Full Grown Maltese: Size, Lifespan, Price & More
The Maltese is one of the most popular small dog breeds. But what is a full grown Maltese like? This guide covers everything you need to know about Maltese dogs at their full adult size, including size, weight, appearance, personality, health, care needs, and more.
About the Maltese Breed
The Maltese is an ancient toy breed that originated in Malta. For centuries, Maltese dogs have been cherished as lap companions for royalty. They remain one of the most beloved small dog breeds today due to their affectionate nature and playful personality.
Size of a Full Grown Maltese
According to American Kennel Club (AKC) standards, the ideal height for a fully grown Maltese is 6-7 inches at the shoulder. Their body length from chest to rump is usually between 9-10 inches. Most full size Maltese will weigh between 4-7 pounds as adults.
Appearance of a Mature Maltese
At their full size, Maltese have a slightly rectangular compact body shape. They have a long silky single coat that comes in pure white. As adults, their coat grows to a moderate length with gentle waves or curls. Maltese have small dark eyes, a black nose, small scissored ears, and tiny feet.
Personality of a Mature Maltese
Even at their full adult size, Maltese remain playful, affectionate companions. They bond closely to their human families and prefer constant attention and affection.
While small, fully grown Maltese still enjoy toys, interactive play, and training sessions.
Positive reinforcement works best to guide their behavior. With handling from a young age, they can be quiet and docile lapdogs as adults.
Price of a Full Grown Maltese
On average, an adult Maltese from a reputable breeder costs $800-$1500 depending on breeding lines and specific traits. Adopting a fully grown Maltese from a shelter is often $100-300 with vet records and any medical or training already provided.
Feeding a Mature Maltese
As adults, fully grown Maltese need about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry kibble per day, split into at least two meals. Always choose an all-life stages small breed formula to provide proper nutrition.
Some fully grown Maltese may need additional supplements or joint care as senior dogs depending on age.
Lifespan of a Mature Maltese
With careful health management and veterinary care, the average lifespan of a full grown Maltese is 12-15 years. Some individuals live to be 17-18 years old. Early socialization, avoiding obesity, dental care, and vaccination are important to maximizing a Maltese's longevity as a senior dog.
Health of a Mature Maltese
The most common health issues for fully grown Maltese include dental disease, eye problems, hypoglycemia, and patellar luxation. Regular vet checks, dental cleanings, eye exams, and appropriate nutrition/supplements can help prevent these conditions and keep an adult Maltese fit into their senior years.
Care of a Full Grown Maltese
Mature Maltese still require daily brushing to prevent mats and assist with shedding. Their coats may need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for hygiene and shaping. Potty breaks should be increased for senior Maltese who are fully grown. Regular exercise like short walks is important to their health too.
Cost of Owning a Full Grown Maltese
Aside from purchase price, annual medical costs for a mature Maltese average $500-1000 depending on vaccinations, dental cleanings, prescriptions, and unplanned vet visits. Grooming every 4-6 weeks is an additional $30-80.
Factoring in other supplies like food, toys, training, waste management and occasional boarding, expect to invest $1500-3000 per year for a fully grown Maltese.
Behavior Changes as Maltese Mature
Some fully grown Maltese become slightly less active but remain playful. Anxiety or fearfulness may increase for senior dogs in new environments.
Positive reinforcement training throughout a Maltese's life helps avoid potential aggression or reactivity issues as they age.
Well-socialized mature Maltese are typically still friendly towards people.
Notable Characteristics of Adult Maltese
One hallmark trait of fully grown Maltese is their small size yet big personality. Even at senior ages, their bark tends to be larger than their bite. Well-cared for adults have lustrous coats and bright eyes. Mature Maltese form incredibly strong bonds with their one person and remain lapdogs for life.
When is a Maltese Really Fully Grown?
Most Maltese reach their adult size around 12-18 months old but continue filling out physically until 2 years. Their personality and temperament stabilize more fully at 3 years. While senior by 7-10 years, a Maltese is considered a mature adult at age 4-6 years old and remains playful into their golden years.
Are Maltese Good Family Pets When Full Grown?
Yes, provided they receive early positive socialization and training. A mature Maltese gets along well with calm, respectful children of any age when supervised. Because of their tiny size as fully grown adults, they are not suitable pets for young children without guidance. With older, gentler family members, seniors are content lap companions for their entire lifespan.
