Maltese Dog Size Guide: How Big Do Maltese Dogs Get

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Posted Oct 12, 2024

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Adorable Maltese Dog Relaxing on Lawn
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Maltese dogs are a popular breed due to their small size and gentle nature. They typically weigh between 4 and 8 pounds.

Maltese dogs can grow up to 8 inches in height. This is a relatively small size compared to other breeds.

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Maltese Size and Growth

Maltese dogs typically reach a height of 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) at the shoulder.

Their weight usually ranges from 4-8 pounds (1.8-3.6 kg), making them a small yet adorable breed.

Maltese puppies grow rapidly, with some reaching 50% of their adult weight by the time they're just 16 weeks old.

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Maltese Weight and Height

The Maltese is a small dog breed, with adult Maltese typically weighing between 4 and 8 pounds.

Their height is usually between 8 and 10 inches at the shoulder.

Maltese puppies grow rapidly, and their weight can increase by up to 1 pound per week during the first few months of life.

By around 6 months of age, most Maltese have reached their full height, but may still be filling out in terms of weight.

Maltese can take up to 12 to 18 months to reach their full adult weight, which can vary depending on factors like diet and genetics.

Small Dog Breeds

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Small dog breeds are a delight to own, and the Maltese is one of the most popular small breeds around. They typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand about 8-10 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their small size means they don't need a lot of space to run around, making them perfect for apartment living. However, they still require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

In fact, the Maltese is known for being a low-shedding breed, which is great news for people with allergies or who prefer a low-maintenance coat. Regular grooming is still necessary, but it's a small price to pay for their adorable, silky locks.

Their small size also means they can be prone to health issues like hypoglycemia and dental problems if not properly cared for. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues.

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Physical Characteristics

The Maltese is a small dog breed with a unique physical appearance. Their weight can range from 3-10 pounds, with little difference between males and females.

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Their height at the shoulder can reach up to 7-10 inches tall. The breed's length is often equal to its height, making the body well-proportioned and compact.

The Maltese have small, floppy ears and a black-button nose. They also have dark eyes and a tufted tail curved over the back.

Their silky white coat is one of their most distinctive features. The hair can grow to cover their short limbs, giving the appearance that they are floating along the floor.

The Maltese don't have an undercoat, so they don't shed much. This makes their fur hypoallergenic, a great choice for people suffering from allergies.

Here are the different fur color combinations of the Maltese:

  • White
  • White and tan
  • White and lemon

Some Maltese may also have black point markings. A ring of darker pigmentation, called a "halo", surrounds the eyes, giving them their signature expressive look.

Caring for Your Maltese

To care for your Maltese, it's essential to brush their coat daily to prevent matting and tangling. This will also help to reduce shedding.

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Their teeth need regular cleaning to prevent tartar buildup and promote healthy gums. As they're prone to dental problems, it's crucial to establish a good oral hygiene routine.

Maltese dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so they should be kept indoors in hot weather and given a warm, dry place to sleep in cold weather.

Maltese Grooming

The Maltese is a low-shedding breed, but they still require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their silky coats. Their fur needs to be brushed daily to prevent knots from forming.

Their coats require regular trimming to prevent overgrowth, typically every 6-8 weeks. Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent overgrowth.

Maltese have small ears that are prone to wax buildup, so regular ear cleaning is necessary. This should be done weekly to prevent infections.

Their eyes are also prone to tear staining, which can be cleaned with a damp cloth daily. This helps prevent the stains from forming.

Maltese are prone to dental issues, so regular brushing of their teeth is necessary. This should be done daily to prevent tartar buildup.

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Maltese Health

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Maltese are prone to dental problems, so regular brushing and dental check-ups are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Their small size means they can be sensitive to cold temperatures, so it's best to gradually introduce them to cold foods and drinks.

Maltese are also susceptible to hypoglycemia, so it's crucial to feed them smaller, more frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Their long, silky coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but be gentle when combing to avoid skin irritation.

Maltese are generally healthy, but regular veterinary check-ups can help catch any potential health issues early on.

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Toy Dog Breeds

If you're thinking of getting a small dog that's similar to a Maltese, you might want to consider toy dog breeds.

The Poodle is a popular toy dog breed that typically weighs between 6-14 pounds and stands about 10-11 inches tall.

They come in a variety of sizes, from Toy to Standard, but the Toy Poodle is the smallest and most suitable for apartment living.

Credit: youtube.com, Maltese Dog Breed - Best Toy Dog Breed?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are another toy dog breed that weigh between 10-18 pounds and stand about 13-15 inches tall.

They're known for being friendly and gentle, making them a great choice for families with children.

Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy dog breed that weighs between 7-12 pounds and stands about 9-12 inches tall.

They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

The Affenpinscher is a small dog breed that weighs between 6-13 pounds and stands about 9-12 inches tall.

Their distinctive "monkey face" makes them a popular choice for dog owners who want a unique pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the heaviest Maltese dog?

The heaviest a Maltese dog can weigh is 7 pounds. This is the upper limit of the breed's typical weight range.

Patricia Kreiger

Writer

Patricia Kreiger is a passionate writer with a focus on canine-related topics. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the pet care community, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in covering various breeds and their characteristics. Patricia's writing often delves into the intricacies of specific breeds, such as the Ridgeback and German Shepherd, as well as the complexities of breed comparisons and the FCI breed standard.

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