Expected Lifespan
With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, your Maltichon will end up living with you for a long time.
On average, Maltichons can live to as long as around 12 years, as benefits from the longevity of being a Maltese mix and a mixed breed.
However, it wouldn’t come off as a surprise if they ended up living to as long as 15 years. But, of course, in addition to lifestyle and care, genetics will also affect just how long your furry companion will live.
While there’s no way to guarantee the health of your doggie, most of the canine community agree that the Maltichon is one of the healthier breeds. But, because these white little furballs are a mixed breed, it would help to pay close attention to signs and symptoms of issues that usually only affect either a Maltese and/or Bichon Frise.
These common health problems include the following:
Congenital Heart Defect / Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Due to genetic faults, Maltese are more at risk to have “Patent Ductus Arteriosus”, otherwise known as Congenital Heart Defect, compared to other dog breeds. But, it’s not necessarily a death sentence. It is treatable, especially in younger dogs.
Kneecap Dislocation / Otherwise Known as Patellar Luxation
Maltese and other toy breed dogs are genetically predisposed to “Patellar Luxation”, otherwise more commonly known as kneecap dislocation. This is because of the groove where the kneecap usually sits on is much shallower. As a result, it’s more likely to slip out.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s Disease is the result of the body over-producing cortisol, which is a steroid hormone commonly associated with stress. In dogs, this can cause a number of complications, but mostly hair loss, usually on the body.
It’s relatively common among Maltese, but it is treatable.
Skin Issues and Allergies
Because the Maltichon usually gets their long yet single-layer coat of hair from their Maltese bloodline, they’re not as well-protected from environmental factors. This includes the sun, heat, and the cold.
Hot and humid weather, in particular, can cause hot spots, which were skin lesions that can recur if not addressed properly.
Early Tooth Loss
It’s been proven that small dogs, and not just Maltichons specifically, are prone to early tooth loss. In fact, most small dogs tend to lose half their teeth by the time they are 10 years or older. But, there are ways around this, such as by brushing their teeth daily to prevent tartar formation.
We’d also like to remind you that the Maltichon is a mixed breed.
We say this because most of the common health problems associated with the Maltichon has a genetic component to it.
Bichon Frise, in particular, are known to have a high cancer rate.
We also suggest taking a close look at the parents of your Maltichon to see if they have any history of health complications so you might be able to better prepare yourself and your furry little friend for it when the time comes.