How Big Does a Maltese Get (With Growth & Weight Chart)

The Maltese is an intelligent and stylish breed of dog that has become increasingly popular in recent years. With its toy-like size and endearing personality, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to this breed. But just how big do Maltese dogs get? This is an important question to ask if you’re considering getting one but you don’t have a lot of space or you need a dog that fits certain size constraints.

Generally speaking, the Maltese is an extra small dog breed. Adult Maltese usually weigh between 4 and 7 pounds (1.8 and 3.2 kg) and stand at 8 to 10 inches tall (20 to 25 cm). This makes them perfect for those looking for an easily portable pet to take on trips or snuggle up with in bed.

Maltese Breed Overview

The Maltese is a very affectionate and cuddly lap dog that originates from the island of Malta and has been around for around 8,000 years. According to the American Kennel Club, the Maltese is part of the toy group and is described as “playful, charming, and gentle.” They can live for up to 15 years, and white is the only recognized color that is part of the breed standard. They may also have lemon or tan-colored markings, but all Maltese dogs are ultimately white.

Maltese Growth Chart

The chart below provides an estimate of the expected growth pattern for your Maltese puppy depending on age:

When Does a Maltese Stop Growing?

Maltese puppies typically reach their full adult size between 12 and 14 months of age. After this point, they will typically only gain a few pounds throughout their lives, as well as small yet noticeable changes in height and weight due to muscle development or maturity. During this growth period, it is important to keep an eye on your pup’s progress and make sure they are meeting their growth milestones. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the health of your Maltese, don't hesitate to consult with a veterinarian.

Factors Affecting the Size of a Maltese

The size of a Maltese can largely depend on their genetics, nutrition, and exercise. Most Maltese will stop growing between 12 to 14 months of age. However, it is important to note that each individual puppy may differ in terms of their growth rate.

Maltese with smaller parents may be on the smaller side, and those with larger parents might be a bit bigger. Getting proper exercise is important for helping your pup gain muscle mass as well, and overfeeding at any stage of your Maltese’s life can lead to weight gain. Providing quality food, regular exercise, and socialization, especially during puppyhood, can help ensure optimal growth and development.

Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

An ideal diet for a Maltese should include high-quality protein and fiber with moderate fat content to maintain a healthy weight. Dog food designed for toy and small breeds will be formulated to meet the needs of your Maltese. Additionally, make sure that your Maltese gets plenty of exercise to help promote proper muscle development. Finally, it is important to consult your veterinarian regularly in order to ensure that your puppy is growing and developing as expected.

How to Measure Your Maltese Puppy

In order to reliably measure your Maltese puppy’s growth, use a measuring tape to record their height every few weeks. You can weigh your Maltese by standing on a scale by yourself, then standing on a scale holding your dog, and subtracting your weight from the combined weight of the two of you. It is also helpful to compare these measurements to the average size of a Maltese puppy at different age stages such as 8 weeks, 3 months, 9 months, etc. With this information, you can better understand and track your puppy’s growth to know if he or she is growing optimally.

What If My Maltese Isn't Growing?

If your Maltese isn’t growing as expected, it is important to consult a veterinarian. There could be underlying health issues that may be causing this problem, or they may need to adjust their diet or exercise routine. A vet can help you determine the best course of action in order to ensure your pet's optimal growth and development.

Conclusion

Now that you know the facts about the size and growth of a Maltese dog, you can be better prepared when looking for one! With their small size and loving personalities, they make great companions for all kinds of people in all kinds of homes. Just remember to provide your Maltese with a high-quality diet and proper exercise, and you should have no problem with them reaching their full-size potential.

Featured Image Credit: Kimrawicz, Shutterstock