Maltese clothes size: how to measure and what fits
Updated October 5, 2026
The AKC standard asks for a Maltese under 7 lb (3.2 kg), with 4 to 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg) preferred, so most Maltese wear a shop's smallest size, usually XS. Part the long coat and measure the chest on the body, and pick smooth linings and snaps over rough knits and hook-and-loop tape, which tangle a silky single coat.
How big is a Maltese?
A Maltese stands 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 cm) at the shoulder, according to its AKC breed page. The standard describes a compact dog whose height at the withers equals its length from the withers to the root of the tail, with a long-haired tail plume carried over the back. Your own Maltese may weigh more or less than the standard, so size by its measurements.
How to measure under a long coat
Part the hair so the tape sits on the body, not on the coat. Wrap the chest behind the elbows and the neck where the collar rests under the hair. For the back, hold the tail plume aside and measure from the collar to the root of the tail. If you keep the coat long, measure after brushing, when the hair lies flat, and measure again after a short trim.
Which size a Maltese gets
The rows run from the low end of the preferred weight to the 7 lb (3.2 kg) limit. On most products a Maltese falls in the smallest size, so the chest girth under the coat decides whether a borderline dog needs the next size up.
| Weight | Tops52 products | Onesies15 products | Harnesses22 products | Raincoats29 products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kg (4.4 lb) | XS · 100% | XS · 100% | XS · 64%32% have no size | XS · 97%3% have no size |
| 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) | XS · 100% | XS · 100% | XS · 64%32% have no size | XS · 97%3% have no size |
| 3 kg (6.6 lb) | XS · 79% | XS · 100% | XS · 64%32% have no size | XS · 97% |
Fabrics and fastenings for a silky coat
The Maltese coat is single, with no undercoat, and hangs long, flat and silky, according to the AKC standard. The AKC breed page says it needs gentle daily brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats and tangles. Clothes add friction, so pick what slides over the hair.
| Choose | Avoid | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth cotton, jersey or a satin-like lining | Rough wool knits and fuzzy fleece against the coat | Rough fibers grab fine hair and start tangles |
| Snaps, buttons or buckles | Hook-and-loop tape | The hooks catch long hair |
| Wide, soft necklines | Tight ribbed collars | A tight neckline rubs the throat hair into knots |
| Cotton against the coat in dry winter air | All-synthetic layers | Synthetic fabric builds static in fine hair |
After a day in clothes, brush the armpits, the throat and anywhere a strap sat. The standard calls for a pure white coat, so wash a brightly dyed new garment once before it gets wet on a walk.
Warmth without an undercoat
In double-coated breeds, the undercoat is the layer that traps warmth close to the body, according to the AKC, and the Maltese has none. The AKC also notes that small breeds struggle to hold body heat in the cold. A light sweater helps on cool walks and a padded coat below freezing. The winter coat guide covers how to choose one.
The standard lets the long head hair be tied up in a topknot, which is where a bow sits. For measuring every item, see the dog clothes size guide. The bichon frise guide covers a white coat that curls instead of hanging straight.
Picks from the Pawlooks catalog
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IllustrationPrices and sizes change. Check the listing before you order.
Frequently asked questions
What size clothes does a Maltese wear?
Usually XS, or S for a larger Maltese. Part the coat, measure on the body, and check the number against each listing, since an XS at one shop can be an S at another.
Do clothes cause mats in a Maltese coat?
They can, where fabric rubs: under the arms, at the throat and under straps. Choose smooth linings and brush those spots after each wear.
Is hook-and-loop tape bad for a Maltese coat?
It catches long, fine hair and pulls it every time you open the closure. Snaps, buttons or buckles are gentler on a Maltese.
Does a Maltese need a sweater in winter?
Often, on cold walks. A Maltese has no undercoat, and small dogs lose body heat quickly in the cold, according to the AKC.