Maltese — questions to ask before paying a deposit
A responsible breeder will have these readily available. Deflection is a red flag.
Congenital portosystemic (liver) shuntcan shorten life or cause chronic pain
An abnormal blood vessel lets blood bypass the liver, so toxins build up in the bloodstream; signs include stunted growth, poor appetite, disorientation after meals and seizures. Maltese is reported to carry around 20 times the risk of other breeds, and the condition is considered hereditary in this breed.
Ask to see: A fasting and post-prandial (2-hour) serum bile acids test, recommended by the American Maltese Association at 8 to 12 weeks of age, on the puppy and, where records exist, on litters the parents have already produced.
Congenital portosystemic shunts in Maltese and Australian cattle dogs (van den Ingh et al.) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8080406/) · Comparison of Serum Bile Acid Concentrations Between Maltese and Other Breeds of Dogs With Portosystemic Shunt (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10026675/)
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of its groove; OFA patella screening is one of the American Maltese Association's CHIC-recommended tests.
Ask to see: OFA patellar luxation exam (graded 0-4) on both parents from one year of age.
American Maltese Association - health testing (https://americanmaltese.org/cardiovascular/)
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
A blood vessel that should close soon after birth stays open, straining the heart; left untreated it can lead to heart failure. Maltese is named among the breeds predisposed to PDA, the most common congenital heart defect in dogs.
Ask to see: Cardiac exam (auscultation, ideally by a board-certified cardiologist) annually from one year of age on both parents, with an echocardiogram if a murmur is heard.
American Maltese Association - Cardiovascular (https://americanmaltese.org/cardiovascular/)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
An inherited retinal degeneration causing progressive, permanent blindness, usually starting with night blindness.
Ask to see: Annual CERF/OFA eye exam plus a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy on both parents before breeding, per the American Maltese Association.
American Maltese Association - Eye Diseases (https://www.americanmaltese.org/ama-health-information/eye-diseases)