Malchi

Quick Take

• Mixing two purebreds is supposed to create a healthier dog, yet the Malchi breaks that assumption in a specific way most new owners don't see coming. See the health surprises →
• This tiny dog will pick a fight with a breed ten times its size, and there is a real behavioral reason why this happens. Explore small dog syndrome →
• The Malchi's training has a hidden failure point that trips up even patient owners, and the issue has nothing to do with aggression. Understand the training pitfall →
• Their diet isn't as flexible as most small dogs', and feeding them the wrong way has consequences specific to this breed. Check their diet needs →

The Malchi goes by many names, like Malachi or Maltechi, and it is a mix between the Maltese and Chihuahua.

Just like their parents, they are rambunctious, energetic, extremely loving, and caring. They require extra attention early on with socialization and training to ensure they get along with animals or children. However, they are great companions for older adults as they require minimal exercise.

They are a designer breed and still a novice in the dog breeding world, as they were only introduced in the early 2000s. Due to the lack of knowledge about this breed, much of the information is gathered from its parent breeds.

The Malchi is a proud breed and often thinks it is bigger than its actual size. So, they might try to dominate and bully other breeds, even dogs much larger than themselves.

Overall, the Malchi is as cute as a button and makes a great companion for single or elderly people. They might be small, but they have big hearts and even bigger egos!

History of the Breed

The Malchi is a designer breed and was introduced in the early 2000s. Although they are a very popular new breed, they don’t have a well-documented history, and like most designer dog breeds, much of the information about them is gathered from their parent breeds, in this case, the Chihuahua and the Maltese.

The Chihuahua is an ancient dog and is believed to have descended from a small, mute, desert dog called the Techichi that was kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as early as the 9th century. The Techichi was bred with the Mexican hairless dog, Xoloitzcuintli, to give us the Chihuahua that we know today. The Maltese is another ancient breed, purported to have existed for 29 centuries, and it is believed to have come from the island of Malta.

Three Pros And Cons Of Owning A Malchi

As with every dog breed, there are specific pros and cons you need to know about before getting one. Here are 3 Malchi pros and cons you need to know about:

The Best Dog Food For A Malchi

Designer dogs often have intestinal and digestive problems, so they need to eat a diet high in fiber to aid digestion. Unfortunately, this means that Malchis must eat a specialized diet. Firstly, stick to dry foods that will prevent risks associated with indigestion.

In addition, you should never overfeed a Malchi. If you buy nutrient-rich dog food, rather divide it into two or three portions throughout the day. Then, as they age, you can adjust the amount according to their size.

Size And Weight

It’s hard to accurately determine the weight and size because the Malchi is a cross between Maltese and Chihuahua, and their offspring usually vary greatly, even in the same litter. However, the adults generally weigh 7 to 12 pounds and measure between 6 to 14 inches in height.

Common Health Issues

Many believe that mixing two purebreds strengthens the gene pool and makes a healthier breed. However, this is not always the case. In fact, it can make the mixed breed more susceptible to both parents’ health issues. For the Malchi, this includes:

• Hip dysplasia
• PDA (Patent ductus arteriosus)
• Obesity
• Eye Issues
• Patellar Luxations
• Allergies

Allergies and stomach sensitivity affect dogs with lighter coats more, so if you have a cream or white Malchi, always ensure they stick to a strict diet and monitor their reaction for food allergies and upset stomachs.

Registered and reputable breeders screen their puppies for genetic defects, which reduces the chances of congenital illnesses. Unfortunately, backyard breeders often have puppies with infections or parasitic infestations.

But if you look after your Malchi properly with a healthy diet, exercise, and regular vet checkups, there’s no reason why they can’t live a long and healthy life.

Temperament

The Malchi is tiny, but it has a heart of a lion and thinks it’s one too! They have “small dog syndrome,” which makes them believe they are bigger than other dogs. In addition, they have a voice to go with their attitude. Both the ego and barking are traits from their Chihuahua genes.

A Malchi will generally bark at visitors who come to your home, including other animals. However, they are very caring, playful, and loving. In addition, they don’t require much exercise, which is why they are such good pets for the elderly.

Unfortunately, they don’t interact well with others and usually need to be an only pet. It is not impossible to socialize them if you start early. However, they are incredibly dominant, and their tendency to bark and snap if angered makes it hard.

How To Take Care Of A Malchi

Taking care of a Malchi is easy, as long as you can manage these four guidelines:

Maintenance And Grooming

Malchis aren’t big shedders, but you should brush their coats two to four times a week. However, if you like grooming them, you can brush them every day.

If you don’t brush your Malchi, its fur will mat, which is very painful for them as it pulls on their skin. In addition, make sure to manage the length of their nails and, for gum health, brush their teeth every day. Never wash them too often because it can damage their skin; stick to weekly baths.

Training

The Malchi is very stubborn and might be hard to train. Initially, they might react well to commands, but the repetition will start to bore them, and they will lose interest. That’s why it is probably best to hire a professional to help you train your Malchi; they can work out a dynamic schedule instead of a repeated routine.

Exercise

While they are energetic dogs, Malchis don’t need a lot of exercise. However, this does not mean they don’t need any activity. They do need outside time every day, and not just to go to the bathroom. In addition, you should play with them inside as well. A good 30-minute walk a day is perfect. Anything more than that at one time will tire their little bodies out.

They also need mental stimulation, which you can achieve through puzzles, toys, sniffing on walks, teaching them tricks, and games.

Puppies

A Malchi usually has a litter of two to five puppies, Pups from the same litter can differ in appearance because they can take after either parent.

The puppies are tiny and fragile, so you should be extremely gentle when handling them to avoid any injuries. Never leave one of these puppies unattended with children, or take them to a place with big crowds.

Malchis And Children

The Malchi does not like children and won’t do well with teenagers either, so they are not family dogs. They are stubborn and can be aggressive if provoked. For example, young children will want to pull their tails or ears, which could cause a Malchi to snap. In addition, they are barkers and will wake the kids up in the middle of the night if something spooks them.

Dogs Similar To The Malchi

• Havanese
• German Spaniel
• French Spaniel
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Chinese Crested