Malteagle

Quick Take

• The Malteagle's most lovable trait doubles as its biggest safety risk, which is something most owners never see coming. See the escape risk →
• There's a specific dietary ingredient many dog owners consider harmless that could seriously threaten a Malteagle's heart. Check the diet warning →
• Their coat is famously low-allergen, but keeping it that way demands more from owners than most expect. See grooming demands →
• Training a Malteagle is trickier than it looks, and starting at the wrong time makes it significantly harder. Start training right →

A Malteagle is a cross between a Beagle and a Maltese. The result is a sweet, playful, and adventurous dog that makes a truly delightful companion. Malteagle owners love how cheerful and cuddly their pets are, and nearly everyone can agree that these dogs are beloved for their long, fluffy, and hypoallergenic coats. Beagles are hunting dogs, but the Maltese is a toy breed. This means that your Malteagle will have an adventurous personality but will be more inclined to cuddle and play than to hunt around outdoors.

Although Malteagles are hard to find, there are plenty of Maltese breeders who will be willing to help you acquire one of these designer pets. If you’re looking for a fun and friendly hybrid dog with a great personality, the Malteagle is an excellent choice.

Owning a Malteagle: 3 Pros and Cons

Size and Weight

Malteagles are small dogs with fluffy coats of white hair. This designer dog breed’s Beagle blood makes them slightly larger than their Maltese parents, but they are still small enough to be considered a small breed. In general, you can expect a full-grown Malteagle to weigh between 13 and 25 pounds and to stand between 10 and 15 inches tall. Male Malteagles are usually larger than their female counterparts, although the difference is often quite minimal.

Common Health Issues

Like most designer dog breeds, Malteagles are incredibly healthy and have reliably long lifespans. These pups are too small to experience the joint dysplasia that often plagues larger dogs; instead, they are likely to experience issues related to blood flow, given the short distance between their heart and extremities where injuries may occur. A Malteagle may also experience retinal issues and occasional skin allergies.

Temperament

Malteagles are sweet and friendly dogs with loving and affectionate personalities. In general, you can expect a Malteagle to exhibit incredibly playful and cuddly personality traits — especially when they have recently had a nap. Like their Beagle parents, these dogs are also incredibly adventurous and love to explore both indoor and outdoor environments. Many Malteagle owners love to take their pets on long walks and enjoy seeing their dog happily prance through the dog park.

Although Malteagles have even temperaments, these dogs are as capable of getting irritated as any other canine. Most Malteagles expect to get a reasonable amount of rest and will become snappy if they are allowed to get too tired. Luckily, the solution is as simple as providing plenty of soft places and allowing your Malteagle to rest between social interactions. A Malteagle’s ideal day includes good meals, several rounds of playtime, and plenty of cuddling with their primary owner.

How to Take Care of a Malteagle

Malteagles are sweet dogs that don’t need much to stay happy. As long as you feed them at regular intervals, play with them throughout the day, and provide a safe environment for them to explore, your Malteagle will make their own fun while you’re taking care of your human responsibilities. Don’t forget to brush your dog regularly, and keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get lost in large or crowded environments.

The Best Dog Food

Even full-grown Malteagles are small dogs that don’t need to eat a lot of food to stay healthy. However, because they are descended from Beagles, these dogs are very food-oriented and love to explore new tastes and smells. Start by buying a high-quality kibble and feeding small portions, as veterinarians recommend.

Malteagles are vulnerable to heart disease, so look into the link between legumes and heart failure in dogs, and think about opting for legume-free dog food.

Alternatively, you can cook homemade dog food with lean meats and vegetables. You may also want to feed your dog small treats throughout the day, especially during training sessions. If your Malteagle is gaining weight or exhibiting destructive behavior, they may be consuming too many calories.

Maintenance and Grooming

These dogs have long coats of hypoallergenic fur. Although they won’t shed, these dogs need to be brushed regularly to keep their fur from matting. For best results, make brushing a daily activity; look for a wide-toothed brush or comb that glides through the fur without snagging or pulling. You should also bathe your dog at least once a month. Remember to trim their nails, brush their teeth, and inspect their ears for any signs of infection.

Training

Malteagles can be independent and stubborn, which may make training a challenge, but they are intelligent and can learn commands with patience and consistency. Start training soon after you bring your new puppy home. Keep sessions short; in the beginning, you may want to hold several 15-minute training sessions throughout the day to help reinforce important commands. As your dog gets older, hold at least three training sessions a week to make sure they don’t forget anything that they have learned.

Exercise

These dogs are playful and love to exercise. Start by providing your dog with plenty of space to run around the house. These dogs don’t necessarily need a yard, but they love having access to one. If you can’t let your dog outside and off-leash, make sure to take them on at least one 60-minute walk every day. If your dog does have access to a yard, they may only need a short walk in the morning or evening.

Puppies

Puppies are excitable and adventurous. Because they are so small, they need to be watched closely to make sure that they do not get lost or hurt during their explorations. Expect puppies to eat more often than their adult counterparts, and remember to buy a high-nutrition dog food intended for their age group.

Malteagles and Children

These dogs are playful and small, making them a great choice as companions for children. Remember not to give a Malteagle or any other dog to a child who is too small to understand canine boundaries. Because of their small size, these dogs need to be watched closely to make sure that they do not get hurt. Encourage your children to play gently, and rescue your dog from the situation if they start to get tired.

Dogs Similar to Malteagles

These dogs are popular for their playful attitudes and hypoallergenic coats. If you’re looking for something similar, consider another hybrid that includes either a Maltese or a toy poodle. Many designer breeders offer several different crossbreeds from the same selection of genetic lines.

• Maltipoo: Maltipoos are sweet, loving, and incredibly hypoallergenic.
• Poogle: The Poogle has the playful personality of a Beagle mixed with the curly coat of a miniature poodle. Make sure that your Poogle is descended from a miniature poodle rather than a standard poodle, or they’ll be much bigger than expected.
• Morkie: With bright eyes and fluffy coats, Morkies are one of the cutest terrier hybrids on the market.