Maltese Mix

Quick Take

• These lap dogs were bred for royalty, yet they were also quietly doing a job most people would never expect from something this small.
• Not all Maltese mixes are apartment-friendly, so assuming yours is could be a noisy mistake.
• Low-shedding doesn't mean what most Maltese mix owners think it means, a misconception that has real consequences for allergy sufferers.
• Their diet needs are surprisingly specific. The wrong food choice can trigger a chain of health problems unique to this breed group.

The Maltese mix is a toy breed known for its affectionate, playful, and loyal temperament. They are excellent companion dogs and are perfectly suited to indoor lifestyles. Their small size and charming personality make them ideal family dogs, especially for those who live in small homes or apartments. The breed is part of the toy group of dogs and can even be found historically in ancient Greek and Roman art. The Maltese mix is a lovely breed of dog that has been providing companionship to people for thousands of years.

Fun Facts

• The Maltese breed originated in Malta, hence its name, and has existed for around 2,800 years.
• They were popular lap dogs among royalty. No wonder these adorable dogs look like princes and princesses.
• Interestingly, these small dogs make great guard dogs despite their size. They are brave, alert, and loyal — great guard dog material.

The Different Types of Maltese Mixes 

Maltipoo (Poodle x Maltese Mix)

The Maltipoo is an extremely popular breed that has the best qualities of both Poodles and Maltese dogs. They are gentle, playful, and extremely intelligent. They make great companions for anyone looking for a best friend. The average Maltipoo weighs between 5 and 20 pounds, making them a great small-sized dog. Not only will they make great pets, but they shed very little or not at all, so they can be a great option if pet fur irritates you.

Malchi (Chihuahua x Maltese Mix)

The Malchi is a small breed that is gentle, affectionate, and playful. Even though these adorable dogs are small, they have big personalities, so be prepared to spoil them. The Malchi can become quite protective or aggressive if not socialized and would do great in a home that is quiet and slower-paced. The average Malchi weighs between 5 and 12 pounds — small enough to carry around everywhere — a proper purse dog.

Malshi (Shih Tzu x Maltese Mix)

The Malshi is a designer breed of dog that is cuddly, energetic, and affectionate. These dogs love attention and get along with everyone and everything if socialized properly. Malshis typically stand between 6 and 14 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 12 pounds. Even though the Malshi is small, these dogs can be quite noisy, so they may not be great for apartment living.

Morkie (Yorkshire Terrier x Maltese Mix)

Morkies are small, energetic, and attention-seeking. These little dogs are great for small or single-person households. The Morkie typically weighs between 4 and 8 pounds when fully grown and stands between 6 and 9 inches in height at the shoulder. Even though the Morkie is small, they can be very stubborn due to the Yorkshire Terrier in them. However, these dogs also make great watchdogs and are extremely loyal.

Here are some other types of Maltese mixes:

• Malteagle (Beagle x Maltese Mix)
• Cavamalt (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Maltese Mix)
• Silky Cocker (Cocker Spaniel x Maltese Mix)
• Maudie (Dachshund x Maltese Mix)
• Havamalt (Havanese x Maltese Mix)
• Malti Pin (Miniature Pinscher x Maltese Mix)
• Mauzer (Miniature Schnauzer x Maltese Mix)
• Papitese (Papillon x Maltese Mix)
• Peke-A-Tese (Pekingese x Maltese Mix)
• Maltichon (Bichon x Maltese Mix)

Owning a Maltese Mix: 3 Pros and Cons

Size and Weight 

Given that there are many different Maltese mix combinations, the average size and weight of a Maltese mix varies a lot. Generally, these dogs can weigh anywhere between 4 and 15 pounds when fully grown and between 6 and 12 inches tall. As usual, the males are larger than their female counterparts.

Common Health Issues

Maltese mixes, although generally healthy, may be prone to a few specific health issues. One common health issue that Maltese mixes can get is luxating patella. Luxating patella is common in small-breed dogs, and it refers to a health issue where one or both kneecaps pop in and out of place. This can cause the dog to favor one leg over another and can predispose the dog to a cruciate injury and arthritis.

Heart abnormalities are another common health issue Maltese mixes can have. Heart failure signs include difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and stunted growth.

Dental disease is common in Maltese mixes due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Make sure to check your Maltese mix’s teeth regularly, and visit the vet at least once a year to check your dog’s dental health.

Allergies in Maltese mixes are fairly common and can easily be identified. Common signs include itchiness, redness, and chewing feet — if your dog has these symptoms, visit a vet.

Another common health issue for Maltese mixes is pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the pancreas. Signs include abdominal pain, inappetence, and vomiting.

Obesity is another common health issue in Maltese mixes. Obesity can cause many other health issues in dogs, so it is important to keep your dog at a healthy weight. a helpful tip: don’t feed your dog table scraps.

Lastly, bladder stones are common in these dogs. Bladder stones are rock-like crystals that develop in the urinary bladder. Signs of your dog having bladder stones include blood in the urine and straining to urinate.

Temperament and Behavior

They are known for their friendly, affectionate, and lively personalities. This dog is often described as having playful social behaviors and being eager to please their owners. They enjoy human company and love to be included in family activities. Maltese mixes are generally good with children and other pets. However, they may require supervision around very young children due to their small size.

They are intelligent, trainable, and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Some may be prone to separation anxiety if they are left alone for extended periods of time, so it is important to provide plenty of mental stimulation and social interaction when you can.

How to Take Care of a Maltese Mix 

Caring for a Maltese mix involves a number of considerations to ensure their health and well-being. As puppies, they require extra attention to socialization, training, and toilet training. Because they are prone to some health problems, it is crucial to provide regular visits to your veterinarian for checkups. You should also provide a healthy and nutritious diet, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation. Most importantly, commit to providing a lifetime of love and care for your dog.

The Best Dog Food

The Maltese mix is a small and relatively low-energy dog, which means they do not need to eat a large amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. Most adult Maltese mixes will require between ¼ to ¾ cups of dry dog food per day, divided into two to three smaller meals. It is important to remember that each Maltese mix will require different amounts depending on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health.

When choosing a food for your Maltese mix, it is crucial to look at options that are specifically designed for small breeds and toy dogs. These foods are generally made with smaller kibble sizes and higher nutrient densities to meet the unique nutritional needs of smaller dogs. If you are ever unsure, it is always best to consult your veterinarian. They will know exactly what type of food and how much to feed to keep your Maltese mix happy and healthy.

Maltese mixes are prone to several health problems related to their diet, so when looking at your food options, it is important to avoid foods high in carbohydrates and sugars, or foods containing excessive amounts of certain minerals such as struvite and calcium oxalate.

Maintenance And Grooming

Maltese mixes require regular grooming to maintain their long, silky coats. They should be brushed every day to prevent matting and tangling, and bathed every 4 to 6 weeks. Regular trimming of the hair around their eyes, ears, and paws is important to keep these areas clean and to prevent infections. Some Maltese mixes may be prone to skin allergies or skin conditions, so it is important to keep their skin clean and dry.

How much do Maltese mixes shed?

Maltese mixes are considered low-shedding dogs and are widely regarded as hypoallergenic, though no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Their long, silky fur has no undercoat, making them much less likely to shed than other dog breeds.

Training

Maltese mixes are intelligent and generally easy to train. However, when mixed with other breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, your Maltese mix may be more stubborn and harder to train. Other Maltese mixes, such as the Maltipoo, are very trainable and comparable to the Poodle breed.

Exercise

They are energetic dogs and require regular exercise. Generally, two walks of around 20–30 minutes per day will meet their physical requirements and keep your dog happy. Because they are extremely playful, it is vital to have playtime with these dogs as well. Fetch, tug, and other games will not only strengthen your bond with your dog, but will also benefit their body and mind.

Puppies 

When it comes to puppies, you have to keep their tiny size in mind. These puppies are so small that they are easy to step on, so make sure to keep an eye out.

Maltese Mix And Children

Maltese mixes are perfect for families with children and will make valuable companions. Be careful when very young children are around, though, as the dog’s small size can make it prone to injury if handled too roughly.