How big does a Maltese get?

A full-grown Maltese typically stands 20–25 cm (7.9–9.8 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 1.5–3 kg (3.3–6.6 lbs). Maltese is a toy breed and usually reaches full size by 12 months.

What is the lifespan of a Maltese?

The average lifespan of a Maltese is 12–15 years. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog's lifespan — overweight dogs can lose 1–2 years of life expectancy.

What are the personality traits of a Maltese?

Maltese are known for being gentle, playful, affectionate, sensitive. They are generally good with children and make excellent family dogs. They are moderately trainable with consistent positive reinforcement. Their size and energy level make them suitable for apartment living.

Is a Maltese a good choice for apartments and families?

Yes, a Maltese can adapt well to apartment living due to their toy size and moderate energy levels. They are generally good with kids and make great family companions. Be prepared for significant shedding — regular brushing 2–3 times per week is recommended.

What are common health issues for toy breed dogs like the Maltese?

Small and toy breeds like the Maltese are prone to dental disease, patellar luxation (knee issues), tracheal collapse, and hypoglycemia. They can also develop heart valve disease as they age. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

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Maltese Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Maltese need per day?

A typical adult Maltese weighing about 2 kg needs approximately 206–257 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

Toy Breed

Quick Answer

A healthy adult Maltese weighs 1.5–3 kg (3.3–6.6 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 4–5 months and full weight by 9–10 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

1.5–3 kg

(3.3–6.6 lbs)

Size Category

toy

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~206–257 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

1.5 kgto3 kg

3.3 lbsto6.6 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

Your dog's weight (kg)

Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

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Age

How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Maltese Health & Weight Management

Maltese are delicate toy companions with a surprisingly sturdy constitution, but their tiny frame makes weight management critical. Even a single extra pound represents a significant percentage of body weight, placing disproportionate stress on their delicate joints and trachea — a common weak point. Luxating patella and dental disease are prevalent; excess weight worsens both.

Exercise: Maltese need 20–30 minutes of gentle activity daily — short walks and indoor play sessions. They are agile and enjoy puzzle toys. Avoid long, forced marches; their short legs tire quickly.

Feeding tips: Measure food precisely — a Maltese eats very little, and even a teaspoon extra per meal adds up. Feed a high-quality small-breed formula twice daily. Avoid free-feeding, as Maltese can become picky and then overeat when food is finally offered. Limit treats to tiny fragments.

Keeping your Maltese at a healthy 3–7 lbs (1.5–3 kg) protects their joints and trachea. Use PawScale’s calorie calculator for Maltese to set exact daily limits, check body condition with our BCS assessment, and plan balanced meals with the crate size calculator.

Data source: AKC breed standard

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-12

Is your Maltese at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

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Maltese Calorie Calculator

Calculate daily calorie needs in 3 steps

Life Stage

Activity Level

Neuter/Spay Status

Full Calorie Calculator

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Feeding Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Maltese weigh?

The ideal weight for a Maltese is 1.5–3 kg (3.3–6.6 lbs). Even a small weight gain can be significant for smaller breeds. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Maltese need per day?

A typical adult Maltese weighing 2 kg needs approximately 206–257 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Maltese overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Maltese's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Maltese reach full adult weight?

Maltese puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 4–5 months and typically reach full adult weight by 9–10 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Maltese need?

A Maltese typically needs a 24-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Maltese. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

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