Group 9 · Companion dogs
Maltese
The Maltese is a small white companion dog with a silky coat that bonds closely with its people. It is playful, gentle and sheds little, but dislikes being alone and needs daily grooming.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Maltezer by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 2 examinations:
- 2 DNA tests
The breeding programme also recommends 5 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (2)
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (5)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Glycogen storage disease Ia (GSD1A)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- G6PC: c.363G>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Prekallikrein deficiency (KLK)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- KLKB1: c.988T>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- palpation of the kneecap
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Maltezer, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 09/09/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Glycogen storage disease Ia (GSD1A), Prekallikrein deficiency (KLK), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Patellar luxation (PT). According to the breeding programme, BOAS is a hereditary condition for which no generally recognised scientific test is currently available. Dogs with severe breathing problems, too short a stop and narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), diagnosed by a vet, are not used for breeding. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Maltese is happy with short walks and play indoors. Its white coat needs daily brushing or a short trim, and the hair around the eyes should be kept clean and short.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Maltese is strongly attached to its people and does not like being alone; get it used to it calmly, step by step. It can be quick to bark at noises. Patience helps with house-training. The breeding programme also mentions BOAS for this breed: ask the breeder about the breathing of the parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
