Maltese Poodle and Chihuahua Mix Dog Breed: Characteristics and Needs

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Cute White Poodle
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The Maltese Poodle and Chihuahua mix, a unique and lovable breed that's sure to capture your heart. This mix is a cross between a Maltese, a Poodle, and a Chihuahua, making it a triple threat of cuteness.

They're generally small in size, weighing between 4-8 pounds and standing about 6-10 inches tall at the shoulder. Their small stature requires careful consideration when it comes to exercise and living arrangements.

Their coat can be a combination of the Maltese's silky, white fur and the Chihuahua's short, smooth coat, or a mix of the Poodle's curly, hypoallergenic coat. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling.

They're known to be intelligent and easy to train, but consistency and patience are key to developing good behavior. Positive reinforcement techniques work well for this breed.

For more insights, see: Teacup Poodle Breed

Size and Care

Your Maltese Poodle and Chihuahua mix is likely to be a small dog, weighing in at five to 20 pounds and ranging in height from five to 15 inches at the shoulder.

Credit: youtube.com, What To Know Before Getting A Maltese x Chihuahua

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early, so be sure to schedule appointments as needed. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

To minimize tear stains near their eyes, keep a hanky or cloth nearby and dab them periodically, especially if your dog has overactive tear glands.

Size

The Chi-Poo is a small breed, weighing in at five to 20 pounds. Their height ranges from five to 15 inches at the shoulder. Many Chi-Poos can be smaller or larger than this range. Their compact size makes them a great fit for apartment living.

Care

As you care for your Chi-Poo, regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

Their digestive system can be sensitive, so it's recommended to feed them small meals several times a day with high-quality food. This will help prevent digestive issues.

A White Long Coat Small Dog on Concrete Pavement
Credit: pexels.com, A White Long Coat Small Dog on Concrete Pavement

Tear stains near their eyes are a common issue due to overactive tear glands. Keeping a hanky or cloth nearby and dabbing them periodically can really minimize tear stains.

Daily ear checks are a must to prevent debris and pests from building up. Clean their ears as recommended by your vet to keep them healthy.

Trimming their nails regularly is essential to prevent them from getting too long. This should be done once or twice a month, or as needed.

Brushing their teeth daily is vital to prevent dental issues. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog's teeth properly.

Temperament & Intelligence

The Chi-Poo's temperament is truly one-of-a-kind. They're playful, intelligent, and independent companions that thrive on interaction.

Their high energy levels mean they love following you around the house and getting involved in your daily routine. This is especially true for working parents who have to leave the house for long periods.

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Different Types Of Chihuahua And Their Characteristics/Amazing Dogs

Most Chi-Poos do just fine with working parents, as they don't mind being left alone like their parent dogs do. They're happy to entertain themselves with an assortment of toys.

You'll need to provide a few short walks per day, with plenty of potty breaks for their small bladders. They're not high-maintenance when it comes to exercise.

Their adaptability makes them a great fit for single person families and large households with kids. They'll even participate in lots of activities, including walks and play sessions.

Feeding and Maintenance

Feeding your Maltese Poodle and Chihuahua mix requires attention to their digestive issues and hypoglycemia, so high-quality protein food formulated for small dogs is essential.

Several small meals throughout the day are recommended to prevent digestive issues.

As your dog grows from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years, their dietary needs will change, so consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

Frequent baths are necessary to maintain your Malchi's coat, especially the bright white variety, which requires careful concentration on the face, under the eyes, and around the mouth to prevent staining.

Brushing only needs to happen around three times a week with a regular pin brush and comb, but be sure to remove tangles if your Malchi has the longer-haired version.

Trimming your Malchi's nails every few weeks promotes excellent paw health and prevents scratching.

Feeding

Credit: youtube.com, Maintenance Feeding | Do or Don't?

Feeding your Chi-Poo requires careful consideration of their digestive issues and hypoglycemia.

You'll want to feed them high-quality protein food formulated for small dogs.

Several small meals throughout the day is recommended to prevent digestive issues.

As your Chi-Poo grows from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years, their dietary needs will change.

You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Chi-Poo's diet, as individual dogs vary greatly in weight, energy, and health.

Malchi Breed Maintenance

The Malchi breed requires regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coat. Frequent baths are necessary to keep their fur stain-free and light in color, especially around the face, eyes, and mouth.

To prevent ear infections, it's crucial to dry your Malchi's ears thoroughly after bathing, as their folded ears can trap moisture.

Brushing should be done around three times a week with a regular pin brush and comb to manage moderate shedding and prevent tangles, especially if your Malchi has long hair.

Trimming your Malchi's nails every few weeks is essential for excellent paw health and to prevent scratching.

Some health issues to be aware of in the Malchi breed include glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and patellar luxation.

Compatibility and Children

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Reasons You SHOULD NOT Get a Maltipoo

Chi-Poos, being small dogs, can be easily injured by overly excited children, so it's best to keep them around adults or older kids who know how to play gently.

Always err on the side of caution and never leave a small child unsupervised with any dog, under any circumstance.

Highlights

The Maltese Poodle and Chihuahua mix is a loyal and affectionate companion, bonding deeply with their families and craving attention.

They're also quite energetic and playful, inheriting the Chihuahua's zest for life and surprising you with bursts of energy.

Daily walks and playtime are essential to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviors, so be prepared to get moving.

Their Poodle influence makes them easier on allergy sufferers compared to heavy shedding breeds, which is a big plus for many families.

However, their small size requires careful handling, especially around young children, to prevent potential injuries.

Early socialization and training are crucial to prevent potential shyness or nervousness, so start training early and be patient.

For another approach, see: Training a Standard Poodle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chihuahua Maltese mix called?

The Malchi is a hybrid breed resulting from the combination of Maltese and Chihuahua genes. This small dog mix is known for its gentle, affectionate, and playful personality.

How much does a Maltese Chihuahua cost?

The cost of a Maltese Chihuahua mix can range from $500 to $1,200, depending on the breeder and other factors. If you're considering bringing one home, read on to learn more about this unique and lovable breed.

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.