Maltese Growth and Development
Maltese Puppy Growth and Development
Size at birth does not determine adult weight.
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. Unable to see or hear, their sence of smell is highly developed.
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1 week old
weighing 5 to 7.2oz ounces
The pup has started to get it's black pigment. Eyes and ears 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) I also introduse the wee pad at this time :D
3 weeks old
weighing 9 ounces
Puppy can now see and hear. You will also notice their personalities but it will take a little longer before they really shine through. 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 14 ounces
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 at this point between feedings, witch occur four times a day.
5 weeks old"
weighing 12
to 16ounces
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, but they are more interested in their dog food.
6 weeks old
weighing 13 to 18 ounces
(up to 1 3/4 pounds)
7 weeks old
weighing 14 to 20 ounces
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. 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 nurse.
8 weeks old
weighing 16 to 22 oz ounces
The puppies are now just about 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 bet aken to the vet now for their first set of vaccines.
9 weeks old
weighing 18 to 26 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, 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 developed now, and you may find some taking on the Alpha role towards the other puppies.
20 to 36 oz
10 to 12 weeks old weeks old
The puppies love being outside in nice weather. ( mine only go as far as the back porch) 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
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