You bring home a tiny white puppy. Five years later, that same dog is hopping on three legs intermittently, has a chronic cough, and is starting to show signs of liver trouble.
Maltese dogs are popular Malaysian apartment companions, but their tiny size makes them prone to specific health issues, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, dental disease, and tracheal collapse.
This guide covers quick facts, grooming needs, common health problems, vet costs in Malaysia, and what Oyen pet insurance covers for Maltese.
Maltese Quick Facts
- Size: Tiny (2โ4 kg)
- Lifespan: 12โ15 years
- Coat: Long, silky, white; non-shedding to low-shedding
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, alert, playful
- Exercise needs: Low to moderate (20โ30 minutes daily)
- Apartment suitability: Excellent
- Climate fit (Malaysia): Good, single coat, manages heat well with shade and water
Maltese Price in Malaysia
Maltese puppies in Malaysia typically range from RM2,000 to RM5,000, depending on breeder reputation, lineage, and whether the puppy comes with pedigree papers. This range aligns with Oyen's popular dog breeds guide.
| Type | Estimated Price (RM) |
|---|---|
| Maltese mix / no papers | 1,200โ2,000 |
| Standard Maltese (local breeder) | 2,000โ3,500 |
| Pedigree Maltese (MKA registered) | 3,500โ5,000+ |
Avoid "teacup Maltese" marketing. There's no recognised "teacup" classification, these are usually undersized dogs with more health problems than standard-sized Maltese.
Grooming a Maltese in Malaysia
The Maltese coat is the single biggest care commitment. Long, fine, and non-shedding means it tangles fast in Malaysia's humidity. Most Malaysian owners keep their Maltese in a "puppy cut" for easier daily maintenance.
| Task | Frequency | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily brushing | Every day | At home |
| Professional grooming | Every 4โ6 weeks | 80โ180 per session |
| Bath at home | Every 2โ3 weeks | Shampoo cost only |
| Tear staining wipe | Daily | RM20โ40/month for wipes |
| Dental brushing | 3โ7 times weekly | RM40 toothpaste/year |
Tear staining is common because of the white coat and prominent eyes. It's mostly cosmetic, but persistent staining can indicate eye infections or blocked tear ducts. Check with a vet if it suddenly worsens.
Common Maltese Health Problems
Sources: American Maltese Association, peer-reviewed veterinary literature.
| Condition | What It Is | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Patellar luxation | Kneecap slips out of position. Up to 20% of Maltese affected. | Skipping or hopping gait, intermittent limping, holding leg up briefly |
| Portosystemic shunt (PSS) | Congenital liver shunt. Blood bypasses the liver. ~4% prevalence in Maltese. | Stunted growth, vomiting, neurological signs after meals, seizures |
| Tracheal collapse | Weakening of windpipe cartilage. Can be congenital or acquired with age. | Honking cough, especially when excited or pulled by collar |
| Dental disease | Small mouth = crowded teeth = faster plaque buildup | Bad breath, red gums, reluctance to eat hard food |
| Hypoglycemia (puppies) | Low blood sugar; affects toy breeds under 5 months | Weakness, tremors, disorientation, seizures |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) | Femoral head deterioration in young dogs | Hind limb lameness, pain, muscle wasting |
| Glaucoma | Increased eye pressure; can cause blindness | Cloudy eyes, squinting, eye redness, vision problems |
Maltese Vet Costs in Malaysia
Estimated costs at private vet clinics in KL/Selangor. Actual prices vary by clinic and case severity.
| Treatment | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Vet consultation | 50โ150 |
| Annual vaccinations | 80โ200 per dose |
| Patellar luxation surgery (per knee) | 2,500โ5,000 |
| PSS surgical correction | 5,000โ12,000 |
| FHO (LCP surgery) | 3,000โ6,000 |
| Cherry eye surgery | 800โ2,500 |
| Glaucoma management (monthly drops) | 150โ400 |
| Dental scaling under anaesthesia | 800โ2,000 |
| Spay/neuter | 300โ800 |
A single patellar luxation surgery costs RM2,500โ5,000 ๐พ
Oyen Pet Insurance covers patellar luxation as one of the 6 named hereditary conditions, with up to 90% reimbursement after a 12-month waiting period.
Policy terms and conditions apply.
What Oyen Insurance Covers for Maltese
Oyen Dog Insurance covers over 1,000 illnesses and injuries, with coverage up to RM10,000 per year. But for Maltese specifically, you need to understand how the policy treats this breed's main risks.
| Condition | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Patellar luxation | โ Covered | One of the 6 named hereditary conditions; 12-month wait for dogs under 6 |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes (treated via FHNE) | โ Covered | Conditions requiring femoral head and neck excision are in the 6; same waiting period |
| Glaucoma | โ Covered | In the 6 named hereditary list |
| Portosystemic shunt (congenital) | โ Not covered | Almost all PSS in Maltese is congenital. Congenital conditions are never covered |
| Tracheal collapse | โ ๏ธ Depends on diagnosis | Congenital form is not covered. Acquired form is not on the 6 hereditary list. Check with Oyen on case-by-case basis |
| Hypoglycemia (puppies) | โ Generally covered | Acute illness; 30-day illness waiting period applies |
| Skin allergies and infections | โ Generally covered | Bacterial and fungal infections covered; parasite-caused conditions excluded |
| Dental disease (non-trauma) | โ Not covered | Dental scaling, gingivitis, periodontal disease excluded |
| Accidents and injuries | โ Covered | Immediate coverage, no waiting period |
| Vaccines, deworming, sterilisation | โ Not covered | Preventive care excluded |
| Pre-existing conditions | โ Not covered | Anything diagnosed before policy start |
Only 6 hereditary conditions are covered under Oyen's policy: hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, glaucoma, cherry eye, IVDD, and conditions requiring femoral head and neck excision (FHNE). Any other medically hereditary condition is not covered.
For the full exclusions list, see Oyen's exclusions list.
When to Get Insurance for Your Maltese
The earlier, the better. Maltese puppies are eligible from 12 weeks old, and policies can be renewed up to age 13.
Early enrolment matters most for breeds like Maltese, where patellar luxation and LCP often show up in young adulthood. Signing up before symptoms appear means:
- No pre-existing condition exclusions
- The 12-month hereditary waiting period passes before symptoms develop
- Lower premiums (younger dogs = lower risk)
Note: dogs must be microchipped to be eligible for Oyen coverage. This can be updated after signup if needed.
FAQ
How long does a Maltese live?
Typically 12 to 15 years. Some well-cared-for Maltese live longer. Key factors: balanced diet, weight management, dental care, and annual vet check-ups.
Is the Maltese a good breed for Malaysia?
Yes. Their small size, single coat, and low-shedding coat handle Malaysian heat reasonably well. They're ideal for apartment living and don't need a lot of outdoor space. AC is helpful but not strictly required.
Are Maltese hypoallergenic?
No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but Maltese shed very little compared to most breeds, which some allergy sufferers tolerate better. If you have allergies, spend time with a Maltese before bringing one home.
Is patellar luxation covered by Oyen for Maltese?
Yes. Patellar luxation is one of the 6 named hereditary conditions covered under Oyen's policy. There's a 12-month waiting period for dogs under 6 years old. Pre-existing cases (diagnosed before policy start) are not covered.
Is PSS (liver shunt) covered by Oyen?
No. Portosystemic shunt in Maltese is almost always congenital (present at birth). Congenital conditions are never covered under Oyen's policy. The rare acquired form would require case-by-case review.
Why does my Maltese have tear stains?
Tear staining is mostly cosmetic, caused by porphyrin pigment in tears reacting with light, and made more visible by the white coat. Persistent or sudden staining can indicate eye infections, blocked tear ducts, or food sensitivities. See a vet if it changes suddenly.
How much does it cost to own a Maltese per month in Malaysia?
About RM250โ500 per month for food, parasite prevention, basic supplies, and routine vet visits. Add RM80โ180 every 4โ6 weeks for professional grooming. Insurance adds another RM50โ150 per month depending on the plan and dog's age.
How often should a Maltese be groomed?
Daily brushing at home. Professional grooming every 4โ6 weeks if keeping the show coat, or every 6โ8 weeks if in a puppy cut. Bathing every 2โ3 weeks at home is usually sufficient.
Can I get Oyen insurance for an older Maltese?
Yes, if your dog is under 10 years old at first signup. Once enrolled, the policy can be renewed up to age 13. Older dogs face higher premiums and pre-existing conditions are excluded.
Protect your Maltese with Oyen Dog Insurance ๐พ
Coverage up to RM10,000/year at any licensed clinic in Malaysia. Patellar luxation, glaucoma, and LCP surgery are all in the 6 covered hereditary conditions.
Policy terms and conditions apply.
Protecting Your Pet Starts Here
The Maltese is one of Malaysia's best apartment dogs: small, low-shedding, gentle, and adaptable. Their main health risks (patellar luxation, glaucoma, LCP) are largely covered under Oyen's hereditary conditions list, which makes insurance unusually valuable for this breed. PSS and tracheal collapse are the main coverage gaps to know about.
Sign up early, before any symptoms appear, so the 12-month hereditary waiting period passes before issues develop. For more reading, see Oyen's guides on popular dog breeds in Malaysia, common skin diseases in dogs, and puppy vaccination guide.
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on the Maltese breed in Malaysia. Vet costs vary by clinic, location, and case severity. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for your dog's specific needs. Insurance coverage is subject to policy terms and the full exclusions list. For the full exclusions list, visit oyen.my/exclusions.
