White Terrier Maltese Mix: Essential Information for New Owners

The White Terrier Maltese Mix is a delightful companion for many families, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics before bringing one home.

These dogs are known for being friendly and outgoing, often described as "velcro dogs" because of their strong attachment to their owners.

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

They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, silky coats, which can be a challenge for some owners.

Their intelligence and trainability make them responsive to positive reinforcement training, but consistency and patience are key.

With proper care and attention, White Terrier Maltese Mixes can thrive and become loving and loyal companions.

The Highland Maltie temperament is a real treat. They're known for their friendliness and affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their humans and enjoying being part of the family's activities.

Highland Malties are quite playful and energetic, with a youthful and lively disposition that often lasts well into adulthood. This means they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

One of the best things about Highland Malties is their loyalty. They quickly devote themselves to their owner and family, becoming very affectionate and enjoying being the center of attention.

However, this loyalty can sometimes be misinterpreted as stubbornness, especially when it comes to training. Highland Malties can be independent and may require consistent training sessions and plenty of patience to learn new commands.

Highland Malties are also naturally vigilant, inheriting the alertness and watchful nature of the Westie. They make decent watchdogs, often barking to notify their owners of any perceived environmental threats or changes.

Despite their small size, Highland Malties have a big personality and can be quite confident and curious. They often inherit the terrier instincts from their Westie parent, so they may chase smaller animals if not properly socialized.

Overall, Highland Malties make wonderful companion dogs for many people, but they do require careful consideration and attention to their needs.

Discover more: West Highland White Terrier

The Highland Maltie's grooming needs are quite extensive. They require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, ideally 3 to 4 times per week with a sturdy brush.

Their coat can grow very long if left untrimmed, so most owners opt for a professional trim every month. Depending on their coat type, they can also be stripped for a wirier texture.

The Highland Maltie sheds minimally, especially when stripped or trimmed. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.

Their ears and eyes need regular cleaning to prevent infections, which should be done at home every few days. Clipping their nails and brushing their teeth are also essential to prevent overgrowth and dental problems.

The "puppy" cut is a popular choice for Highland Maltese, as it's easier to care for and requires less grooming. However, it's essential to brush their coat regularly to prevent matting.

The average lifespan of a white terrier Maltese mix is around 12 to 15 years, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

It's essential for owners to be aware of potential health issues that can affect this breed, such as eye infections that are treatable.

A balanced diet is crucial to support their energy levels and maintain a healthy weight, and measuring their food portions is vital to prevent obesity.

Choose a high-quality diet that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, and consider a fresh subscription service like The Farmer's Dog for convenient and healthy meals.

The Highland Maltie is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their lifespan is around 12 to 15 years, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

Ear infections are a common issue in Highland Malties, especially since their ears are hairy. Regular ear trimming and cleaning can help prevent these infections.

Eye infections can also occur, particularly if the fur around their eyes is not kept trimmed. Cleaning their eyes with special drops can help prevent these infections.

Patellar luxation is another condition that can affect Highland Malties, where the kneecap slips out of its proper position. This can cause pain and lameness, but it's usually treatable.

Cataracts can also develop in Highland Malties, leading to impaired vision and blindness. Surgery and medication can help correct these vision problems.

Here are some common health issues that Highland Malties may face:

A balanced diet is essential to support your dog's energy levels and maintain a healthy weight. Measuring their food portions is crucial to prevent overfeeding.

Choosing an age-appropriate diet is essential, especially during their first year. Different dogs may have different dietary needs, which can change over time.

A high-quality diet that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards is a must. Look for high-quality ingredients such as animal-based protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate daily amount of food based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Weight of Maltese Dogs

Training your white terrier Maltese mix requires patience and consistency, as they can be independent and stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to train this breed, using praise, treats, and toys to reward good behavior.

Socialization is key to developing good social skills and reducing fear or aggression issues. Start exposing your dog to various people, animals, and environments from a young age.

Highland Malties, as this breed is sometimes referred to, can be sensitive to harsher training methods, so it's best to avoid punishment or scolding.

Crate-training is a great idea, as this breed doesn't like to be left alone for too long. Make the crate comfortable and positive, and avoid using it as punishment.

If you're considering getting a white terrier Maltese mix, it's essential to know how they interact with other pets. They often get along well with dogs and cats, especially when socialized.

However, they have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals like rabbits, hamsters, and birds. They also need to be socialized with cats, as they tend to chase them.

Here are some qualities that make a white terrier Maltese mix an excellent family pet:

Choosing a reputable breeder is crucial when looking for a white terrier Maltese mix puppy. A good breeder will follow ethical breeding practices and care for the well-being of the dogs.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,500 or more for a well-bred white terrier Maltese mix puppy.

Irresponsible breeders may charge extremely low prices, which could be a red flag for their breeding practices.

Higher costs may be associated with puppies from breeders who conduct thorough health testing and provide early socialization. This can give you peace of mind knowing your puppy is healthy and well-adjusted.

The White Terrier Maltese Mix is a cross between a White West Highland Terrier and a Maltese. They are a small breed dog.

Their weight typically ranges from 4 to 8 pounds. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming.

They are known for being friendly and outgoing, making them great companions. They are also relatively low-maintenance pets.

Their lifespan is around 12 to 15 years, which is comparable to other small breed dogs. They are prone to certain health issues, such as hypoglycemia and patellar luxation.

They are generally quiet dogs and don't require a lot of exercise, but they do need regular playtime and mental stimulation.