Malchi

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

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Just like their parents, they are rambunctious, energetic, extremely loving, and caring. However, 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 their parent breeds.

The Malchi is a proud breed and often think they are bigger than their actual size. So, they might try to dominate and bully other breeds, even dogs much larger than them.

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

History Of 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.

Health and Entertainment for your Malchi

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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 then 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.

Ten Different Types Of Maltese And Chihuahua Mixes

The Malchi is not the only Maltese or Chihuahua mix, there are many others, and they are all adorable! Here is a list of some Maltese or Chihuahua mixes:

Maltipoo (Poodle and Maltese Mix)

The adorable Maltipoo is a Maltese and Poodle mix. They are affectionate animals who win their owners over with their charming and fun-loving nature. Maltipoos make great companions, and anyone would be lucky to have one. In addition, they are highly intelligent and if you own one, ensure you have bundles of toys and enrichment to keep them stimulated.

Malshi (Shih Tzu and Maltese Mixe)

Malshis are a mix between Maltese and Shih Tze, and they are the cutest things on the planet! These adorable dogs will have you in stitches with their playful nature. They are great if you want a lap dog and will keep you company for hours on end if you let it. The Malshi is one of the most desirable mixed breeds because of its loyal and kind nature.

Morkie (Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese Mix)

What could be cuter than a Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese mix? The answer is simple, nothing! This breed is rambunctious and playful and has no problem with affection. They inherit their intelligence from their parent, the Maltese, and need a lot of stimulation. As a result, owners often purchase training games to keep them occupied.

Maltipom (Pomeranian and Maltese Mix)

A Maltipom is a mix between a Pomeranian and Maltese. If you want a long-haired beauty, Maltipoms is for you. They have luscious locks that would make any bald man jealous! However, with their beautiful fur comes a lot of grooming maintenance. So be ready to spend your weekends styling this adorable little creature’s hair.

Scottese (Scottish Terrier and Maltese Mix)

The Scottese is a mix between a Scottish terrier and Maltese. They get their energy from their terrier genes and are also very independent and stubborn. They are highly intelligent, and if they don’t get any stimulation, they might get up to some serious mischief. So, you can keep them occupied by purchasing toys or games.

Chorkie (Chihuahua and Yorkie Mix)

The Chorkie is mixed between a Chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier. They are very popular amongst celebrities, and you often see them sticking out of actresses’ bags! They demand their owner’s attention and don’t do well in family settings. Because they are fiercely loyal and jealous, they become hostile in certain situations. However, towards their owners, they are very lovable.

Chug/Pughuahua (Chihuahua and Pug Mix)

The Chug (also known as Pughuahua) is a mix between a Pug and Chihuahua. They are silly like Pugs but feisty like Chihuahuas. In addition, they are such fun and loving animals. This breed loves to be around its owners and hates being left alone. In fact, Chug tends to suffer from separation anxiety and always wants to be the center of attention.

Chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund Mix)

The Chiweenie is mixed between a Dachshund and Chihuahua, and breeders often refer to them as the “Mexican Hotdog.” They are perfect for someone looking for a faithful companion because they are so loving. That’s why they are the ideal breed for singles or older people, where they can attach themselves to one person. However, they are not great with children.

Chi-Poo (Chihuahua and Toy Poodle Mix)

The Chi-Poo is a small dog-lovers dream! Their tiny size is not their only good trait; they are also really loving and friendly. In addition, this breed is easy to care for, thanks to their hypoallergenic coat, which they inherited from their Poodle parent. They are great for people who work a lot or just have a hectic lifestyle because they don’t mind being left alone. However, this does not mean they don’t like attention; they adore getting love and cuddles.

Labrahuahua ( Chihuahua and Labrador Mix)

The Labrahuahua is a mix between a Chihuahua and Labrador. They get their characteristics from both breeds, and people love them for their outstanding temperament, which they inherit from their Labrador genes. This breed does well with active people as they love to get lots of exercise. In addition, they are highly intelligent and affectionate. All-in-all, they are one well-rounded canine companion.

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 digestion problems, so they need to eat a diet high in fiber. 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.

A great brand to feed your Malchi is Merrick Real Texas Beef with Sweet Potato Recip Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food. It contains natural beef, sweet potato, and other nutrient-rich ingredients.

In addition, there are no fillers, corn, soy, or artificial preservatives; other benefits include:

• Beef is its main ingredient
• It contains a healthy dose of carbohydrates and protein for optimum health benefits
• It contains omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin

Best Food For Malchi Puppies

Great dog food for Malchi puppies is Wellness Complete Health Puppy Debone Chicken, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe.

This puppy food provides your fur baby with all the nutrients needed to become an active and healthy pet. It contains no fillers, poultry by-products, preservatives, or artificial colors. It has natural, non-GMO food sources that:

• Includes DHA that helps adequate development of vision and the brain
• Formulated to help nourish your puppy’s development and growth
• Made using 100% natural and quality ingredients

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 12 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 makes 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’s not impossible to socialize them if you start young. 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 Malchi is easy, as long as you can manage these four guidelines:

Maintenance And Grooming

Malchi’s aren’t big shedders, but you should brush their coasts 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, ensure 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 energetic dogs, the Malchi doesn’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 four puppies, which are the cutest things ever! Pups from the same litter can differ in appearance because they can take after any 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

Famous Malchi

While the Malchi breed is still too new to have a famous ambassador, their parents have both appeared in many movies and TV shows and are arguably some of the most famous dogs in the world. They include:

Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua, Tinkerbelle

Tinkerbelle did not set out to become a reality TV star. Still, she made multiple appearances in the reality show, The Simple Life, with her famous mom, Paris Hilton, and crazy friend, Nicole Richie.

But that’s not all; in 2004, Ms. Hilton released a tell-all memoir, “The Tinkerbell Hilton Diaries: My Life Tailing Paris Hilton.” After the book was released, drama struck when Tinkerbelle went missing. Luckily, Paris offered a $3,000 reward, and someone returned her a week later.

Bruiser Woods, The Chihuahua From Legally Blonde

Bruiser Woods was the star of the show in the first and second Legally Blonde. Of course, who could forget Elle Wood’s tiny co-star?

Bruiser’s real name was Moonie, and he was Reese Witherspoon’s constant companion while shooting both films. Bruiser oozed confidence; he was social and the best dresser out of the whole cast! Sadly, Moonie passed away in 2016 at the age of 18.

Tiffany From The Movie Benji

Benji premiered in 1974, and a small Maltese had a role as Tiffany, a dog that the main character, Benji, befriends.

Skipper From The Maltese Dog

In 2015, a short film named The Maltese Dog was released. The movie is about two FBI agents, Fong and Wong, who need to solve the dognapping of a massive movie star, Skipper, the Maltese.

Cinnamon

The animated movie, Cinnamon, went straight to DVD in 2011. It was about a Maltese who gets in the middle of two single parents’ break-up but also helps bring them back together. Brenda Song voices Cinnamon.

Popular Names For A Malchi

Naming your puppy is one of the best parts when welcoming them into your family. While everyone is unique, here are some of the most popular names for a Malchi:

• Lily
• Charlie
• Bella
• Sophie
• Milo
• Max
• Teddy
• Daisy
• Zoe
• Chloe