Lifespan
Average life span is 12-15 years.A Maltese does, however, require a high level of care to avoid problems with it's coat and eyes.
Maltese have hair, not fur and have little to no shedding if cared for properly.Like their relatives Poodles and Bichon Frisé, they are considered to be largely hypoallergenic and many people who are allergic to Dogs may not be allergic to the Maltese.
Regular grooming is required to prevent their coats from matting. Many owners will keep their Maltese clipped in a "puppy cut," a 1 - 2" all over trim that makes the dog resemble a puppy. Some owners who prefer long hair will roll it in curlers to keep it from matting.
Tear staining
Dark staining in the hair around the eyes ("tear staining") can be a problem in this breed, and is mostly a function of how much the individual dog's eyes water and the size of the tear ducts. If the face is kept dry and cleaned daily, the staining can be minimized.Many veterinarians recommend avoiding foods and treats with food coloring and serving distilled water to reduce tear staining.
