How long does a Lab Maltese Mix live?

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

Is a Lab 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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Lab Maltese Mix

A Lab Maltese mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Maltese. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–45 lb and live 11–14 years.

Labrador Retriever, a purebred dog — Labrador RetrieverPhoto: SixtyWeb, CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.

Weight30–45 lbcan be 4–80 lb

Height14–17 inat the shoulder

Lifespan11–14 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Lab Maltese Mix get?

Labrador Retriever55–80 lb

The mix30–45 lb

Maltese4–7 lb

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

Height runs 14–17 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24.5 in for the Labrador 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 high

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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is usually described as friendly, active, outgoing. 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.

Lab vs Maltese vs the mix

Trait	Labrador Retriever	Lab Maltese Mix	Maltese
Weight	55–80 lb	30–45 lb	4–7 lb
Height	21.5–24.5 in	14–17 in	7–9 in
Lifespan	10–12 yr	11–14 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	high	very low to high	very low
Energy	very high	moderate to very high	moderate
Group	Sporting	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Lab Maltese Mix

How big does a Lab Maltese Mix get?: Most grow to 30–45 pounds and 14–17 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–80 pounds.
How long does a Lab Maltese Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 11–14 years, the midpoint of the Labrador Retriever (10–12 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).
Does a Lab Maltese Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to high. 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 Lab 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 Lab mixes

Other Maltese mixes

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