How tall is a Maltese?

An adult Maltese stands about 8 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Maltese considered a toy dog?

Yes — at 8" / 6 lb, the Maltese falls into the toy-breed size class (shoulder height under 11"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #248 tallest.

How does a Maltese compare to a person?

At 8" tall, a Maltese stands about 13% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Maltese Size Compared to a Person

A Maltese stands 8″ at the shoulder and weighs about 6 lb — that puts it at 13% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #248 by shoulder height and falls into the toy-breed size class (Toy breeds, under 11").

Maltese next to a person at scale — 8-inch shoulder height, 6 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Maltese at 8″ / 6 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Maltese compares

	Maltese	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	8″	64″	-56″
Weight	6 lb	135 lb	-129 lb

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About the Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, with a history stretching back over two millennia to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. Prized by ancient Greeks, Romans, and royalty throughout the ages, this tiny white dog has been a symbol of luxury and refinement for centuries. Their long, silky, pure white coat, dark button eyes, and graceful carriage give them an unmistakable air of elegance.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Toy size class with shoulder height closest to the Maltese.

Chorkie — 8″ / 8 lb (same height)
Pekingese — 8″ / 12 lb (same height)
Yorkshire Terrier — 8″ / 7 lb (same height)
Brussels Griffon — 9″ / 9 lb (+1″ vs Maltese)
Chihuahua — 7″ / 5 lb (−1″ vs Maltese)
Dachshund — 9″ / 24 lb (+1″ vs Maltese)
Dorkie — 9″ / 12 lb (+1″ vs Maltese)
Pomeranian — 7″ / 5 lb (−1″ vs Maltese)

Compare a Maltese with another breed

Frequently asked

How tall is a Maltese?: An adult Maltese stands about 8 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Maltese considered a toy dog?: Yes — at 8" / 6 lb, the Maltese falls into the toy-breed size class (shoulder height under 11"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #248 tallest.
How does a Maltese compare to a person?: At 8" tall, a Maltese stands about 13% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Maltese

Maltese dog names & full breed page · All toy-size breeds · Visual atlas (Toy section) · Size comparison home