How much do pure Maltese weigh

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

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 youre the lucky pet parent to one of these sometimes stubborn but often charming showstoppers, you can use our Maltese weight chart to follow your puppys growth and development.

Heres everything you need to know about Maltese weight, size, and growth rate:

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

Birth Weight	3.5 oz	4 oz	4.25 oz	4.5 oz	5.0 oz	5.5 oz	6 oz
1 week	5	6	7	8	9	9	10
2 weeks	7	9	10	11	12	13	14
3 weeks	9	11	13	14	16	17	18
4 weeks	11	13	15	17	19	21	23
5 weeks	13	15	17	19	22	24	26
6 weeks	15	17	20	22	25	27	30
7 weeks	17	19	22	24	27	30	33
8 weeks	19	21	24	27	29	33	36
9 weeks	20	23	28	29	32	35	39
10 weeks	22	25	28	31	34	38	41
11 weeks	24	27	31	34	37	40	45
12 weeks	26	30	33	37	41	45	49
13 weeks	28	32	36	40	44	49	53
14 weeks	30	33	38	43	47	52	56
15 weeks	32	37	41	46	51	56	60
16 weeks	34	39	44	49	54	59	65
17 weeks	36	41	46	51	57	62	67
18 weeks	37	43	48	54	60	65	71
19 weeks	39	44	50	56	62	67	72
20 weeks	41	46	52	58	64	70	76
21 weeks	42	48	54	60	66	72	78
22 weeks	43	49	56	62	68	74	80
23 weeks	44	50	57	64	70	76	82
24 weeks	45	51	58	65	71	78	84
25 weeks	46	52	59	66	72	79	85
26 weeks	47	53	60	67	73	80	87
Adult Weight	3.5 lbs	4 lbs	4.5 lbs	5 lbs	5.5 lbs	6 lbs	6.5 lbs

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 dont 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.

Age. Begin with your Maltese puppys 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.
Paw size. Next, take a look at your Maltese puppys paws. If their paws look oversized next to their body and legs, they are likely still filling out and growing.
Genetics. Lastly, if you purchased your Maltese through a breeder, reach out to them about your puppys expected size. Based on your puppys 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.

Maltese Weight Issues

It is important to note that since a Maltese can end up with a final adult weight of anywhere from 3 pounds to 7 pounds,

and

the gains that will happen to reach that finish point can be steady or wildly erratic, the weight ranges for young pups is a big one.

Let's look at just a 5-month old Maltese pup, and the various scenarios that can happen:

If he is destined to be 4 lbs., he may be just 2.5 lbs. at 5 months. He still has a good amount to gain.

If he is destined to be 4 lbs., he may be 3.5 pounds at 5 months; He will only gain a little bit for the next 1 to 4 months.

If he is destined to be 7 lbs., he may be 6.5 pounds. He did most of his growing, and he's almost done.

If he is destined to be 7 lbs., he may be 3 pounds at 5 months; He still has a way to go.

Below is a chart of possible weights for Maltese puppies age 8 weeks to 6 months:

Maltese Weight: Growth Curve and Average Weight

Many people wonder how long it will take their Maltese to grow and how much they should weigh as puppies till they become adults.

The Maltese dogs are usually a tiny breed, what they weigh varies from one dog to the other, irrespective of how old they are.

How much does a Maltese weigh?An adult Maltese can weigh between 2 to 7 pounds for both males and females. Both genders are having very similar weights and they tend to stop growing at the age of 12 to 15 months. After they become adults, their weight mainly depends on their diet, activity level, health condition and etc.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the ideal weight of Maltese dog should be below 7 pounds if the dog is to compete in their show and get a certification, this is a strict policy. But it is not uncommon to have Malteses that weighed 8 or even 9 pounds; they just not able to compete in show competition.

If your Maltese is not for the show biz, then you are in the clear, although if they are overweight, that could also be a problem.

All Malteses vary in weight even at the same developmental age. Several factors could influence how much a Maltese would weigh and how tall theyll be at adulthood.

The sex of the dog is not a determining factor of how much theyll weigh, although the male Maltese is usually a few inches taller than the female.

The Anticipated Size of a Maltese

The expected growth of a Maltese cannot be absolute, how they grow is dependent on a couple of factors, which includes;

Hereditary factors
Diet
Activity level
Health status

Heredity Factors

The genetic factors play a significant role in determining the overall size of this breed. The genes inherited from their parents predetermines the rate of growth and development throughout their lives.

The size of the parents can give you a rough estimate of how the puppy will look, although in some cases, they may become bigger than their parents. Other factors also contribute, but the gene is the most critical factor.

Diet

The amount of food you feed your Maltese also plays a significant role. If you overfeed him, theres the tendency for the dog becoming overweight.

On the other hand, not feeding it enough could make the dog underweight and stunt its growth. Either way could pose specific threats to their general health status.

You should feed your Maltese with premium dog food that is low in fillers and additives but has a high nutritional content. While he is a puppy, feeding him twice a day is appropriate, then you can regulate the feeding schedule as he grows.

Avoid giving them sweets as they are prone to teeth and gum problems. It has been ascertained that by merely improving your Malteses diet, you can improve their general life expectancy by up to two years or more.

Activity Level

Exercises also influence the size of your Maltese. Engaging your Maltese in regular exercise works their heart and improves blood circulation. This increases their bone density and strengthens their muscle and free movement in their joints, keeping them at a healthy weight.

Since Malteses likely going to behave like their owners, if you are laid back, your Maltese will mirror you and become laid back too. Taking them on walks for at least 20 minutes a day improves their quality of life.

Health Status

The health status of your Maltese can affect his size. If he is sick with an infection, worms, or congenital disease (a disease present since birth), the growth rate of your Maltese will be affected.

Some of these congenital diseases like liver shunt and patent ductus arteriosus are life-threatening. It is paramount to take them to the vet immediately if this is the case.

Maltese Growth Chart

All the numbers are in ounces except the expected adult weight, which is in pounds. First, convert your Maltese weight from pounds to ounces (16oz =1lb). Determine your Maltese age on the left side of the chart, then go along that roll until you get to your present Maltese weight (still in ounces).

Finally, follow the column you found its present weight to the end to get the expected adult weight in pounds. Keeping a close eye on this chart is important.

In some cases, your Maltese might not follow this pattern, that does not mean theres a problem; it could just be bigger due to unavoidable factors like genes.

The table below shows the average weight a Maltese should be at various stages of development.

Maltese Growth Curve (Weight in Ounces)

Birth (1 day old)	2.5	2.75	3	3.5	4	4.5	4.75	5	5.5	6	6.5
1 Week	3.5	4	5	5.5	6.5	7	8	9	9.5	10.3	11
2 Weeks	5	5.5	6.5	7	9	10	11	12.5	13.5	14.5	16
3 Weeks	6	7	8	9	11	13	14	16	17.5	18.5	20
4 Weeks	7	8	9.5	11	13	15	17	19	21	23	24
5 Weeks	8	9	11	13	15	17	19.5	22	24	26	29
6 Weeks	9	11	12.5	15	17.5	20	22	24	27	30	32
7 Weeks	10	12	14.5	17	19.5	22	24.5	27	30	33	35
8 Weeks	11	13	16	19	21.5	24	27	29	33	36	39
9 Weeks	12	15	17.5	20	23	26	29	32	35	39	42
10 Weeks	13	16	19	22	25	28	31	34	38	41	45
11 Weeks	19	17	21	24	27	31	34	37	40	45	49
12 Weeks	15	19	22	26	30	33	37	41	45	49	53
13 Weeks	16	20	24	28	32	36	40	44	49	53	57
14 Weeks	17	22	26	30	34	39	43	47	52	56	60
15 Weeks	19	23	28	32	37	41	46	51	56	61	65
16 Weeks	20	25	30	34	39	44	49	54	59	65	70
17 Weeks	21	26	31	36	41	46	51	57	62	67	72
18 Weeks	22	28	33	37	43	48	54	60	65	71	76
19 Weeks	23	29	34	39	44	50	56	62	67	72	77
20 Weeks	24	30	35	41	46	52	58	64	70	76	81
21 Weeks	24	31	36	42	48	54	60	66	72	78	84
22 Weeks	25	32	37	43	49	56	62	68	74	80	85
23 Weeks	26	33	38	44	50	57	64	70	76	82	88
24 Weeks	26	33	38	45	51	58	65	71	78	84	90
25 Weeks	27	34	40	46	52	59	66	72	79	86	93
26 Weeks	27	36	40	47	53	60	67	73	80	87	94
Final Adult Weight in Pounds	2	2.5	3	3.5	4	4.5	5	5.5	6	6.5	7

Note: 16 ounces = 1 pound

These data apply to both male and female Maltese as both genders have a very similar weight. The data is just approximations and can differ from dog to dog.

It is expected that a Maltese gains weight every day from birth until it is nine months of age. As the puppy approaches nine months, weight gain slows down. From when it is nine months to adulthood, weight gain is entirely due to external factors like diet and activity.

Some breed of dogs typically become adults as from 18 to 24 months, but a Maltese becomes fully grown at 12 to 15 months. At this point, they are considered adults.

They should be about 10 inches in height from the floor to their shoulders; this is regarded as the average for this breed.

Is Your Maltese Overweight or Underweight?

Since the Malteses are a small breed, it might be challenging to know whether or not they are the right weight. It is quite easy for them to slip and either be overweight or underweight if proper attention is not given to them and how much they eat.

There are particular signs to look out for to determine if your Maltese has an unhealthy weight:

Examining the ribs: This is the most obvious way to know if your Maltese is overweight or underweight. At a healthy weight, you should be able to feel your Maltese ribs with a thin pad of fat over them along their sides.

But if your Maltese is overweight, feeling their ribs might be difficult because of the excess padding of fat. On the other hand, when your pet is underweight, their ribs are usually very prominent.

Hip contour: In a healthy Maltese, you can feel the contour between the ribs and the hips as a slight indentation. It usually looks like an hourglass figure when staring at it from above.

In an underweight Maltese, the contour is overly exaggerated, while in an overweight Maltese, the contour is difficult to detect.

Energy levels: A healthy Maltese has optimal energy levels, but in overweight and underweight Maltese, there is insufficient energy even to play.

However, the best way to know of your Malteses weight status is by going to the veterinarians office and keeping adequate track of their weight.

In some instances, the bone density of the Maltese may be high (large bones); this can increase the weight of the Maltese.

Why a Maltese Might Be Underweight?

There are several reasons why a Maltese could become underweight. It could be as a result of unsanitary care by the breeder, and this can affect the development of the dog. Another reason why your Maltese could be underweight is if it is underfed.

When you dont feed your Maltese well enough, it will be underweight because it is not receiving the right kind of nutrition, which it needs to stay healthy.

Having an underlying health issue can also affect your Malteses body weight. When a Maltese is underweight, they usually suffer hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), this can make them lethargic and fatigued.

Why a Maltese Might Be Overweight

Overfeeding plays a significant role in making your Maltese overweight. As earlier mentioned, feeding your Maltese with dog food that has a lot of additives, fillers, and low nutritional value could cause an unhealthy weight gain.

It is important to monitor what and when your Maltese is eating. If possible, have a well thought out schedule, so that the right amount of food is served at the right time.

Another critical point to mention is inadequate exercise. When your dog is not getting enough exercise, it can become overweight.

Being overweight can cause a lot of health issues for Maltese dogs, especially in their joints because they are small-boned dogs, and they will be carrying excessive weight.

Maltese Feeding Habits

Generally, the Maltese dogs are picky eaters. They are selective with what they eat, but usually eat almost anything when they are hungry. It is crucial only to feed them during a scheduled time and give them treats sparingly because they are prone to obesity.

Ensure giving them table scraps does not become a habit. Adult Malteses are supposed to eat less frequently than the growing pups. When you notice your Maltese is very selective, give it chicken without the bone.

They generally like chicken. You can even add it to their food, and this can boost their appetite.

Many factors could affect how your Maltese eats. These are some of the factors:

A New Environment

When a Maltese is in a new place, it tries to examine its new owners before it gets comfortable enough to eat; otherwise, it wont eat. Maltese dogs are very cautious.

It is vital to gain their trust by first hand feeding them before getting a dog bowl. You should ask the breeder about the dogs feeding habits, and the breeders feed of choice.

Try to get the exact type and wean it off the feed slowly if you decide to change what it was fed with while it was with the breeder. Raising your Maltese in a loving atmosphere builds trust.

When it has gained your confidence, feeding it would not be hectic. On no account should you force-feed it because it can associate such hostility with feeding, which can further decrease its appetite.

Timing

Scheduling their meals at the same time twice a day while they are growing up is very beneficial. They learn to use cues from their environment to determine when it is time to eat.

Dental Problems

Tooth decay is usually a common health problem of the Maltese. It can affect how much they eat or if they even eat at all.

Always inspect their mouths regularly for tooth decay; if there is any, it should be removed as it can cause discomfort for them when they eat. Making the food soft enough for them to chew also helps.

Blocked Bowel

Small indigestible objects are hazardous for the Maltese. Try to keep it away from them. Your Maltese can mistake them for food and swallow them, which can block its tiny throat and stomach.

This can cause difficulty while eating and even harm them. If you notice heavy breathing or unease, and you suspect its as a result of stomach difficulty swallow, rush to the vet as it could be life-threatening.

Illness

When your Maltese is ill, it might find it difficult to eat and will refuse to eat. If you notice your Maltese is fatigued and has lower energy than usual, take it to the vet. Such illnesses may range from mild to severe. If it is detected in time, proper intervention can ensue.

New Food

As earlier mentioned, Malteses are very cautious, so it is crucial to introduce new food to them gradually. As you do this, pay attention to how they react to the food.

Observe their stool and if the new food doesnt go well with them, change it. Make sure it is nutritious, high in protein, and it doesnt have fillers.

When They Have Already Eaten

When your dog has already eaten, it will not eat again. It could have eaten food from the floor, or it could have been fed by someone else. Always keep an eye out for your Maltese.

If possible, inform your neighbors of your dogs feeding schedule so that they dont feed it causally or tamper with your scheduled time of feeding.

Power Trip

Malteses are a proud breed, and sometimes they might want to dominate their owners by playing alpha. They usually do this by not eating what you give them. They might walk away from the food. Do not allow this because they will start thinking they can dominate you.

When they exhibit power trips like this, do not change the food; instead, remove it from their reach. If they dont see the food when they are hungry, they realize they are not the alpha and relinquish their dominating power.

Weight and Size Info of Some Common Maltese Mixes

Below are some common maltese cross breeds and what they weigh when they become adults.

Maltipoo: This is a breed of Maltese gotten by crossbreeding a Maltese and a Poodle. Although not recognized by the American kennel club, they are a common crossbreed. They usually weigh between 5 to 20 pounds and are generally about 5 to 15 inches tall at the shoulders.
Maltipom: This hybrid is gotten when a Pomeranian is crossed with a Maltese. They usually weigh about 4 to 9 pounds and are 8 to 12 inches tall on the average.
Malshi: Malshi is the result of crossbreeding a purebred Maltese and a Shih Tzu. It weighs about the same as the Maltipoo but is a bit taller at 5 to 20 inches at the shoulders.
Maltipug: This breed results from breeding a Maltese and a Pug. They weigh about 10 to 20 pounds and are about 10-14 inches tall at the shoulders.
Malchi: When a Maltese and a Chihuahua are crossbred, a malchi is the result. They are, on average, about 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 5 to 12 pounds.
Morkie: This is a hybrid gotten when a Yorkshire Terrier is crossed with a Maltese. They are about 4 to 8 inches tall and weigh about 7 to 13 pounds.
Malteagle: When a Maltese and a Beagle are crossed, the resulting breed is a malteagle. It weighs about 15 to 22 pounds, and it is about 9 to 15 inches tall.
Maltichon: A maltichon is a hybrid resulting from crossbreeding Maltese and a Bichon Frise. They are about 8 to 10 inches tall and weigh 9 to 14 pounds.

Final Thoughts

Finally, Malteses are special dogs that require a lot of attention, especially growing up. Proper care is needed to raise them from puppies to adulthood.

The majority of the Maltese hybrids are not recognized by the kennel club; breeders usually breed them to be designer dogs because they have a portable size and are typically furry.

Their weight and height vary from one breed to the other. No two Malteses are the same, and even when they are born the same day, they usually grow at different rates.

Having a general knowledge about their expected growth rate is very important to know when they get off track.

Keeping a regular veterinarians appointment can help detect and treat any disease condition that might impede the progress of your Maltese growth. It might take a village to raise a child, but it only takes a very vigilant you to raise a Maltese.