Dog Socks Maltese: Does Size S Fit Yet?

A Maltese weighs three kilos and still slides across laminate. That surprises many owners. With light dogs the paws are simply too small to find purchase on a smooth floor. Looking for dog socks maltese owners can use? Your dog sits right on the edge between size XS and S. This breed guide explains what that means.

Dog socks maltese: right on the edge of size S

The paw width of a Maltese sits between 3.8 and 4.5 centimetres. Size S starts at 4.3 centimetres and runs to 4.9 centimetres.

So measure your dog first. Land on 4.3 centimetres or more and S fits. Come out lower and you choose XS. Not sure? Check your measurement with the size calculator.

The difference here comes down to millimetres, so measure carefully. Check the dog sock size chart to see where your measurement falls.

Measuring a dog of three kilos

With paws this small the method matters more than with big dogs. A few millimetres of error is a whole size here.

Stand your dog on all four paws on a level surface. Dampen the front paw lightly and place it on a piece of dark cardboard. Measure the print at its widest point, with the toes spread as they are when walking.

Do not lift the paw to measure. A lifted paw on a small dog contracts completely and then measures half a centimetre too narrow.

Coat first, measurement second

The Maltese has long silky hair that grows through between the toe pads. Straight after a groom that is short. Six weeks later a tuft hangs underneath.

Trim that tuft away before you measure. Otherwise you measure hair rather than paw. On a dog this size every millimetre counts.

That hair also causes slipping by itself. A Maltese sliding on his own tufts across laminate has no grip at all. Keeping it short helps either way, with socks or without them.

Why small dogs are extra vulnerable

Maltese dogs are prone to patellar luxation, a kneecap that slips out of its groove. Sliding on a smooth floor loads exactly that joint. In a dog with an already weak knee, that makes the problem worse.

Do you notice your dog skipping a step now and then? Or holding a hind leg up briefly? Have that checked. Grip indoors helps against the slipping itself. The knee belongs with your vet. More on this theme in smooth floors and older dogs.

Conclusion

A Maltese fits size S from 4.3 centimetres of paw width. Is your dog below that? Choose size XS. In both cases trim the coat under the paw short, because that gains grip straight away. Measure today and look your figure up in the size chart.

Frequently asked questions

Which maltese dog socks size do I need?

Size S if your dog measures 4.3 centimetres or wider. Below that you need XS.

Does a sock stay on such a light dog?

It does when the size is right. You set the velcro strap yourself, so you can place it exactly on the wrist of your dog. With a sock that is too wide, pulling tighter will not help. Then it is simply the wrong size.

My Maltese slips while still young. Is that normal?

Small dogs with narrow paws have little contact surface, so slipping happens at any age. Arrange grip on the fixed routes. If you see him limp or skip a step, have the knees examined.