The Havanese Maltese Mix: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

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Black And White Havanese
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The Havanese Maltese Mix is a delightful companion, known for its playful and affectionate nature. They are intelligent dogs that thrive on attention and interaction.

Their small size, typically weighing between 7-13 pounds, makes them an ideal pet for apartment dwellers or those with limited space. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, silky coats.

With a lifespan of 12-15 years, owning a Havanese Maltese Mix is a long-term commitment that requires patience, love, and proper care. They are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as eye problems and dental issues.

For your interest: Havanese Dog Health Issues

Characteristics and Traits

The Havanese Maltese mix is a wonderful breed, and one of the best things about them is their friendly nature. They are known to be super friendly and outgoing, making them great with children and other pets.

One of the key characteristics of this breed is their intelligence. They are easy to train, which is a big plus for first-time dog owners. With patience and consistency, you can teach your Havanese Maltese mix all sorts of cool tricks and commands.

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In terms of exercise, Havanese Maltese mixes don't need a lot. A short walk or a play session in the backyard is enough to keep them happy and healthy. This makes them a great choice for people who live in apartments or have limited space.

The size of a Havanese Maltese mix can vary, but they usually weigh between 3 and 10 kg and have a shoulder height of 15 to 30 cm. Males and females are roughly the same size, with weights ranging from 3 to 7 kg.

Here are some key characteristics of the Havanese Maltese mix breed:

Overall, the Havanese Maltese mix is a loving and intelligent breed that makes a great companion for anyone. With their gentle nature and low-maintenance exercise needs, they are a great choice for families, seniors, and first-time dog owners alike.

Health and Care

The Havanese Maltese mix is generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Depending on breeding practices and environment, they may be predisposed to issues such as Luxating patella, Hip and elbow dysplasia, Deafness, Hypothyroidism, and Allergies.

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Responsible breeders should follow testing guidelines established by the Canine Health Information Center to minimize negative outcomes in their pups. They should be able to outline what known health concerns affect both mom and dad.

A Maltese has a lengthy lifespan, usually 12–15 years, with few medical issues. With proper care, you can enjoy your Havanese Maltese mix for a long time.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in a Havanese Maltese mix:

  • Luxating patella
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Allergies

It's essential to learn about the health of both mom and dad to make an informed decision when choosing a healthy Havanese Maltese mix.

Physical Appearance

The Havanese Maltese mix is a small dog with a unique appearance. They have a short to medium-length coat that's either white, black, or tan in color.

Their coat is thick and soft, and they don't shed very much. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.

Credit: youtube.com, Havanese dog face trim (vertical video)

The Havanese Maltese mix breed usually weighs between 3 and 10 kg. They have a shoulder height of 15 to 30 cm.

Here's a breakdown of their size and weight:

Their ears are floppy and triangular in shape, and they have a fanned-out tail.

Breed Characteristics of Mixed Breed Dogs

The Havanese Maltese mix is a small to medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 3 and 10 kg and having a shoulder height of 15 to 30 cm.

Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, ranging from medium to long in length and coming in a variety of colors including white, black, and tan.

The Havanese Maltese mix has a compact body with long legs and a short tail, making them well-suited for apartment living.

They have a high-maintenance coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Here's a breakdown of their physical characteristics:

Their lifespan is typically between 12 and 15 years, making them a long-term companion.

They are generally easy to train and are known to be gentle and loving, making them a great choice for families with children.

Care and Maintenance

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A Havanese Maltese mix needs regular grooming to prevent tangles and knots in their silky coat.

To keep their coat soft and luxurious, brush your pet at least twice a week. They naturally have long hair, but can get haircuts for easier maintenance and a cooling effect during the summer months.

This breed typically doesn't shed much, whether their coat is kept long or short.

Training and Health

Training a Havanese Maltese mix requires consistency and patience, especially when it comes to house training, which can take longer than expected.

They are eager to learn and participate in obedience and agility training from an early age, making them a joy to train.

Their attentive personality makes it easy to maintain control, but they do have a stubborn side that can become a problem if there are too many distractions around them.

Consistency is key to overcoming their occasional stubbornness and helping them learn quickly.

For another approach, see: Havanese Potty Training

Exercise

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The Havanese breed requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They don't need a lot, just a 20-minute walk and at least 10 minutes of active playtime can keep them in good shape.

Trips to the dog park, visits to the beach, and hikes in the woods are all activities that most Havanese enjoy. These outings can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need.

Hide-and-seek and puzzle toys are great exercise options when it's not possible to go outdoors. They can be a fun way to keep your Havanese engaged and active even on a rainy day.

Training

This small dog breed is as willing and able to participate in obedience and agility training from the time that they are puppies.

Their attentive personality makes it easy to maintain control, though they do have a stubborn side that can become a problem if too many distractions are happening around them.

Consistency is essential when training this breed, as they tend to learn quickly but take longer than some other breeds to house train.

They are intelligent and eager to please, but may require more time and patience to master certain commands and behaviors.

Broaden your view: Havanese Training

Health Conditions

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The Havanese Maltese mix is a wonderful breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most common health problems in Havamalt is allergies, which can cause excessive scratching, rubbing of the face, and hair loss.

Dogs with allergies may be allergic to grass, pollen, and dust mites, or certain foods like chicken, beef, or wheat.

Eye problems are another concern for Havanese Maltese mixes. They can be prone to cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and cherry eye, which can lead to blindness if not treated in time.

Regular veterinary checkups can help catch these issues early on, and with proper care, most of them can be managed.

Here are some common health problems that can affect Havanese Maltese mixes:

  • Allergies
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Dry eyes
  • Cherry eye
  • Epilepsy
  • Mitral valve disease (heart disease)

It's essential to work closely with a veterinarian to monitor your dog's health and address any potential issues before they become serious problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the life expectancy of a Havanese Maltese dog?

The life expectancy of a Havanese Maltese dog is between 14-16 years, with some living longer with proper care. However, they may be prone to certain health issues that can affect their lifespan.

What is the personality of a Maltese Havanese dog?

Maltese Havanese dogs are highly affectionate, intelligent, and playful companions that thrive on human interaction. They are trusting and responsive, but require close supervision in public due to their friendly nature

What is the best Maltese mix?

There is no single "best" Maltese mix, as each unique combination offers its own characteristics and benefits. If you're looking for a low-shedding, friendly companion, consider exploring the various Maltese mix options to find the perfect fit for you.

What is a Havanese Maltese mix called?

A Havanese Maltese mix is commonly known as a Havamalt. This adorable crossbreed combines the loving nature of the Havanese with the playful personality of the Maltese.

Are Havamalt good dogs?

Yes, Havamalts make great family pets due to their affectionate and playful nature. However, they do require close supervision, especially during playtime with children.

Patricia Kreiger

Writer

Patricia Kreiger is a passionate writer with a focus on canine-related topics. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the pet care community, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in covering various breeds and their characteristics. Patricia's writing often delves into the intricacies of specific breeds, such as the Ridgeback and German Shepherd, as well as the complexities of breed comparisons and the FCI breed standard.

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