Maltese Size & Weight Chart: How Big Do They Get?
Written for general planning, not medical advice — no one at Argos Paws is a veterinarian. If something is wrong with your dog right now, call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic.
Quick answer: A full-grown Maltese typically weighs 4-8 lb (1.8-3.6 kg) and stands 7-9 in (18-23 cm) tall at the shoulder. Most reach their adult size by around 8-10 months.
Photo: Sannse · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The Maltese is a toy companion breed with a long, silky white coat and a gentle, playful nature. One of the oldest toy breeds, it has been kept as a lap dog for over two thousand years.
| Size category | Small |
|---|---|
| Typical adult weight | 4-8 lb (1.8-3.6 kg) |
| Height at the shoulder | 7-9 in (18-23 cm) |
| Full grown by | 8-10 months |
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
The breed standard calls for under 7 lb, with 4-6 lb preferred.
Maltese weight chart by age (lb & kg)
Estimated weights for an average Maltese puppy, based on the typical growth curve for a small breed. Males usually track toward the top of each figure, females toward the bottom.
| Age | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | ~2 lb | ~0.9 kg |
| 3 months | ~3 lb | ~1.4 kg |
| 4 months | ~4 lb | ~1.8 kg |
| 5 months | ~5 lb | ~2.3 kg |
| 6 months | ~6 lb | ~2.7 kg |
| 8-10 months (full grown) | 4-8 lb | 1.8-3.6 kg |
When does a Maltese stop growing?
As a toy breed, Maltese typically reach adult weight by around 8-10 months. Smaller breeds like the Maltese reach full height and fill out fairly close together, so growth tends to look "done" all at once.
Use the Puppy Weight Predictor below — it's pre-loaded with the Maltese's growth curve, so just enter your puppy's current weight and age.
Predict your Maltese's adult weight
Enter your puppy's current weight and age to get an estimate based on this breed's typical growth curve.
Open the Puppy Weight PredictorHow much does it cost to feed a Maltese?
A typical adult Maltese (6 lb, average activity) needs roughly 237 kcal/day — about 0.1 lb (0.6 cups) of dry kibble per day, which works out to around $8/month at typical kibble prices. Fresh or subscription-style food usually costs more, around $95/month for the same dog. These are population-level estimates — use the calculator below for a number based on your dog's actual weight and food type, or see the Maltese feeding chart for puppy amounts by month.
Estimate Maltese food costs
Pre-filled with this breed's typical adult weight — adjust activity level and food type to get your monthly estimate.
Open the Dog Food Cost CalculatorBrowse dog food sized for a Maltese
Compare dry, wet, and breed-specific formulas — filter by your dog's size and life stage to narrow it down.
Browse dog food on Amazon(affiliate link)How old is my Maltese in human years?
The old "×7" rule doesn't hold up — small breeds like the Maltese age at their own rate, not a generic one. Use the calculator below, pre-set to this breed's size.
Convert your Maltese's age
Pre-filled with this breed's size category for a more accurate human-year estimate than a flat multiplier.
Open the Maltese Age CalculatorCommon health considerations
- Dental disease is very common because of crowded teeth in a small jaw.
- Patellar luxation and collapsing trachea occur frequently in toy breeds like the Maltese.
- Portosystemic (liver) shunts are documented in the breed.
This is general breed-level information, not a diagnosis or a prediction for any individual dog. Talk to your vet about health screening and preventive care specific to your dog.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Maltese?
See a typical monthly premium for this breed and whether it would likely pay off against a major vet bill.
Maltese insurance costSimilar breeds
Based on energy level, living-space fit, and care needs, these breeds are closest to the Maltese:
Take our breed match quiz
Answer a few quick questions about your lifestyle and living space to see which breeds — not just the Maltese — actually fit best.
Take the Breed Match QuizFrequently asked questions
How much does a full-grown Maltese weigh?
A full-grown Maltese typically weighs 4-8 lb (1.8-3.6 kg), making it a small breed. Individual dogs vary within that range depending on sex, genetics, and body condition — use the Puppy Weight Predictor above for an estimate based on your specific puppy's current weight and age.
How tall is a full-grown Maltese?
A full-grown Maltese stands 7-9 in (18-23 cm) tall, measured at the shoulder (withers). The breed standard calls for under 7 lb, with 4-6 lb preferred.
When does a Maltese stop growing?
As a toy breed, Maltese typically reach adult weight by around 8-10 months. Height typically levels off a bit before this; smaller breeds like this one fill out relatively quickly once they reach height.
Is a Maltese a good first dog?
Generally yes. The Maltese is forgiving enough for most first-time owners, as long as you're realistic about its exercise and care needs going in rather than assuming any dog is "easy."
How much exercise does a Maltese need?
Relatively little compared to most breeds. A couple of shorter walks a day is usually enough for a Maltese, though every dog still benefits from some daily activity.
Is a Maltese good with kids?
Can do fine with kids, particularly older or calmer ones, but it's more situational than a clear yes — a lot depends on the individual dog's temperament and how it was raised.
How much grooming does a Maltese need?
Fairly involved. Regular brushing (several times a week) and periodic trims or professional grooming will keep a Maltese looking and feeling its best.