If you’re a pet parent, it’s understandable to worry about your fur baby’s weight. Whether you’re wondering if your teeny pup is gaining weight as they should, or concerned that your adult pooch might be getting a bit podgy, being conscious of their weight is sensible. But how do you know whether your Maltese weighs what they should? Let’s find out.
How much should a Maltese weigh?
Every dog is different, so there’s no one size fits all rule for what any dog should weigh. However, breed standards allow us to estimate the size of an adult dog of that breed, as well as how tall they should be and their ideal weight.
Using the breed standard as a guideline, an adult Maltese terrier should weigh around 4lbs to 6lbs and should be 9 or 10 inches tall (shoulder height). There’s little difference between the weight of a male or female Maltese, but males tend to be slightly taller.
Maltese weight chart
It’s important to note that pups may have different growth rates, so those that start small can easily catch up if they have a later spurt of growth.
Most Maltese dogs reach their adult weight at around 9 months of age. While you might expect a puppy with a low starting weight to reach a smaller adult size than a larger pup, this isn’t always the case. Pups may have different growth rates, so those that start small can easily catch up if they have a later spurt of growth. The following table gives an example of the weights you might expect from your pup as they grow, but remember, it’s much more reliable to look at your pup’s body condition score, and you can always ask your veterinarian if you’re not sure your pup is the right weight.
| Age | Small | Average | Large | |||
| oz | kg | oz | kg | oz | kg | |
| 8 weeks | 10 | 0.3 | 16 | 0.5 | 21 | 0.6 |
| 3 months | 17 | 0.5 | 25 | 0.7 | 33 | 0.9 |
| 4 months | 25 | 0.7 | 36 | 1 | 47 | 1.3 |
| 5 months | 32 | 0.9 | 54 | 1.5 | 58 | 1.6 |
| 7 months | 47 | 1.3 | 67 | 1.9 | 77 | 2.2 |
| Adult (9m) | 64 (4lbs) | 1.8 | 80 (5lbs) | 2.3 | 96 (6lbs) | 2.7 |
By the way, if you’re looking for weight charts for other breeds, we’ve also written articles on the Shih Tzu weight chart and the Chihuahua weight chart!
How much dog food should I feed my Maltese?
Maltese puppies will need more frequent meals so that their blood sugar doesn’t drop too low, while older dogs won’t need so many calories.
There’s no universal guide for how much to feed your dog, no matter what breed they are. The amount you feed them should be based on their activity level, their age, their body condition score, and their current weight. For example, if your dog is overweight you’ll want to feed them the amount recommended for their target weight rather than their current weight. Similarly, Maltese puppies will need more frequent meals so that their blood sugar doesn’t drop too low, while older dogs won’t need so many calories. You can find out more about the principles of feeding puppies here. Some companies have created stage-of-life specific recipes that offer recipes formulated specifically for puppies and recipes formulated specifically for adult dogs. Feeding stage-of-life specific recipes helps ensure your dog is getting the optimal nutrition needed for the life stage they are in.
What dog food should I feed my Maltese to keep them healthy?
Note that good quality protein is essential for your dog’s muscles, organs, and other tissues.
Regardless of the age of your Maltese, it can be beneficial to feed them a low carbohydrate diet. Not only does this keep their blood sugar more stable and help them stay trim, but it might also reduce inflammation in their body. This anti-inflammatory action is based on glucose being used in all inflammatory processes within the body, so lowering the amount of sugar or carbohydrate in your dog’s diet, may make them healthier in more ways than one. Low carbohydrate dog food allows your dog to get energy and nutrition from other, more beneficial sources like healthy fats and protein. Good quality protein is essential for your dog’s muscles, organs, and other tissues.
FAQ
What is a good weight for a Maltese?
An adult Maltese usually weighs between 4 and 6 lbs. However, every dog is different, and your Maltese could be healthy at a higher or lower weight. If you’re concerned about whether your dog or puppy is a good weight, ask your veterinarian for advice.
Can a Maltese weigh 12 pounds?
It’s very unusual for a Maltese to weigh more than 7 lbs. If your Maltese weighs 12 pounds they may be significantly overweight or a mixed breed. If you’re worried that your Maltese is overweight, your veterinarian can help you calculate their body condition score.
Can a Maltese weigh 25 pounds?
A Maltese should not weigh 25 pounds if they are healthy. If your dog is a pedigree Maltese and weighs 25 pounds, then they are likely to be obese, which poses health risks like joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.
How much should a 7-month-old Maltese weigh?
As a guide, a 7-month-old Maltese should weigh between 3 and 5 lbs. However, puppy growth rates are not uniform, so they are hard to predict. If you are concerned that your Maltese puppy isn’t growing as they should speak to your veterinarian.
