Maltese Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know

Maltese is a charming, aristocratic dog breed that has been around for centuries. They are famous for their small size, adaptability, and stunning, floor-length coat. Despite their royal background, Maltese dogs are superstars on the agility course and can make excellent watchdogs. Initially bred on the Mediterranean island of Malta (hence the name), the breed was a luxury commodity sold alongside silks, gemstones, and spices to wealthy women around the world.

So as a breed designed for beauty and grace, just how big do Maltese dogs get? If you’re the lucky pet parent to one of these sometimes stubborn but often charming showstoppers, you can use our Maltese weight chart to follow your puppy’s growth and development.

Here’s everything you need to know about Maltese weight, size, and growth rate:

• Maltese Weight Chart
• At what age is a Maltese fully grown?
• How big should a 6-month-old Maltese be?
• How much bigger will my Maltese get?
• What is the size of a full-grown Maltese?
• How do I make sure my Maltese is healthy?
• Key Takeaways

Pro Tip: New pet parents can be reimbursed for up to 90% of veterinary bills by signing up for a pet insurance plan. Compare Maltese health insurance options today to get peace of mind knowing that your Maltese pup will always have access to gold-standard veterinary care.

Maltese Weight Chart

Maltese is a toy dog breed that grows to be less than seven pounds as an adult. Unlike many dog breeds, there is no noticeable difference between male and female Maltese sizes.

Please keep in mind that the above numbers are estimates of Maltese weight by age. Each puppy grows at its own pace, so don’t worry if yours is slightly off the predicted range. Consult with your veterinarian if your puppy is significantly ahead or behind these figures or if you have other concerns about their growth.

At what age is a Maltese fully grown?

Most Maltese puppies will finish growing around six to eight months of age. As a toy dog breed, they reach their final weight and height much quicker than many dogs.

How big should a 6-month-old Maltese be?

A six-month-old Maltese puppy will be close to its full size and height. Some Maltese puppies will need a full eight months to complete their growth, while others may already be at their full size by six months old.

You can expect most Maltese puppies to weigh between 47 to 87 ounces at six months old. Most Maltese puppies will already be at their adult height at this age, typically between seven and nine inches tall.

Pro Tip: Download this new puppy checklist for must-know tips on puppy-proofing your home, setting up a vaccine schedule, bonding with your dog, and more.

How much bigger will my Maltese get?

You can estimate how much bigger your Maltese puppy will get using a few methods.

1. Age. Begin with your Maltese puppy’s age. If they are less than six months old, they are probably still growing. After eight months, most Maltese puppies should be at their adult height and weight.
2. Paw size. Next, take a look at your Maltese puppy’s paws. If their paws look oversized next to their body and legs, they are likely still filling out and growing.
3. Genetics. Lastly, if you purchased your Maltese through a breeder, reach out to them about your puppy’s expected size. Based on your puppy’s parents, they should be able to provide you with a more exact weight and height estimate.

What is the size of a full-grown Maltese?

According to the American Kennel Club Official Maltese Breed Standards, an adult Maltese should weigh less than seven pounds and stand between seven to nine inches tall. Four to six pounds is considered the ideal weight for a Maltese, especially for pet shows.

How do I make sure my Maltese is healthy?

Maltese are stunning dogs with their black gumdrop noises, piercing black eyes, and floor-length coats. As beloved family members, our Maltese are precious to us, and they deserve the best. As purebred dogs, Maltese are more susceptible to genetic diseases. However, many genetic disorders can be prevented or minimized with preventative veterinary care, such as routine physical exams. During routine appointments, your veterinarian can screen your Maltese pup for any health problems and give you personalized advice on how to best care for your puppy and prevent future health problems.

According to the Veterinary Centers of America, the Maltese breed is prone to shaker syndrome, mitral valve disease, low blood sugar, and microvascular dysplasia. Shaker syndrome is prevalent in small, white dogs, like the Maltese. Shaker syndrome - a condition prevalent in small, white dogs - usually shows up during early adulthood as tremors. In severe cases, dogs may also experience problems with their vision or other neurologic defects due to the tremors. Fortunately, many dogs respond well to steroids commonly used to treat shaker syndrome.

Maltese Veterinary Costs

Routine veterinary care can help you prevent and minimize the impact of some genetic diseases on your pup. However, even with proper prevention and wellness care, most dogs will likely need veterinary treatment for illness or injury at some point during their life. Depending on the situation, the cost of a vet visit can quickly add up to thousands of dollars, but less than 20% of pet parents said they would be able to cover a $5,000 veterinary expense out-of-pocket. This could leave many pet owners in a pinch should their Maltese need costly veterinary care, which is why pet insurance is so critically important.

Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for up to 90% of out-of-pocket veterinary expenses for illnesses and accidents, which provides you with a safety net should the worst happen to your pup. You can gain comforting peace of mind knowing that your dog will have access to top-notch care at an affordable rate throughout the course of their life.