Maltese Puppy Growth and Development

Just born"

weighing 3.9 to 5.8 oz

Puppies will mostly eat and sleep. They are unable to urinate and defecate without stimulation from their mother. Their body temperature must be kept regulated with a heating pad and/or heat lamp. they are able to crawl and nurse but aside from that are completely helpless.

1 week old

weighing 5 to 7.2oz ounces

The pup has started to get it's black pigment. Eyes are not yet opened

2 weeks old

weighing  7 to 10.8 ounces

This puppy has just opened his eyes. As soon as eyes are opened I start my grooming regime. Puppies should be comfortable with eye care from the very beginning. This helps to prevent tear staining. It is also time to start trimming his nails. Some puppies will start eating at this age, (although most take another week or two). I start them on dry puppy food soaked in water then mashed with a fork. To that I add more water so that it's more of a liquid than a solid. More food ends up on the puppy then in the puppy at first but Mom cleans everything up nicely. ALWAYS HAVE FRESH FILTERED WATER AVAILABLE IN A STAINLESS< CERAMIC OR GLASS BOWL, (no plastic please)

3 weeks old

weighing  9 to 16.9 ounces

Puppy can now see and hear. You will also notice their personalities but it will take a little longer before you can be sure. Puppies will start to play with each other. They also give little barks and growls. Ear plucking can be introduced very slowly at this point. (as should everything else) Touching and looking in the ears is a good start. NEVER RUSH A YOUNG PUPPY! There is plenty of time to gradually introduce all of the aspects of grooming. I would never traumatize a puppy by forcing everything on him at once.

4 weeks old

weighing 10 to 22.6 ounces
(1 1/4 pounds

Puppies can now recognize the sound of your voice and will come towards you. 
Their tails are up like little antennas and wagging. They will still be nursing off mom  between feedings witch occur four times a day. This is a good time to get them used to wee wee pad training. You'd be surprised how easily they pick it up.

5 weeks old"
weighing 12 to 25.6 ounces

(up to 1 1/2 pounds)

Puppies are now very curious about everything. Each one has it's own personality. They have now started cutting their puppy teeth. This is usually when slight tear staining begins due to the teething. They still nurse off Mom but gradually I've started giving them food that has been less softened and by now it's almost completely hard food.

6 weeks old

weighing 13 to 29 ounces

(up to 1 3/4 pounds)

7 weeks old

weighing 14 to 33 ounces (up to 2 pounds)

Puppies are still gaining weight although they are slowing down tremendously with each passing week.   They now like to come out and play with the other Maltese. They are very curious and investigate everything in sight. This is the age with the mother will supervise their play and teach them not to be so rough. Mom tends to like to spend more time away from her litter due to their tiny teeth when they try to suckle off her.

8 weeks old

weighing 16 & 35 oz ounces (between 1 & 2 1/4 lbs)

The puppies are now weaned and eating dry puppy food only. They play a lot more but still tire easily. This is the age when they have turned into comical little clowns .. making you laugh every minute.  They chew on everything they can find .. toes, shoes, rugs, furniture and wires.  I suggest having lots of chew toys around for them and give them lots of play time to tire them out. The puppies should betaken to the vet now for their first set of vaccines.

9 weeks old

weighing 18 & 37 oz ounces

(sizes may range as some slow down on growth)

They are crunching on dry food very well now.  Their play hours are much longer and they will explore everything in sight. Since they are now playing a little rougher the mom usually steps in to teach them manners. They are getting ready to go through their fear period. What they learn now can shape their personality for the better or worse. It's a good time to get them used to wearing bows for a few minutes each day. I start with just a rubber band and work my way up to bows. If they have a sibling around expect the bow to be pulled out at their next play session. As they are getting older play time is even longer. Their personalities are really starting to show more now and you may find some taking on the Alpha role towards the other puppies.

20 to 40 oz

10 to  12 weeks old weeks old

The puppies love being outside in nice weather. You will find them to be very curious about leaves, sticks and other outdoor toys. Also a good time to start the outside potty training. Keep a good eye on them outside as they can easily choke on small stones. You may have to wash a few faces too as they love to play in the dirt. Even adult Maltese are attracted to mud for some odd reason. This is the age when most breeders will let the puppies go to their new homes. A good breeder should supply you with lots of information on raising your new puppy. They should also send you home with food samples, a special toy, a few pee pads for training, a dog chew and information on grooming products. You should leave your breeder's home feeling secure in knowing they have educated you with enough information to make your puppy's transition to it's new home a pleasant one. Always remember that your breeder brought your companion into the world and will always be a good source of information if ever you  have questions. Also for those of you who are wondering, YES your breeder would always love to receive pictures via e-mail, post office, UPS, Fed Ex.... You Get The Idea