Malteses typically weigh 4–7 lb as adults and fit a 22" crate. Here's the exact sizing — plus how to measure your own dog if they're at the edge of the range.
Typical adult weight: 4–7 lb (1.8–3.2 kg)
Recommended Crate
22"crate
Engineered for dogs around 6 lb · Maltese.
Length (in)
22in
Width (in)
14in
Height (in)
11in
Disclaimer: Breed sizes vary greatly based on bloodline, sex, and mix. Always measure your individual dog while standing and lying down to ensure complete safety before purchasing equipment.
Estimate. This is based on typical body proportions for that weight. Individual dogs vary by an inch or two — for the most accurate fit, switch to .
Standard crate sizes
Size
Length
Max dog weight
18"
18 in
Up to 15 lb
22"
22 in
Up to 25 lb
24"
24 in
Up to 30 lb
30"
30 in
Up to 40 lb
36"
36 in
Up to 70 lb
42"
42 in
Up to 90 lb
48"
48 in
Up to 110 lb
54"
54 in
110+ lb
About Maltese sizing
Malteses stay small as adults, so the recommended crate is genuinely sized for them — not oversized. If you're crate-training a puppy or want extra room to stretch, many owners size up by one (e.g. a 24" instead of a 22") for comfort.
In depth
Maltese crate guide
Small, coated, and very people-attached
Maltese are 4–7 lb toy dogs with long white coats and famously velcro temperaments. The 18" crate fits them, ideally with a cozy covered bed inside. Isolated crating produces anxiety fast in this breed — put the crate wherever the family is.
The Maltese coat mats where it's crushed. A smooth silky mat (not fabric loop or shag) and daily brushing prevent the worst of it. Many pet-Maltese are kept in a puppy clip specifically to avoid coat-mat problems, which is a reasonable trade if you crate at all.
Small-dog syndrome and crate training
Toy breeds often escape traditional crate training because owners simply carry them everywhere instead. That produces a dog with no ability to self-settle, high anxiety when finally left alone, and often noise reactivity. Even for a 5 lb dog, real crate training in the first year pays off for the next 15.
Frequently asked
Maltese crate size questions
What size crate does a Maltese need?+
A typical adult Maltese weighs 4–7 lb and fits a 22" crate. The crate should let your dog stand without ducking, turn around, and stretch out on their side — the 22" gives you that.
What size crate for a Maltese puppy?+
Puppies of small breeds usually fit the adult 22" crate from the start — use a divider to shrink the space while house-training.
Do male and female Malteses need different crate sizes?+
Not by much — male and female Malteses tend to land in the same 22" crate. The weight spread is small enough that one size works for both.
Is a bigger crate better for a Maltese?+
Not for house-training — a crate that's too large lets a puppy potty in one corner and sleep in the other. For an adult Maltese who's already trained, going one size up from the 22" is fine if you want extra stretch room.