Maltipom

The Maltipom is a first-generation designer toy breed created by merging Maltese and Pomeranian parents. It has its origin in the United States. In combining the two, you end up with a lovable spark plug that has the potential to be low-shedding and friendly to allergy sufferers. The Maltipom is an affectionate dog suited to small home or apartment living and is eager to please its owner. This tiny dog is energetic but has minimal exercise needs. The breed is good with children and other pets, though it is better with older children due to its small body and the tendency of small children to be rough with pets.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Maltipom

The Best Dog Food For Maltipom

The Maltipom is a small, high-energy dog. A smaller dog like this will require an appropriately sized, quality ingredient kibble. Also, smaller dogs eat small amounts but more frequently.

Size and Weight

The Maltipom is a designer toy breed. Its parents are the Maltese and the Pomeranian, making the Maltipom a tiny dog. There is little difference between the sizes of females and males. They stand between 7 and 8 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 3 and 8 pounds.

Common Health Issues

Due to its status as a hybrid breed, the Maltipom is relatively healthy, though it may be susceptible to problems experienced by its parent breeds. As a newer breed, there is not much data on its health yet. Some issues to look out for include: patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a congenital heart defect that can be diagnosed in puppies; hip dysplasia, which is a common joint problem suffered by many dogs; patellar luxation, a problem with slipping kneecaps that can be less likely if the dog is not made to do an activity which can stress the knees or jumping from a high place; skin problems which can be treated with proper grooming and veterinary care; finally, there may be a tendency to hypothyroidism which can be treated with veterinary care and medication.

Temperament

The Maltipom is an affectionate, gentle companion dog. It also has a lot of playful and alert energy, making for an entertaining yet vigilant pet. Eager to please, this delightful bundle of fur is highly trainable and wants to spend time with its favorite person, following them from room to room, sitting on their lap, and playing indoor games. The Maltipom is an excellent choice for families and individuals in small homes, though its barking may not make it the best for apartments. It likes children but is nervous and potentially nippy around younger children due to the Maltipom’s small frame and the tendency of small children to handle a pet too roughly.

How To Take Care of Maltipom  

Maintenance And Grooming

To keep your Maltipom’s coat looking its best, spray it with water and wipe it down if it gets dirty. Brush your Maltipom’s coat every day. To prevent tear staining, use pet wipes around the eyes. Also, only bathe your Malti when it’s needed. In the meantime, use dry shampoo to stretch the time between baths. When grooming your dog, check its ears, as its hair tends to trap dirt and debris. You may need to trim its coat a little if it is like the Maltese. Shedding can occur if the coat is more like the Pomeranian’s.

Trim your Maltipom’s nails when they begin to get too long. Also, brush its teeth at least 2 to 3 times a week. If you don’t brush them daily, you can use special chew toys to clear plaque buildup.

Training 

When it comes to training, the Maltipom is a joy. Just like both its parents, the Maltipom loves to please. Training should include common commands like “come,” “stay,” and especially “quiet,” as the Maltipom is a very vocal dog. Socialization should also be high on the list because these dogs have a territorial sense and “small dog syndrome.” They have a dominant personality, which should be tempered with obedience and socialization training. Be firm and consistent in handling the dog, and you should have a very loving pet.

Exercise

Maltipoms are active dogs but don’t have much endurance; they move in short, energetic spurts. A 30-minute walk is suitable for daily activity, and you should include a lot of play and exercise. You can split up playtime between indoor play, training, and time at dog parks, which is also suitable for socialization. If you have a fenced-in yard, supervise your Maltipom’s play; these small dogs are at risk of being taken by birds of prey, coyotes, and other predators. Also, avoid exercising your dog in extreme temperatures; Maltipoms are sensitive to heat and cold. Play and exercise time is good for them because a lack of it can contribute to weight problems. Finally, a lack of mental and physical stimulation can result in barking, chewing, and other negative behaviors.

Maltipom Puppies

Puppies should begin socialization after being brought home to combat their territorial and dominant tendencies. This sounds funny for a small dog, but Maltipoms don’t always believe they’re small. Paradoxically, Maltipoms can become anxious around strangers and small children, so socialize them early. Small children can easily hurt these tiny puppies, so don’t allow them to play together unsupervised. Don’t let the puppies play too roughly, and don’t force them to engage in intense physical activity; their little bodies are fragile early on. Though they are trainable and eager to please, Maltipoms are challenging to housetrain because of their small bladders. Crate training and the use of puppy training pads are recommended. Finally, breeding Maltipoms is not a predictable science. One cannot predict the puppy’s appearance because even puppies in the same litter will look different.

Maltipom And Children

Maltipoms love children, but they are fragile dogs and can feel threatened by rough handling from small children. Socialization of Maltipoms with children should begin early, and children should be trained to handle the dogs gently.

Dogs Similar to Maltipom

The dogs most similar to the Maltipom are the two parent breeds.

• Maltese: The Maltese is a companion dog with the coat that Maltipom owners covet: a long, silky coat with little shedding or dander. It also has the calm demeanor to temper the fiery disposition of the Pomeranian.
• Pomeranian: A Spitz-type dog, the Pomeranian is bold and unafraid to challenge larger animals. This gives the Maltipom its territorial disposition. The Maltipom can also get the Pom’s fox-like ears.