human years	Senior
15 years	76 human years	Senior
16 years	80 human years	Senior
17 years	84 human years	Senior
18 years	88 human years	Senior

About the Maltese's ageing

The Maltese is a small breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Like other small-sized dogs, the Maltese ages most rapidly in its first two years — reaching the rough equivalent of a 24-year-old human by its second birthday — and then ages more steadily.

Malteses typically reach senior status around 10 years old. From that point on, screening for joint, dental and weight-related conditions becomes especially valuable. Small-class breeds tend to be prone to dental issues and weight gain in middle age, so dental care and portion control pay off.

If your Maltese is approaching the high end of its expected lifespan (15+ years), you're already doing something right. Continue to monitor mobility, appetite, weight and behaviour — and adjust food, exercise and vet check-up frequency accordingly.