How long does a Golden Retriever Maltese Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).

Is a Golden Retriever Maltese Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Golden Retriever Maltese Mix

A Golden Retriever Maltese mix is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Maltese. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–40 lb and live 11–14 years.

Golden Retriever, a purebred dog — Golden RetrieverPhoto: Janneke Vreugdenhil, derivative work by Anka Friedrich, Public domain, source

Maltese, a purebred dog — MaltesePhoto: Maltezervereniging, Public domain, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight30–40 lbcan be 4–75 lb

Height14–16 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–14 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Golden Retriever Maltese Mix get?

Golden Retriever55–75 lb

The mix30–40 lb

Maltese4–7 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Golden Retriever Maltese Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 14–16 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24 in for the Golden Retriever and 7–9 in for the Maltese. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low to moderate

Maltese has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate to very high

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The Golden Retriever rates very high and the Maltese moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Golden Retriever is usually described as friendly, intelligent, devoted. The Maltese as gentle, playful, charming. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Golden Retriever vs Maltese vs the mix

Trait	Golden Retriever	Golden Retriever Maltese Mix	Maltese
Weight	55–75 lb	30–40 lb	4–7 lb
Height	21.5–24 in	14–16 in	7–9 in
Lifespan	10–12 yr	11–14 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	moderate	very low to moderate	very low
Energy	very high	moderate to very high	moderate
Group	Sporting	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Golden Retriever Maltese Mix

How big does a Golden Retriever Maltese Mix get?: Most grow to 30–40 pounds and 14–16 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–75 pounds.
How long does a Golden Retriever Maltese Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).
Does a Golden Retriever Maltese Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to moderate. Maltese has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Golden Retriever Maltese Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Golden Retriever mixes

Other Maltese mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.