Maltese are affectionate, low-shedding companion dogs that often live well into their teens. They're generally healthy, but they carry the toy-breed dental and knee risks plus a notable breed-associated liver condition that can appear young — making early enrolment especially valuable. Here's the picture for Canadian owners.
Common Maltese health issues
| Condition | How common | Typical treatment cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dental disease (small crowded jaw) | Very common — the dominant ongoing cost | Moderate per cleaning, recurring; extractions common |
| Luxating patella | Common in the breed | Moderate to high if surgical |
| Portosystemic (liver) shunt | Breed-associated; can be congenital | High — may require surgery, often when young |
| Tracheal collapse | Notable in toy breeds | Moderate to high; chronic management |
| Hypoglycemia (especially puppies) | Common in very small dogs | Low to moderate; emergency in acute cases |
| Eye conditions (tear staining, irritation) | Common — white coat, prominent eyes | Low to moderate, ongoing |
| Heart disease (later life) | Common with age | Lifelong medication; can escalate |
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Our Recommendation
For a Maltese, comprehensive coverage with a wellness add-on, enrolled as early as possible, is the smart call. The liver shunt risk is the key reason for urgency — it can be congenital and surface in the first year or two, and once diagnosed it's a pre-existing exclusion on any new policy. Insure your Maltese young, before any liver, dental, or knee condition is documented.
Frequently asked questions
Are Maltese expensive to insure?
Premiums are typically low to moderate for their tiny size, but their longevity and the cluster of toy-breed conditions mean the policy earns its keep over many years. The liver shunt risk in particular argues for early, continuous coverage.
What is a liver shunt?
A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver, preventing it from filtering toxins properly. It can be congenital (present at birth) and is more common in Maltese than most breeds. Treatment can involve surgery, often when the dog is young — which is exactly why insuring before any symptoms appear matters.
Why do Maltese need so much dental care?
Like all toy breeds, they have a normal number of teeth in a very small jaw, leading to crowding and rapid plaque buildup. Periodontal disease is near-universal without regular brushing and professional cleanings — a wellness add-on helps with the recurring cost.
How long do Maltese live?
Often 12–15 years or more, among the longer-lived toy breeds. That longevity means an early policy has a long runway to pay out on dental, knee, and age-related heart conditions — and that pre-existing exclusions become more costly the longer you wait to enrol.