Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Growth
- Maltese Weight and Growth Chart
- Maltese Growth Calculator
- How Much Should a Maltese Weigh?
- What is the Height of the Maltese?
- Is Your Maltese Growing Normally? This is How to Tell
- How to Measure the Weight of your Maltese
- How Fast Do Malteses Grow? Maltese Growth Rate
- Maltese Growth Stages
- Maltese Weight/Growth Chart in KG
- How Much Should a 12-Week-old Maltese Weigh?
- How Much Should a 4-Month-old Maltese Weigh?
- How Much Should a 6-Month-old Maltese Weigh?
- How Much Should a 1-Year-old Maltese Weigh?
- How to Tell If Your Maltese is Overweight
- Conclusion on Maltese Weight and Growth
Maltese Growth
Did you just get the Maltese puppy? And do you want to know when your Maltese will stop growing and how big your Maltese will get? Or do you want to know if your Maltese is of the ideal weight for its age?
In this article, we will answer all relevant questions related to Maltese growth and weight.
If you do not own the Maltese yet, make sure you purchase your Maltese from an ethical Maltese breeder or work with a reputable rescue. Check out our Maltese buying guide and Maltese price guide here.
It is important for you as a caring Maltese owner to know if your Maltese is growing normally and if your Maltese is not overweight or underweight.
Extensive research studies have shown that most dogs are overweight because their owners spoil them with food, treats, and an easy life. Most dogs eat way too much and do not get enough exercise. Research has also shown that one of the reasons many dogs die young is because they are overweight. You can extend your dog`s life by making sure your dog is of healthy weight and growth.One final reason to keep track of your Maltese`s weight and growth is that your Maltese`s weight and growth pattern can tell you if your Maltese has some underlying health conditions (such as bone, heart, hormone diseases). This is what recent research has shown.
This article contains the Maltese growth calculator that you can use to predict your Maltese`s adult weight. This article also contains the Maltese growth chart and weight calculator that you can use to approximately tell if your Maltese`s weight is in the normal range based on its current weight.
However, the more accurate method to predict and track normal growth in your Maltese is by regularly weighing your Maltese and recording the weight of your Maltese with our free dog weight tracker and weight predictor. Our tool will tell you, first, a more accurate future weight of your Maltese and, second, if your Maltese is growing normally.
We designed our dog weight tracker and weight predictor based on a recent research study carried out by researchers from Banfield Pet Hospitals and the University of Liverpool. This study collected and analyzed the weight of over 6 million healthy dogs in the United States. The dogs studied included dogs in the Maltese weight category.
Maltese Weight and Growth Chart
Below is the typical growth chart and weight chart of Malteses at different stages in their lives.
Note that your Maltese may be slightly heavier or lighter than what the chart says. The growth chart is an average weight chart.
To know how much food to feed your Maltese at different ages and weights, check out our Maltese feeding guide and calculator.
To know how much water your Maltese needs to drink at different ages and weights, check out our Maltese water drinking guide and calculator.
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | 2 LBS | 2 LBS – 3 LBS |
| 16 Weeks | 3 LBS | 2 LBS – 4 LBS |
| 20 Weeks | 4 LBS | 3 LBS – 5 LBS |
| 25 Weeks | 4 LBS | 3 LBS – 5 LBS |
| 30 Weeks | 5 LBS | 4 LBS – 6 LBS |
| 35 Weeks | 5 LBS | 4 LBS – 6 LBS |
Maltese Growth Calculator
Use the calculator below to estimate how big your Maltese will get based on its current weight.
This Maltese growth calculator is based on the typical weight curve of a Maltese shown above. The calculator assumes that your Maltese is growing normally, and not on its way to become overweight or underweight.
How Much Should a Maltese Weigh?
Malteses typically weigh between 6 to 9 pounds.
Above is a graph that shows how much a Maltese should weigh at different ages. Check where the weight of your Maltese falls in the graph for its age.
The weights in the dark green region is typical for Malteses.
If the weight of your Maltese falls outside the dark green region for its age, then you should consult a vet.
Also, you can use the Maltese weight calculator below to find the typical weight and the normal weight range of Malteses, male or female, of any age between 12 weeks and 100 weeks.
If you want to see how the weight of your Maltese compares to that of other Maltese`s of its age, enter the weight of your Maltese in the calculator, and the calculator will show you where your Maltese stands on the weight chart.
The calculator will also tell you if your Maltese is within the normal weight range for the Maltese.
This Maltese weight calculator uses information from a research study on dog weight carried out by researchers at the University of Liverpool.
Please, talk to your vet before taking any decision on your pet`s weight and health.
What is the Height of the Maltese?
The adult Maltese is 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. This is the average adult height of the Maltese.
Is Your Maltese Growing Normally? This is How to Tell
Puppy growth predictors, growth charts, and growth calculators like the ones above are approximate methods for predicting growth in dogs. However, these tools have limited capabilities. This is because each dog is unique and a dog`s growth may be different from that of the overall dog population.
A more accurate and scientific way to predict a dog`s growth is to measure the dog`s weight every week and record the weight. Doing this with your Maltese will give you a clearer picture of how your Maltese is growing.
You can use our free tool to track your Maltese`s growth and weight over time. Our tool will also let you know if your Maltese is growing normally.
Tracking your Maltese`s weight will let you see the unique growth trajectory of your Maltese. You can use this growth trajectory to accurately predict how big your Maltese will get. The growth trajectory will also let you know very early if your Maltese will become overweight or underweight.
Monitoring your dog`s weight is important because pet obesity is one of the leading causes of premature death in dogs. And these days, pets gain weight very easily because their owners spoil them with lots of treats and food. Catching early abnormal weight in your dog and correcting it (through diet changes, exercise) can significantly extend your dog`s life.
Below is what a normal growth pattern and what abnormal growth patterns look like in Malteses. You can compare your Maltese growth trajectory against these references to see if your Maltese is growing normally or you can use our automatic tool.
How to Measure the Weight of your Maltese
There are two methods you can use to measure your Maltese`s weight.
The first method, which is the better and more accurate method to weigh your Maltese, is to use a dog weighing scale.
Using a dog scale is important if you would like to monitor your Maltese`s growth regularly to catch any abnormal growth early.
Having a scale for weighing your Maltese will make it easy for you to weigh your Maltese regularly without any trouble.
The scale that we recommend for weighing the Maltese is this high durability and affordable Greater Goods Digital Pet Scale. Click here to check out this scale on Amazon.
The second method is to use a bathroom scale to weigh yourself while holding your Maltese. Then use the same scale to weigh yourself without your Maltese. Then calculate your weight when holding your dog minus your weight when not holding your Maltese. This method is illustrated in the picture below.
However, note that this method of holding your dog on a scale is not very accurate, and it may be difficult for you to use this method to weigh your Maltese if your Maltese is very heavy or if your Maltese is the type that would not stay still while being held.
How Fast Do Malteses Grow? Maltese Growth Rate
Starting from 3 months of age, Malteses grow at a rate of 0.18 pounds per week (0.08 Kilograms per week) on average. Starting at 4 months, your Maltese will gain 0.15 pounds (0.07 Kilograms) every week on average.
At 5 months of age, your Maltese will grow at a rate of 0.12 pounds per week (0.06 Kilograms per week) on average. Then at 6 months, your Maltese will gain 0.10 pounds (0.04 Kilograms) every week on average.
See the growth rate chart of the Maltese below
| Age (Months) | Growth per week (Pounds) | Growth per week (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | 0.18 | 0.08 |
| 4 Months | 0.15 | 0.07 |
| 5 Months | 0.12 | 0.06 |
| 6 Months | 0.10 | 0.04 |
| 7 Months | 0.08 | 0.04 |
| 8 Months | 0.06 | 0.03 |
Maltese Growth Stages
Your Maltese will go through a number of developmental stages on its journey to adulthood. Your Maltese`s growth pattern can be categorized into 6 distinct stages: Neonatal, Transitional, Socialization Period, Juvenile Period, Adolescent Period, and Maturity.
You can know the developmental stage of your Maltese based on how old your Maltese is.
1. Maltese Neonatal Period
Maltese Neonatal Period is from Birth to 2 weeks. During this stage, the Maltese puppy will be totally dependent on its mother. The Maltese puppy`s eyes will still be unopened with no sense of vision. The Maltese puppy will only have the senses of taste and touch
2. Maltese Transitional Period
Maltese Transitional Period is from 2 weeks to 3 weeks. During this stage, the Maltese puppy will continue to develop a better sense of hearing and taste. The puppy`s teeth will start coming through and its eyes will begin to open.
During this stage, the Maltese puppy begins to crawl forward and backward, begins to stand, begins to wag its tail. This is also the age where your puppy’s personality begins to develop.
3. Maltese Socialization Period
Maltese Socialization Period is from 3 weeks to 14 weeks. During this stage, the Maltese puppy will be able to fully use all of its senses (vision, smell, touch, hearing, taste), and the puppy will learn to survive without its mother.
Also during this stage, the Maltese puppy learns how to act like a dog (biting, chasing, barking, etc). The rapid learning and socialization of the puppy occur at this stage, and what the Maltese puppy learns in this stage will have a long-term effect on the puppy`s behavior as an adult.
4. Maltese Juvenile Period
Maltese Juvenile Period is from 3-4 Months to 5-14 months. During this stage, the Maltese puppies will attempt to clarify and resolve their boundaries. Their baby teeth start getting replaced by adult teeth.
5. Maltese Adolescent Period
Maltese Adolescent Period is from 5-14 Months to 2-3 Years. Malteses go through social and sexual maturity during this stage.
6. Maltese Maturity Period
Maltese Maturity Period is from 1 year to 4 years. At this age, your Maltese will transition to full adulthood.
Maltese Weight/Growth Chart in KG
Below is typical growth and weight chart of the all in Kilograms (kg).
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | 1 KG | 1 KG – 1 KG |
| 16 Weeks | 1 KG | 1 KG – 1 KG |
| 20 Weeks | 1 KG | 1 KG – 2 KG |
| 25 Weeks | 2 KG | 1 KG – 2 KG |
| 30 Weeks | 2 KG | 1 KG – 2 KG |
| 35 Weeks | 2 KG | 2 KG – 3 KG |
How Much Should a 12-Week-old Maltese Weigh?
The average weight of a 12-week-old Maltese is 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg).
The typical weight range of a 12-week-old Maltese is from 2.3 lbs to 3.5 lbs (1.0 kg to 1.6 kg).
How Much Should a 4-Month-old Maltese Weigh?
The average weight of a 4-month-old Maltese is 3.6 lbs (1.6 kg).
The typical weight range of a 4-month-old Maltese is from 2.9 lbs to 4.4 lbs (1.3 kg to 2.0 kg).
How Much Should a 6-Month-old Maltese Weigh?
The average weight of a 6-month-old Maltese is 4.7 lbs (2.1 kg).
The typical weight range of a 6-month-old Maltese is from 3.7 lbs to 5.7 lbs (1.7 kg to 2.6 kg).
How Much Should a 1-Year-old Maltese Weigh?
The average weight of a 1-year-old Maltese is 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg).
The typical weight range of a 1-year-old Maltese is from 5.0 lbs to 7.5 lbs (2.3 kg to 3.4 kg).
How to Tell If Your Maltese is Overweight
As mentioned earlier in this article, a very accurate way to know if your Maltese puppy is on its way to becoming overweight is by weighing your dog every week and recording its weight. This will show you the growth trajectory of your Maltese puppy. And a close look at your puppy`s growth trajectory will tell you if your Maltese puppy will be overweight or underweight. This method is relatively easy to use.
You can use our free online tool to track your Maltese puppy`s growth curve.
However, if you do not have a record of the weekly weights of your Maltese, and you want to tell if your dog is overweight, underweight, or of normal weight, then you can use a chart called the body condition chart shown below. This method requires some expertise to use, and it is further discussed below.
To tell your dog`s body condition, first, look at your dog closely and observe which of its bones and structures are sticking out or not sticking out from under its skin. Next, use your hands to feel for fat and bones over your dog. To know which bones to look and feel for, check out the body condition tool guide from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and this guide. This exercise will tell you the body condition score for your dog.
Body condition scores are from a scale of 1 to 9. A score of 1, 2 or 3 means that a dog is too skinny. A score of 4 or 5 means that a dog is of ideal weight, and a score above 5 means that a dog is overweight.
Talk to your vet if your Maltese appears to be overweight. The vet might recommend reducing how much food to feed your Maltese.
Conclusion on Maltese Weight and Growth
In this article, we have provided you with the information, growth charts and growth calculators to help you tell how big your Maltese will get. These tools will also help tell if your Maltese is growing normally.
However, the best way to monitor and predict the growth of your Maltese is to measure and record your puppy Maltese`s weight every week.
Use our free Maltese weight tracker and calculator tool available here to track and predict your Maltese`s weight.
It is important that every Maltese owner monitors the growth of their Maltese for normal growth by checking the weight of their Maltese regularly. Regular weight monitoring will let you detect any abnormal growth very early before it is too late. We discussed how you can tell if your Maltese is growing normally from your Maltese`s weight history earlier in this article.
Abnormal growth in Maltese can be because of underlying disease (such are heart, hormonal, or bone problems) or because of overfeeding or underfeeding. All of the aforementioned reduce the Maltese lifespan and quality of life.
Don`t wait. Start tracking your Maltese`s weight today!
