Personalized Chart
Enter age and weight to see your dog's unique trajectory.
Puppy Predictor
Maltese Size Calculator
How big will my Maltese get? Predict adult weight and track your puppy's development.
Start with these for your Maltese
We picked these products to help you take better care of your dog day to day, from a more comfortable place to sleep to safer walks, easier feeding, and the right setup at home. Each category is narrowed to options that are highly rated and make sense for your dog's size and stage.
Roomy crates
Top Rated
Amazon Basics Folding Metal Crate with Growth Divider
★ 4.7
(11.0k)$52.74
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Comfy beds
Top Rated
EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Washable Memory Foam Bed
★ 4.5
(19.6k)$39.98
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Walk-ready harnesses
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BARKBAY No-Pull Comfort Walking Harness
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Slow feeders
Keegud Raised Slow Feeder for Better Digestion
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After your estimate
First-year playbook for Maltese puppy parents
Maltese puppies are charm in a silk coat. Your estimate should sit beside meal steadiness for tiny dogs, coat maintenance you will actually do, and training that prevents “boss of the house” routines.
After the calculator
Maltese often finish growing sooner than large breeds; compare trends over weeks.
Coat and posture hide or exaggerate weight; hands-on ribs monthly.
Sudden pudginess loads tiny knees; treat drift is the usual cause after growth slows.
- Same-scale weigh-ins every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Top-down photos monthly.
- Ask your vet about meal frequency and hypoglycemia watchouts for young puppies.
- Dental pain can look like “attitude”; note eating changes.
Reading growth for a Maltese
Show coat versus pet trim changes daily care; both need a plan.
They train with food; overfeeding is easy.
Reverse sneeze and throat sensitivity happen; know normal versus emergency with your vet.
- Measure food by weight.
- Harness for leash training; protect throats.
- Heat and cold hit small dogs fast.
- Teen sass is normal; fear plus lethargy is medical.
What changes month to month
Puppyhood is not one stage. It is a stack of different problems and wins. Use this like a timeline, not a rigid rulebook.
- Phase 18 to 12 weeks: pocket puppy logistics
Routine, handling, gentle exposure.
- Frequent meals on vet guidance; potty after sleep, play, meals.
- Crate rhythm reduces anxiety.
- Daily coat contact even if you keep a short trim.
- Feet, face, mouth tolerance with food.
- Socialization at happy distances.
- Phase 23 to 6 months: coordination + drama
Manners before habits lock in.
- Loose leash foundations; tiny dogs pull too.
- Wait games and mat calm.
- Rotate puzzles; smart Toys invent trouble.
- Known-dog greetings only.
- Nail trims in micro sessions.
- Phase 36 to 12 months: teenage Maltese
Brain tired beats mouth tired.
- Daily trick, scent, and obedience games.
- Re-teach skills that vanished.
- Watch portions as growth slows.
- Barking rehearsals worsen with yelling; train alternatives.
- Dental care tolerance builds now.
- Phase 412 to 24 months: polished companion
Adult coat and habits.
- Grooming rhythm professional or home.
- Exercise per vet guidance.
- Continue polite greetings and alone-time skills.
- Discuss adult prevention plan with your vet.
Start with these for your Maltese
We picked these products to help you take better care of your dog day to day, from a more comfortable place to sleep to safer walks, easier feeding, and the right setup at home. Each category is narrowed to options that are highly rated and make sense for your dog's size and stage.
Daily care
Feeding, exercise, training, home setup, and prevention. Each block is written for people who just checked their puppy’s weight curve.
Feeding Maltese puppies
Your vet sets calories and meal timing for this size.
Measured meals support weight and house training.
Human-food habits start early; decide rules with your vet.
- Slow diet transitions.
- Treat budget visible on the counter.
- Sticky chews and dental risk are a vet conversation.
Exercise for tiny dogs
Short walks and indoor games beat forced mileage.
Carry gear for weather swings.
End before overtired biting spikes.
- Soft play surfaces when possible.
- Water on warm outings.
- Stop if limping or reluctant to jump.
Training without spoiling
Expect the same manners as a big dog; size is not an excuse.
Socialization is novelty + good associations.
Teach quiet and settle on cue.
- No jumping for greetings.
- Muzzle conditioning positive-only for vet safety.
- Early help if guarding appears.
Home structure
Safe ex-pen or gated area when unsupervised.
Kids: gentle handling only.
- Cord management; tiny dogs find chargers.
- White noise for alert barkers in apartments.
- Stairs plan if applicable; ask your vet about growing joints.
Preventive care
Vaccines and parasites per region.
Patellas, hearts, and dentition are common discussion points.
Groomer notes on skin shared with your vet.
- Weight log to appointments.
- Video odd gaits.
- Discuss spay/neuter timing with your veterinarian.
When to call your veterinarian
If you are unsure, call your veterinarian, especially with puppies. This list is not complete and does not cover every situation. It is a general reminder of signs many clinics want to hear about.
- Lethargy, wobbliness, or not eating in a young small puppy; hypoglycemia question.
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
- Non-weight-bearing lameness.
- Labored breathing or collapse.
- Eye injury or sudden squinting.
General educational information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace an exam or treatment plan from a licensed veterinarian. Estimates and tips cannot diagnose illness or emergencies; contact your vet with any health concerns.
Breed Overview
About the Maltese
Gentle, playful, and charming
Group
Toy
Size Category
Toy
Lifespan
12-15 years
Full Maturity
9 months
Temperament Traits
PlayfulDocileEasygoingGentleAffectionateIntelligentFearless
Growth & Height Benchmarks
Expected Adult Weight
4-7lbs
Typical Male
4-7 lbs
7-9" tall
Typical Female
4-7 lbs
7-9" tall
Similar sized breeds
Breed history
Where Maltese come from
Maltese-type toy dogs appear across Mediterranean history as aristocratic companions prized for portable size and long white coats.
European courts refined the look into the modern breed we recognize in shows and living rooms.
Tiny frame means hypoglycemia and dental topics matter early; charm scales fast into demanding behavior without boundaries.
How the Maltese calculator works
1
It uses age and current weight
The calculator uses your puppy's current age and weight to estimate adult size. Because puppies grow fastest early on and then slow down as they mature, the estimate adjusts for the stage of growth your Maltese is in.
2
It compares against typical breed growth
Malteses are usually close to full size by around 9 months. As your puppy gets older and more of its growth is already complete, the estimate usually becomes more reliable.
3
It checks the estimate against the usual range
Most adult Malteses fall within a typical weight range of 4-7 lbs. You can use the calculator for younger puppies, but estimates are usually more accurate after about 12 weeks.
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