How big are Maltese?
Maltese are “supposed” to stand about 7-8 inches at the shoulder and weigh 4-7 lbs, but many individuals are smaller, and many are larger. Have you heard these phrases: Teacup Maltese? Tiny Toy Maltese? Extreme Tinies? Some breeders use these cutesy, made-up phrases as “marketing terms” for smaller Maltese. That’s all they are — marketing terms. There is only one Maltese breed, and whether an individual weighs 2 pounds or 6 pounds or 10 pounds, he’s still just a Maltese. Some are simply smaller or larger than others. The larger individuals are actually sturdier and often make safer pets. In fact, I do NOT recommend a Maltese under 4 pounds. These individuals are great risks in the health department. Their bones are extremely fragile. There is not enough room in their mouth for healthy teeth. Their internal organs are often weak and can fail suddenly. They tend to have great difficulty regulating their blood sugar and can suddenly fall into hypoglycemic comas. Responsible Maltese breed
