Maltese Mix Dogs: A Complete Overview of the Breed

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Posted Oct 27, 2024

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White Maltese Dog Standing in Green Grass
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Maltese Mix Dogs are a delightful combination of the original Maltese breed and another dog breed, resulting in a unique and loving companion.

Their small size, typically weighing between 4-8 pounds, makes them a great fit for apartment living or families with small children.

With a lifespan of 12-15 years, Maltese Mix Dogs can bring years of joy and companionship to their owners.

Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and they are generally quiet dogs, making them a great choice for those who live in noise-restricted areas.

What is a Maltese Mix?

A Maltese mix is a cross between a Maltese and another breed, often resulting in a small, adorable companion. They typically weigh between 4 to 6 pounds and stand 7 to 9 inches tall.

Maltese mixes are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them a great fit for families and first-time pet owners. They're also generally easy to train and are often described as gentle and playful.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 BEST MALTESE MIX BREEDS

One of the best things about Maltese mixes is their low exercise needs, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers. They're happy with short, daily walks and playtime, but they don't require a lot of strenuous activity.

Maltese mixes are also known for their beautiful, long coats, which require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They shed very little, making them a good choice for people with allergies.

Here are some key characteristics of Maltese mixes:

With proper care and attention, Maltese mixes can live up to 12 to 15 years, providing a loving and loyal companion for many years to come.

Appearance and Size

The Maltese mix dogs are truly adorable, with their fluffy white fur and sprightly demeanor. They're often described as looking like a little stuffed animal.

Their compact, athletic bodies and small floppy ears make them a joy to behold. Maltese dogs don't shed much, which is a relief for those with allergies.

On average, a Maltese mix dog weighs between 4-7 pounds, and stands between 8-10 inches tall. Some Maltipoo dogs can be slightly larger, weighing up to 14 inches tall and 10 pounds.

Size Differences

Fluffy White Dog in Apartment
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The Malchi is a small dog, but its size can vary depending on its parent breeds. On average, a Malchi weighs only about 7 pounds.

Both Maltese and Maltipoo dogs are considered to be toy size. The Maltese is officially a toy-sized dog with a weight of 4-7 lbs.

The size of a Maltipoo depends on the size of the Poodle parent. It can either come from a Toy sized Poodle (4 to 10 lbs.) or a mini (15 to 17 lbs.).

A Maltipoo may be slightly larger than a Maltese in both weight and height, but it's still considered a small lap dog.

Check this out: Welsh Corgi Weight

Differences in Coat

Maltipoos can inherit their coat type from either their Maltese parent or their Poodle parent, resulting in a wide range of coat possibilities.

Their coat can be silky like the Maltese, tightly curled and frizzled like a Poodle, or a combination of both.

Both the Maltese and Poodle are single coated breeds, but the Maltese hair is usually soft and silky, while the Poodle hair is dense, curly, and somewhat water resistant.

Many Maltipoo dogs have slight to moderately wavy hair, which is a result of more Maltese genes influencing the coat.

The more curls a Maltipoo has, the more Poodle genes it's likely to have.

Expand your knowledge: Short Hair Yorkie Terrier

What Does a Shih Tzu Look Like?

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A Shih Tzu is a small dog with a big personality, and their appearance is just as charming as their temperament.

They typically stand around 10 inches tall.

Their fur is long, soft, silky, and wavy, often white or white with tan markings on the body and ears.

Some Shih Tzus may have black and brown colored markings, although this is less common.

Their eyes are a standout feature, with big round hazel or brown eyes that are truly iconic.

Male and female Shih Tzus typically weigh the same size when they reach full growth.

Parent Breeds

The Maltese is a popular breed that has been crossed with many other breeds to create a variety of Maltese mix dogs. One of the most well-known of these mixes is the Maltese Shih Tzu.

The Maltese Shih Tzu mix is a result of breeding the Maltese with the Shih Tzu in the 1990s. This combination creates a low-shedding dog that's perfect for families with allergies or who want a low-maintenance pet.

The Maltese Shih Tzu mix is known for its long, glossy coat and soft, wavy fur, making it one of the fluffiest pups around.

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The Maltese is a popular dog breed known for being one of the smartest and cutest around. They make wonderful additions to any family, perfect for lap time, cuddles, and dressing up.

Maltese are small fur buddies that require constant brushing and regular baths to maintain their eye-catching hair intact and free from tangles. Their grooming needs can be a bit high maintenance, but it's worth it for their adorable looks.

The Maltese has been bred with many other dog breeds, resulting in a variety of hybrid dogs. Some popular Maltese mixes include the Maltbox, Maltchow, and Bitese.

Here's a brief overview of these Maltese mixes:

The Maltese Boxer mix, also known as the Maltbox, is a combination of the active Boxer and the charming Maltese. They may show signs of stubbornness but will engage in playful activities with the owner. The Boxer Maltese cross may require a training regimen similar to its Boxer parent.

The Maltese Chow Chow mix, also known as the Maltchow, is a high-maintenance dog that requires daily grooming and coat trimming. However, it only needs a bath twice a month or when it is dirty from playing.

See what others are reading: Are Boxer Dogs Good Family Dogs

Shih Tzu Origins

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The Shih Tzu is a breed that originated from the breeding of the Maltese and the Shih Tzu in the 1990s.

U.S. breeders found that combining the low-shedding quality of the Maltese and the friendliness of the Shih Tzu makes an ideal tiny house dog that can adapt to all living environments.

The long glossy coat of the Shih Tzu combined with the Maltese's soft, wavy fur results in one of the fluffiest pups you can find.

The desirable traits of this breed were found to be independent of the breed choice for the father and the mother, making it a unique breed.

Other Breeds Compared

If you're considering a Maltese mix, you might be wondering how they compare to other breeds. The Bichon Frise, for example, is a small, fluffy dog that requires regular grooming like the Maltese.

Their small size means they're adaptable to apartment living, but they still need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. In contrast, the Poodle, another popular small breed, is highly intelligent and easy to train, but can be more high-maintenance than the Maltese mix.

A fresh viewpoint: Maltese Small Dogs

Credit: youtube.com, 18 Maltese Dog Mixes Who Will Make Your Heart Skip a Beat

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a friendly and gentle breed, is often compared to the Maltese mix due to their similar size and affectionate nature. However, they tend to be more energetic and require more exercise than the Maltese mix.

Their calm and gentle demeanor makes them a great fit for families with children, but they still need socialization and training to ensure they're well-behaved.

Health and Care

Maltese mix dogs are generally healthy, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. They typically live for 12 to 14 years with proper care.

Bone and joint disorders are common in Maltese mixes, and conditions like Patellar Luxation can dislocate the knee when flexed. This can be painful and may require surgery.

Eye disorders are also a concern, with conditions like Glaucoma causing optic nerve damage due to fluid buildup. Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early on.

Credit: youtube.com, The Maltese Dog - Character, Care and Health

Respiratory problems can occur in Maltese mixes, especially in hot or dry environments. Loud and distressed breathing can be a sign of an underlying issue.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

  • Bone and joint disorders (e.g. Patellar Luxation)
  • White shaker syndrome (causing head and body tremors)
  • Eye disorders (e.g. Glaucoma)
  • Hypothyroidism (affecting metabolic state)
  • Respiratory problems

Common Health Issues

The Maltese Shih Tzu is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These issues can affect their lifespan, so it's essential to be aware of them.

Bone and joint disorders, such as Patellar Luxation, can dislocate the knee when flexed. This can be a painful condition for your dog.

White shaker syndrome is a condition that causes head and body tremors, common in small white dogs. It's not a life-threatening condition, but it can be a nuisance.

Eye disorders, like Glaucoma, can result in optic nerve damage caused by fluid buildup. This can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that affects a dog's metabolic state, resulting in lethargy, weight gain, and more. It's a common condition in many breeds, including the Maltese Shih Tzu.

White and Brown Long Coat Small Dog
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Respiratory problems can occur when this breed is exposed to high temperatures or dry air, resulting in loud and distressed breathing. This can be a sign of an underlying issue, so it's essential to monitor your dog's breathing.

To ensure you're getting a healthy puppy, ask the breeder for the puppy's and its parents' health clearances. All reputable breeders screen their dogs for common health issues and will be able to provide certification of negative tests.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Maltese Shih Tzus:

  • Bone and joint disorders
  • White shaker syndrome
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Respiratory problems

Nail Trimming

Nail Trimming is a crucial part of your Malshi's grooming routine. As this breed spends more time indoors, their nails don't naturally wear down as much, so regular trimming is a must.

You should trim your Malshi's nails once or twice a month to prevent overgrown nails. Our regular and soft grinding heads are perfect for the smaller nails on your Maltese Shih Tzu.

Credit: youtube.com, NEGLECTED DOG NAIL TRIMMING | Very satisfying paw pad trim down!

To trim your dog's nails, start by grinding a small amount at a time to avoid overwhelming them. Grinding across the bottom and in from the tip is also a good approach.

Giving your pup treats regularly can help make nail trimming a more enjoyable experience for both of you. This is especially helpful if your dog gets anxious about having their paws handled.

To assess the condition of your dog's nails, push on their paws to extend the nails. This will give you a clear view of whether they need trimming or not.

Keeping your dog in a comfortable position during nail trimming is essential for their safety and your own.

Personality and Training

These adorable Maltese mix dogs are incredibly social and loving, but they can be needy and require lots of attention. They thrive on interaction and can become destructive if left alone for too long.

One of the key things to remember is that proper socialization is crucial, especially when meeting new people in unfamiliar situations. With proper socialization, they get along well with everyone, including children and other dogs.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Signs that Your Maltese Dog Loves You But you Don't Know

Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train, but consistency and strict training are a must to prevent behavioral issues. Positive reinforcement and mentally stimulating exercises are the most effective training methods.

Their small size means they get tired quickly, and only require around 15-30 minutes of walking or exercise daily, which is ideal for busy people.

For your interest: Pembroke Corgi Training

Shih Tzu Personality Traits

The Shih Tzu is a breed known for its charming and playful personality. They're naturally affectionate and loving, which makes them a great companion for many families.

One thing to keep in mind is that Shih Tzus can be high-energy and require lots of attention. They don't do well when left alone for too long and may display negative behaviors like barking or destructiveness.

They're also highly adaptable and can thrive in any type of home, including apartments. Their small size is a big advantage, as they only need around 15-30 minutes of walking or exercise daily.

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Common Behavioral Problems in Shih Tzu and How to Solve Them

Shih Tzus are smart and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can be feisty or aggressive when meeting new people in unfamiliar situations, so proper socialization is a must.

Consistency and setting firm boundaries are key when training a Shih Tzu. They love to chase small objects and can be easily distracted, so it's essential to keep training sessions engaging and fun.

See what others are reading: When Do Maltese Dogs Stop Growing

Malchi Temperament & Intelligence

The Malchi Temperament & Intelligence is a fascinating topic. They can be pretty loud, making their presence known!

Malchi's tend to be high-energy dogs that require lots of attention. They can be needy and don't do well when left alone for too long, which may lead to negative behaviors like barking or destructiveness.

As a result, proper socialization is crucial for this breed. They may be feisty or aggressive when meeting new people in unfamiliar situations, but with proper socialization, they get along well with everyone, including children and other dogs.

Credit: youtube.com, Maltese Dog Breed Spotlight: Temperament and Behavior

Malchi's are intelligent dogs, inheriting the Poodle's smart and proud nature. They are considered one of the most intelligent breeds, ranking 2nd in the Intelligence of Dogs book. Adult Maltese dogs tend to be rather mellow and calm.

They can have some separation anxiety issues when left home alone due to their strong bonding capabilities. With patience and proper training, they can learn to cope with being alone.

Malchi's are highly adaptable and can happily live in any type of home, including an apartment. They only require around 15-30 minutes of walking or exercise daily, making them ideal for busy people.

Training

The Malchi's eagerness to please makes them a joy to train. They thrive on positive reinforcement and mentally stimulating exercises, which are perfect for a game of fetch.

Consistency is key when training a Malchi. Set and stick to firm boundaries to prevent behavioral issues like barking and snappiness.

Positive reinforcement training methods work best for Malchis. Avoid scolding or hitting your dog, as it can make them anxious and aloof.

Training sessions should be short and frequent. A few short sessions each day will keep your Malchi engaged and eager to learn.

Malchis are intelligent and respond well to firm, positive reinforcement. With patience and consistency, you can raise a happy and friendly dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mix of Maltese?

There is no single "best" Maltese mix, as each unique combination offers its own set of characteristics and benefits, making it essential to research and choose the one that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Consider factors like grooming needs, energy levels, and temperament when selecting a Maltese mix breed.

Are Maltese good house dogs?

Yes, Maltese are well-suited for indoor living and can thrive in apartments and small spaces. They make great house dogs for those who want a low-maintenance, adaptable companion.

Heather Murphy

Writer

Heather Murphy is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in the world of pets. With a background in animal care, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making her articles informative and engaging. Heather's articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as pet treats and other related subjects.