Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Average Litter Size of Maltese
- Calculator to Predict How Many Puppies Maltese Will Have
- How Much Does the Maltese Puppy Weigh at Birth?
- How Much is a Maltese Puppy
- How Long is a Maltese Pregnant?
- How to Ensure a Successful Pregnancy in Maltese
- Conclusion on Maltese Litter Size
Average Litter Size of Maltese
Researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science did a study where they counted the numbers of puppies in 9 different Maltese birth litters.
From this study, the researchers found that the average number of puppies that Malteses can have is 2 puppies. Also, the Maltese can have as few as 1 puppies per litter and as many as 4 puppies per litter.
See how the litter size of the Maltese compares to that of other dog breeds below:
Read this article to learn about how many puppies dogs have.
Calculator to Predict How Many Puppies Maltese Will Have
Maltese Litter Size Predictor
According to the result of the research carried out by researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, the number of puppies a Maltese will have depends on the following main factors:
- The size of the breed (most important factor): Giant dog breeds tend to have a bigger litter size, while smaller breeds give birth to a smaller number of puppies
- The method of mating: Natural mating results in a larger litter size than artificial insemination.
- The age of the female dog: Check out the chart below to see how many puppies a female Maltese is likely to have at different ages.
According to research, the following factors do not affect litter size:
- The time of the year of the litter was born (season of birth): Although, from the study, litters born in the Spring seem to be larger than litters from other seasons, however, the difference was not of significance.
- The number of times a female dog has given birth in the past (known as parity): The age of the female dog is more important to the extent that it makes parity insignificant.
Based on the important factors that affect litter size, the researchers from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science developed formulas for predicting the litter size of dogs.
We have developed the Maltese litter size calculator above based on their formulas. Use the calculator to predict how many puppies a Maltese will have based on the age, and method of pregnancy for a Maltese
The calculator tells you how many puppies your Maltese will have if your Maltese gets pregnant today. The calculator assumes that the length of pregnancy will be two months.
Note that we are NOT in any way encouraging you to breed your Maltese. Dog breeding requires expertise. If you want to be breeding dogs, get the necessary training. Also, work closely with a veterinarian when breeding a dog.
The table below shows the average litter size to expect from a Maltese at different ages. This table applies to a Maltese that conceives through natural mating.
| Age (Years) | Average Litter Size | Litter Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 puppies | 3 to 4 puppies |
| 3 | 4 puppies | 3 to 5 puppies |
| 4 | 4 puppies | 3 to 5 puppies |
| 5 | 4 puppies | 3 to 5 puppies |
| 6 | 4 puppies | 2 to 5 puppies |
| 7 | 4 puppies | 2 to 6 puppies |
| 8 | 4 puppies | 2 to 6 puppies |
| 9 | 3 puppies | 1 to 6 puppies |
How Much Does the Maltese Puppy Weigh at Birth?
Veterinarian researchers did a study to find out how much Maltese puppies weigh at birth. These researchers weighed 12 Maltese puppies at birth.
Based on the study of the weight of 12 Maltese puppies, the average weight of the Maltese at birth is 110 grams (3.9 ounces). The birth weight of the Maltese puppy typically ranges from 98 grams (3.5 ounces) to 131 grams (4.6 ounces).
16 ounces equal one pound.
The factors that affect the weight of a Maltese puppy at birth include the size, weight, and age of the mother.
Importantly, research has also shown that female dogs that give birth at ages between 2 and 8 years give birth to puppies that are heavier than puppies birthed by younger or older female dogs.
How Much is a Maltese Puppy
The average price of a Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of a Maltese puppy ranges from $1800 to $3000.
Since the Maltese has an average litter size of 2, therefore a Maltese litter birth is worth $5160.
To learn more about the price of Maltese puppy, check our review on how much Maltese puppy cost, and Maltese buying advice.
How Long is a Maltese Pregnant?
Malteses are pregnant for 63 days on average (2 months) after conception. However, this is an average value. The length of pregnancy in Malteses can range from 58-68 days.
However, note that it is difficult to know the exact day that your Maltese conceives because conception may not happen at the same time that mating happens.
Sperm can live inside a female Maltese for several days after mating before conception occurs.
How to Ensure a Successful Pregnancy in Maltese
To ensure that your Maltese successfully gets pregnant and deliver its puppies, here at the things you can do:
- Feed your Maltese well: A good diet will ensure that your Maltese has the nutrients and the energy it needs to get pregnant and maintain the pregnancy.
- Make sure your Maltese is in good health: Ensure you take your Maltese to the Vet care regularly for checkups, make sure your Maltese gets regular exercise. Also, make sure that your is not overweight or underweight.
Conclusion on Maltese Litter Size
Malteses can have 2 puppies per litter birth on average. The number of puppies that a Maltese will have depends on factors such as the age of the Maltese and the method of pregnancy (natural or artificial insemination).
Breeding Malteses the right way requires expertise and should be done after sufficient training.
Also, you should work closely with a veterinarian when breeding a Maltese. There are a lot of nuances involved in breeding a dog, which we do not have the time or the space to discuss here.
However, working with a veterinarian will ensure that your Maltese gets the right treatment necessary to make healthy puppies.
The litter size research study that we used for this article was conducted on Malteses in Norway. However, the authors of the research believe that the results can be generalized to other countries that have similar dog management systems as Norway.