Maltese Weight by Age 2026: Complete Growth Charts for Males and Females

If you’ve brought home a Maltese puppy, you’ve probably found yourself wondering whether they’re growing on track. These tiny dogs develop fast in their first year, and it’s easy to worry when the numbers on the scale look different from what you expected. This guide covers Maltese weight by age for both males and females, along with height charts, feeding amounts, and exactly what healthy growth looks like from newborn to adulthood.

Spoiler: adult Maltese typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. But getting there involves a surprisingly detailed journey, and the timeline varies between males and females more than most people expect.

Maltese Growth Stages: From Puppy to Adult

Maltese puppies go through four distinct growth phases. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you catch problems early and avoid unnecessary worry when your pup hits a temporary plateau.

Newborn to 3 months. This is the fastest growth window. Your Maltese will roughly triple their birth weight in the first few weeks alone. Their eyes open around day 10-14, and they start moving around more purposefully by week 3. Weight gain should be steady here. If a puppy loses weight or stalls for more than 24 hours, contact your vet.

3 to 6 months. Growth slows a bit but stays consistent. Most puppies hit half their adult weight somewhere in this window. You’ll notice them getting more coordinated, developing their personality, and starting to look less like a fluffball and more like a tiny adult dog. This is also when teething begins, which can temporarily affect appetite.

6 to 12 months. The final stretch of active growth. Height fills in first, then weight follows. Most Maltese reach their full height by 8-10 months, though body weight can continue filling out until 12 months. Don’t panic if your puppy looks a little gangly during this phase. It evens out.

12 months and beyond. Your Maltese is now an adult. Weight should be stable. Any significant gain after this point is excess weight, not growth, and needs to be addressed through diet and exercise.

Male Maltese Weight by Age

Male Maltese tend to land on the heavier end of the breed’s weight range. The chart below shows average weights and heights from birth through 3 years. These are population averages. Your dog may run slightly lighter or heavier based on genetics, diet, and general health.

If your vet says your puppy is healthy and thriving, a small deviation from these numbers isn’t a problem. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your Maltese’s growth.

Age Weight (lbs) Weight (kg) Height (inches) Height (cm)

Newborn	0.2 – 0.4	0.09 – 0.18	2 – 3	5.1 – 7.6
1 month	1 – 1.5	0.45 – 0.68	3 – 4	7.6 – 10.2
2 months	2 – 3	0.9 – 1.36	4 – 5	10.2 – 12.7
3 months	2.5 – 3.5	1.13 – 1.59	5 – 6	12.7 – 15.2
4 months	3 – 4	1.36 – 1.81	5.5 – 6.5	14 – 16.5
5 months	3.5 – 4.5	1.59 – 2.04	6 – 7	15.2 – 17.8
6 months	4 – 5	1.81 – 2.27	7 – 8	17.8 – 20.3
7 months	4.5 – 5.5	2.04 – 2.5	7.5 – 8.5	19 – 21.6
8 months	4.5 – 6	2.04 – 2.72	8 – 9	20.3 – 22.9
10 months	5 – 6.5	2.27 – 2.95	8 – 9.5	20.3 – 24.1
12 months	5 – 7	2.27 – 3.18	8 – 10	20.3 – 25.4
2 years	5 – 7	2.27 – 3.18	8 – 10	20.3 – 25.4
3 years	5 – 7	2.27 – 3.18	8 – 10	20.3 – 25.4

Female Maltese Weight by Age

Female Maltese are typically a bit lighter than males, usually finishing out at 4-6 pounds rather than 5-7. The difference isn’t huge, but it’s consistent across the breed. Females also tend to reach their adult size a bit earlier.

Use the chart below as a reference, and remember: these numbers represent the average healthy range, not a pass/fail test.

Age Weight (lbs) Weight (kg) Height (inches) Height (cm)

Newborn	0.2 – 0.4	0.09 – 0.18	2 – 3	5.1 – 7.6
1 month	0.8 – 1.3	0.36 – 0.59	3 – 4	7.6 – 10.2
2 months	1.5 – 2.5	0.68 – 1.13	4 – 5	10.2 – 12.7
3 months	2 – 3	0.9 – 1.36	4.5 – 5.5	11.4 – 14
4 months	2.5 – 3.5	1.13 – 1.59	5 – 6	12.7 – 15.2
5 months	3 – 4	1.36 – 1.81	5.5 – 6.5	14 – 16.5
6 months	3.5 – 4.5	1.59 – 2.04	6 – 7	15.2 – 17.8
7 months	4 – 5	1.81 – 2.27	6.5 – 7.5	16.5 – 19
8 months	4 – 5.5	1.81 – 2.49	7 – 8	17.8 – 20.3
10 months	4 – 6	1.81 – 2.72	7 – 8.5	17.8 – 21.6
12 months	4 – 6	1.81 – 2.72	7 – 8.5	17.8 – 21.6
2 years	4 – 6	1.81 – 2.72	7 – 8.5	17.8 – 21.6
3 years	4 – 6	1.81 – 2.72	7 – 8.5	17.8 – 21.6

How Much to Feed a Maltese by Age

Feeding a Maltese isn’t complicated, but portion control matters a lot for such a tiny breed. Overfeeding even by small amounts can push them into obesity territory fast. A Maltese that’s 1 pound overweight is carrying roughly 15-20% excess body weight. That’s the equivalent of a 150-pound person carrying an extra 25 pounds.

Always use a small-breed specific formula when possible. The kibble size and nutrient ratios are designed for tiny stomachs and fast metabolisms. Check out this guide to the best food for Maltese dogs for some solid options across different budgets.

Age Daily Amount Meals Per Day Food Type

6-12 weeks	1/4 – 1/2 cup	4x daily	Puppy formula (small breed)
3-6 months	1/3 – 1/2 cup	3x daily	Puppy formula (small breed)
6-12 months	1/2 – 3/4 cup	2-3x daily	Puppy or transitioning to adult
1-7 years	1/4 – 1/2 cup	2x daily	Adult small breed formula
7+ years	1/4 – 1/3 cup	2x daily	Senior small breed formula

These are guidelines, not rules. Actual amounts depend on the specific food’s calorie density. Check the package and aim for roughly 40 calories per pound of body weight for puppies, and around 30 calories per pound for adults.

Signs Your Maltese Is at a Healthy Weight

You don’t always need a scale. There are three quick physical checks you can do at home.

Rib check. Run your hands along your dog’s sides. You should feel the ribs without having to press hard, but you shouldn’t be able to see them. If you can’t feel them at all through the fur, your Maltese is likely carrying extra weight.

Waist check. Looking from above, you should see a visible narrowing behind the ribs. A dog that looks like a straight tube from ribs to hips is probably overweight.

Belly tuck. From the side, the abdomen should tuck up slightly between the chest and hips. A belly that hangs level or sags is a warning sign.

Maintaining a healthy weight matters because of how long these dogs can live. Maltese are actually one of the dog breeds with the longest lifespans, often reaching 12-15 years. Keeping them lean goes a long way toward those extra years being comfortable, active ones.

For senior dogs showing joint stiffness or slowing down, consider adding targeted supplements for senior Maltese to their routine. Joint support and omega fatty acids make a real difference in these small dogs.

What Affects Maltese Size?

Not every Maltese lands in the textbook range. A few things can push them slightly above or below the averages.

Genetics. The single biggest factor. If both parents were on the smaller end, their puppies probably will be too. Ask your breeder about the parent dogs’ weights. That gives you the most reliable preview of adult size.

Nutrition in early puppyhood. Puppies that don’t get enough calories in the first 12 weeks can end up slightly smaller than their genetic potential. This is rare in well-bred litters, but it happens. Conversely, puppies who are overfed during the growth phase don’t end up bigger. They end up chubby, which is a different problem entirely.

“Teacup” sizing. If a breeder advertises “teacup” Maltese under 3 pounds, proceed with caution. These dogs aren’t a recognized variety. They’re typically the runts of litters, often carrying higher risks of hypoglycemia, fragile bones, and organ problems. If you’re comparing breeds similar to the Maltese and considering size, it’s worth knowing what’s normal versus what’s a marketing claim.

Spay/neuter timing. Early spay or neuter (before 6 months) can slightly affect growth plate closure in small breeds, potentially leading to a marginally taller dog. The effect is minor, but it’s something some vets factor into their timing recommendations.

Looking for other small breeds that share the Maltese’s low-shedding coat? The best small dog breeds that don’t shed covers several great options if you’re comparing breeds before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maltese Weight

How much should a Maltese puppy weigh at 8 weeks?

At 8 weeks (2 months), male Maltese puppies typically weigh between 2 and 3 pounds. Females usually run a bit lighter, between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds. This is when most puppies go home with their new families, so it’s a common starting reference point. If your 8-week puppy weighs significantly under 1.5 pounds, mention it to your vet right away.

When do Maltese stop growing?

Most Maltese reach their full height by 8-10 months. Body weight and muscle fill can continue developing until about 12 months, and some dogs don’t fully mature until 14-15 months. After that, any weight gain is just fat, not growth.

How much should my Maltese weigh at 6 months?

At 6 months, male Maltese typically weigh 4 to 5 pounds. Females usually land between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds. If you’re tracking consistently and the trend is upward, you’re probably in good shape. It’s the flat or declining trend lines that warrant a vet call.

Is a 3-pound Maltese too small?

For an adult Maltese, 3 pounds is below the healthy range and worth monitoring. A puppy at 3 months might weigh 3 pounds and that’s fine. But a fully grown adult consistently under 4 pounds is at higher risk for hypoglycemia, dental crowding, and fragile bones. Talk to your vet if you’re concerned.

What’s the difference between male and female Maltese weight?

Males typically weigh 5-7 pounds as adults. Females usually settle between 4-6 pounds. That 1-pound difference is consistent but not dramatic. You won’t necessarily be able to tell just by looking at them, especially once they’re fully coated.

My Maltese is 7 pounds. Is that overweight?

Right at the AKC maximum, so it depends on your specific dog’s build. A tall male at 7 pounds with good muscle tone isn’t overweight. A petite female at 7 pounds probably is. The rib check and waist check (described above) are more useful than a raw number. Ask your vet for a body condition score at the next visit.

How can I track my Maltese’s growth at home?

Weigh them monthly using a kitchen scale or a postal scale. Place the pup in a small bowl or container to keep them still. Record the numbers. A simple spreadsheet or even a notepad works. Monthly photos from the same angle also help you spot changes that the scale might miss.

Do Maltese puppies have growth spurts?

Yes, though they’re subtler than you’d see in larger breeds. Most happen between 2-4 months, and again around 6-8 months. You might notice your puppy eating more, sleeping more, or seeming a bit uncoordinated for a week or two. That’s normal. Growth spurts are followed by consolidation phases where weight stabilizes before the next jump.

What supplements help Maltese puppies grow properly?

For puppies, the priority is a complete, high-quality small-breed puppy food. Supplementing isn’t usually necessary if the diet is solid. That said, some breeders and vets recommend probiotics during the transition to a new home. Check out what supplements are appropriate for Maltese puppies before adding anything to their routine.

Are Maltese considered a small or toy breed?

Both, technically. They’re classified as a toy breed by the AKC, which is a subset of small breeds. Toy breeds typically weigh under 12 pounds at maturity. The Maltese, topping out around 7 pounds, is on the smaller end even within the toy category.

Keeping Your Maltese at a Healthy Weight for Life

These charts are a starting point, not a finish line. The numbers give you a reference, but the real measure is what your vet sees when they evaluate your dog in person. Body condition scoring is more accurate than raw weight because it accounts for your dog’s individual frame.

A few practical things that help:

• Weigh your dog monthly, not just at vet visits
• Measure food portions instead of eyeballing them
• Count treats as calories. For a 5-pound dog, one Milk-Bone is a significant percentage of their daily intake
• Keep an eye on weight changes during and after illness. Maltese can drop weight quickly when sick
• If your dog is spayed or neutered, their calorie needs drop about 20-25%. Adjust portions accordingly

The Maltese is a fluffy, cuddly breed that thrives when well cared for. Keeping them in that healthy 4-7 pound window isn’t just about aesthetics. It protects their joints, supports heart health, and helps them stay active well into old age.

Bottom line: consistent monitoring, quality food, and regular vet checkups are all it takes. Your Maltese will tell you the rest.