Maltese Stud Dog: Health Testing, Coat Care, and What to Look For

One of the oldest companion breeds in the world — the Maltese deserves a breeding program built on health and honesty

The Maltese is one of the most ancient toy breeds in existence, with a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. Known for their flowing white coats, dark eyes, and gentle temperament, Maltese are among the most affectionate of all companion breeds. But their tiny size, combined with conditions like patellar luxation, liver shunts, and dental disease, means that choosing the right stud is not a decision to make lightly.

Health Testing Requirements for Maltese Studs

The American Maltese Association (AMA) recommends the following evaluations for breeding dogs:

Patellar Luxation — OFA Evaluation

Patellar luxation is the most common orthopedic condition in Maltese. OFA rates patellae from Grade 0 (Normal) to Grade 4. A breeding stud should be Grade 0. Any Grade 2 or higher is a disqualifier.

Cardiac Evaluation

Mitral valve disease and other cardiac conditions occur in Maltese. An annual cardiac exam — at minimum by a general veterinarian, ideally by a board-certified cardiologist — is recommended for breeding dogs over 5 years of age.

CAER Eye Examination — Clear

Hereditary cataracts and other eye conditions occur in Maltese. An annual CAER exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is the standard.

Liver Shunt Awareness

Portosystemic shunts (liver shunts) affect Maltese at a higher rate than most breeds. There is no currently available DNA test, but ask the stud owner specifically about the health history of the stud's parents and siblings. Avoid lines with known shunt history.

Dental Health

Maltese are prone to severe dental disease due to crowded teeth in their tiny jaws. While not a testable condition, ask about the stud's dental history — a dog who has lost most of his teeth by age 5 from crowding may pass that trait on.

Coat in Maltese: What to Know for Breeding

The Maltese is single-coated with no undercoat — their long, silky white coat is one of the most distinctive in the dog world.

Color

AKC standard Maltese are white. Light tan or lemon shading on the ears is permitted but not preferred in the show ring. If you see a "black Maltese," "chocolate Maltese," or other non-white color offered for sale, those dogs are not purebred Maltese — they are Maltese crosses.

Coat Quality

A good Maltese coat is silky, flat, and has a healthy sheen. Wooly or curly coats are a fault. When evaluating a stud for breeding, look at the quality of his coat at multiple ages — not just as a puppy. Poor coat quality can be heritable.

Tear Staining

The reddish-brown tear staining common in Maltese is caused by porphyrins in the tears. It is partly genetic and partly management-related. Studs from lines with minimal tear staining may produce offspring with less staining, though diet, water quality, and facial conformation all play roles.

Size in Maltese: Teacup Claims and Health Risks

The AKC standard calls for Maltese to weigh under 7 lbs, with 4-6 lbs preferred. Dogs marketed as "teacup Maltese" (under 3 lbs as adults) are at increased risk for:

• Hypoglycemia, particularly in puppies
• Fragile bone structure
• Tracheal collapse
• Liver shunts (more common in very small individuals)
• Difficult whelping requiring C-section

A stud under 4 lbs who is healthy, fully health-tested, and produces healthy offspring is fine. A breeder advertising 2 lb "teacup" studs with no health testing is a red flag.

What Does a Maltese Stud Fee Cost?

Maltese stud fees in 2026 typically range from $500 to $2,500 depending on:

• AKC Championship title or champion lineage
• Size and coat quality
• Proven breeding history
• Full health testing documentation

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• Can I see OFA patella and a current CAER eye exam certificate?
• Does the stud or his close relatives have any history of liver shunts?
• What is the stud's adult weight, and what have his offspring weighed as adults?
• What is his coat quality like — silky or wooly?
• Is he AKC registered, and can I verify his pedigree?
• Has he produced litters before, and can I speak with previous dam owners?
• Will you provide a written stud contract?

Summary

A quality Maltese stud has clean OFA patella results, a current CAER eye exam, a family history free of liver shunts, and exceptional coat quality. He is AKC registered, within breed weight standards, and his owner is honest about his health history. The Maltese is a breed with thousands of years of history — honor that history with a breeding program built on real standards.