"Just born"
weighing 3.9 ounces
"1 week old"
weighing 3.9 ounces
The pup has started to get it's black pigment. Eyes are not yet opened.
"2 weeks old"
weighing 10.8 ounces
"3 weeks old"
weighing 16.9 ounces
This puppy has just opened his eyes.
It is also time to start trimming his nails.
Puppy can now see and hear.
You will also notice their personalities.
Puppies will start to play with each other.
They also give little barks and growls.
"4 weeks old"
weighing 22.6 ounces
(1 1/4 pounds)
"5 weeks old"
weighing 25.6 ounces
(1 1/2 pounds)
Puppies will mostly eat and sleep.
If they cry it is usually because they are hungry or cold.
Puppies can now recognize the sound of
your voice and will come towards you.
Their tails are up like little antennas and wagging.
This is the age when you can start introducing the puppies to watered down puppy food called gruel. Also have fresh water on hand for them.
They will still be nursing off mom in between. Also a good time to get them used to pee pad training.
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 you will now see them starting to nibble on the dry kibble.
"6 weeks old"
weighing 27 to 29 ounces
(about 1 3/4 pounds)
Puppies are still gaining weight although they are slowing down a little each week. They now like to come out and play with you and your 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.
Puppies should be feed a good quality puppy food at least 3 times a day.
"7 weeks old"
weighing 30 to 33 ounces
(about 2 pounds)
Click the puppy to go Home
The puppies are now weaned and eating puppy food. 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 keep Bitter Apple on hand to spray on items the puppies should not be chewing. You can now start them on getting used to being groomed. Keep the hair trimmed out of their eyes and their little faces clean.
"8 weeks old"
weighing 32 & 35 oz ounces
(between 2 & 2 1/4 lbs)
They are crunching on dry food very well now. Their play hours are much longer and they will exlore everything in sight. We give the pups their first bath at this age and get them used to more grooming. 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 thier personality for the better or worse. The puppies should be taken to the vet now for their first set of vaccines.
"9 weeks old"
weighing 34 & 37 oz ounces
(sizes may range as some slow down on growth)
It's a good time to get them used to wearing bows for a few minutes each day. As they are getting older play time is even longer. Some need to be reminded to take a nap. Their personalities are really starting to show more now and you may find some taking on the Alpha role towards the other puppies.
"10 & 11 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. :o)
"12 weeks old"
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.
