As one of the most ancient dog breeds in canine history, the Maltese has never failed to win hearts. The past ancient civilizations revered this breed for its royal looks, while later generations have found many more reasons to love them.
Over the last few decades, the Maltese have featured regularly in various dog shows. Not only have they managed to win competitions but also a million hearts through their adorable nature. Fast forward to the present, and they’ve become popular toy dogs.
As a result, Maltese dogs have become prime candidates in designer dogs of all types. But since there are too many beautiful mixes to choose from, we’ve found our favorite Maltese hybrids. Continue reading to discover the best Maltese mixes.
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What’s a Maltese?
The Maltese will come in their signature white coat. But when cross-bred, the coat can manifest into a variety of colors. This explains why white is just one of the options in a Maltese mix’s color card. But, the hybrid can range in a number of colors.
Because the Maltese do not shed much, many of their hybrids are also safe for allergic owners. However, some cross-breeds might be prolific shedders, so make it a point to read up on this before bringing one home. Even so, they’ll need regular brushing.
Zoey is totally sweet to everyone at the vet, her old dog walkers, my friends and the groomer. She’s usually a little reserved when I take her out in public, though.
– Zoeysmom (Spoiled Maltese)
Usually, Maltese hybrids respond well to training and need early socialization. Though, it’s likely they’ll be stubborn at times. Where they lack “obedience & working intelligence,” they often make up for in high adaptive intelligence. After all, they’re great at reading emotions.
They also require regular exercise. And depending on the hybrid, can also take on an adventurous and inquisitive streak. Irrespective of the parents, never leave your small dog unsupervised at home for a long period of time. Otherwise, they can develop anxiety issues.
Maintain a consistent and positive tone during the training sessions, and the Maltese and their cross-breeds respond well. Give them a lease and they soon assume the ‘small-dog’ syndrome and become stubborn tyrants.
Best Maltese Mixes
Thanks to crossbreeding, you’re able to enjoy the cheerfulness and positive vibe on the Maltese with other great attributes and qualities. We’ve compiled a list of the 25 best hybrids. So, let us know in the comments, which is your favorite?
1. Malteagle
Parents: Beagle x Maltese mix
Breeding a Maltese with a Beagle creates a designer hybrid – a Malteagle. Extrovert and lively, this cross-breed is an excellent option as a family dog. That being said, an iron hand in a velvet glove ensures that they don’t spin out of control.
With a height of 12 inches, the Malteagle is relatively lightweight but can live up to 15 years. In addition, their soft but thick coat could be white, black, brown or cream. Though shedding may not be much, you must brush and groom them daily.
Other aspects entail wiping their tear-stained faces multiple times a day and frequently checking on their flappy ears for signs of infection. Take a Malteagle out for a walk every day, and you will have nurtured a well-balanced physically fit canine.
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2. Silkese
Parents: Silky Terrier x Maltese mix
Unless this hybrid of Maltese and Silky Terrier actually moves, you might think it’s a toy. With small dark eyes, furry ears, round black nose and a curly tail, the Silkese is indeed a teddy-bear. However, the dogs’ square shoulders and determined gait echo confidence.
Silkese could grow to be as tall as 12 inches and weigh at the most 14 pounds. They sport a dense long coat that needs daily brushing. Negligence in this regard leads to painful tangles and even itchiness. In addition to white, the fur could also be brown, grey or cream.
As petite as this cross-breed may be, members of the Silkese are playful but not hyperactive. A daily walk of about 45 minutes featuring a digging activity more than suffices for them. Even so, they much rather lounge on your laps.
3. Lhatese
Parents: Lhasa Apso x Maltese mix
As with most Maltese mixes, the Lhatese is small but independent. Weighing about 15 pounds, this mix of Maltese and Lhasa Apso dislike strangers. So when they bark furiously, there’s likely a stranger in or around the vicinity.
However, with the owner family, they are content and happy. Given their royal heritage, these dogs do not respond well to training. But if you’re consistent, they eventually come around simply for the sake of obliging. Take this opportunity to brush their coat.
Being intelligent, the Lhatese enjoys mental and physical exercise. So, keep them busy with toys and let them out into the backyard multiple times during the day. A diverse and flexible activity schedule keeps the Lhatese healthy and happy.
4. Malchi
Parents: Chihuahua x Maltese mix
Bring back a Malchi, and you will have gained a loyal (borderline possessive) companion. Cross-breeding the Maltese with a Chihuahua produces a Malchi, an intelligent but attention-loving canine. They will be likely be small, but the hybrid is also sensitive.
Start training and socializing a Malchi immediately. Members of this hybrid will take time to respond, but don’t give up. Be persistent and soon your Malchi will fully comply. They’ll also enjoy a daily dose of mild exercise – both indoor and outdoor.
However, it’s best your Malchi not be left alone for a long durations at a time. The Malchi may not require daily brushing. But they are prone to allergies and infections, which is why you must clean their teeth and trim their nails every week.
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5. Maltichon
Parents: Bichon Frise x Maltese mix
A Maltichon would convince you that all good things come in small packages. The outcome of crossing a Maltese and a Bichon Frise, the Maltichon is well-built, with strong yet round heads, black-rimmed eyes and soft expressions that can melt any heart.
Apricot, buff and cream are options that you get while selecting a Maltichon. For anyone who is allergic to pet hair, these cross-breeds are perfect because they hardly shed. Just brush them every day and their coat remains soft, smooth and free of tangles.
Despite being small and fragile, Maltichons are brave and make good watchdogs. They are also ideal dog companions for someone who lives in an apartment and loves constant company. I also recommend them for families with older kids.
6. Peke-a-tese
Parents: Pekingese x Maltese mix
Not exactly well-known, the Peke-a-tese is short, stout and furry. With their round face dotted with the adorable round eyes and topped with hanging ears, they are truly adorable. But what makes them unique is an amazing life-span of 16 years.
Born of a Maltese and Pekingese parent, a Peke-a-tese is independent and assertive, thus not nearly as obedient. However, proper training and timely socialization can make all the difference. This cross-breed appreciates clear instructions.
So, rather than just saying “no,” tell them clearly what you expect. They’re smart enough to understand you. It’s worth noting they love to eat, which is why you must fill their bowl only at meal times. Also, do provide them with daily exercise to keep them fit.
7. Scottese
Parents: Scottish Terrier x Maltese mix
Tiny and fluffy, a Scottese is a bit of both parents – Maltese and Scottish Terrier. For a dog that weighs about 20 lbs and stands nearly 10 inches tall, the Scottese has endured through centuries to still remain as sought-after.
Expect this cross-breed to be as feisty as the Scottish parent but as affectionate as the other Maltese ancestor. Size does not deter this hybrid from being bold and beautiful. Owing to these two factors, you might find it challenging to train a Scottese.
What you can try is start with basic training using a reward system. Then you’ll want to gradually build it up depending on how the dog responds. As energetic as a Scottese may be, their exercise needs entails trotting outdoor for a limited period.
8. Cairmal
Parents: Cairn Terrier x Maltese mix
Get a Cairmal, and you’ll own a shaggy handful that loves interacting with humans. Crossing the Maltese with a Cairn Terrier results in a Cairmal, which weighs about 13 pounds and grows to be 13 inches tall. Throughout their 15 years, they’re be sure to keep you entertained.
Cairmals love eating. That’s why they tend to put on weight quickly, which in turn can weaken the joints. To avoid these issues, along with blood sugar issues, you must portion their food into specific number of meals.
For a smart and plucky cross-breed, the Cairmal is surprisingly obedient. In case you do see a stubborn streak with the Cairmal, remain consistent and positive with the rules. Don’t forget to shower them with praise and rewards if given the chance.
9. Malti-Pug
Parents: Pug x Maltese mix
Part Maltese and part Pug, Malti-Pugs are adorable yet fun. It explains why even as relatively new mixes, they’re quite popular. With the liveliness of a Maltese and the vigilance of a Pug, this dog has inherited the best of both breeds.
Prolific shedders that Malti-Pugs are, they require regular grooming. Preferably, you must brush a Malti-Pug every day to minimize shedding. Also include dental cleaning in their regular check-up, given their vulnerability to teeth problems.
This extroverted Maltese mix is ideally suited for families that have children and multiple pets. Weighing 13 pounds and growing up to 12 inches, they might not come across as watchdogs. That being said, they never fail to rise up to the occasion.
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10. Havamalt
Parents: Havanese x Maltese mix
Mixing a Maltese with a Havanese creates the Havamalt. An agile hybrid that sticks closely to his people, the Havamalt is only slightly bigger than a large-sized toy companion. After a long day of exercise, they can just as easily turn into lapdogs.
Lightweight at about 13 lbs, Havamalts can grow to 12 inches tall. One of the Havamalts’ most endearing features is the alert almond-shaped eyes which could be black/brown. With those eyes, it’ll be hard to resist a Havamalt.
Other features that add to this cross-breed’s personality are droopy ears, short pointy tail and a blunt nose for sniffing every nook and cranny. This hybrid has a distinct double coat, wherein the inner coarse layer is covered by the long silky fur.
11. Mauxie
Parents: Dachshund x Maltese mix
The Mauxie is mischievous like the Maltese and vigilant as the Dachshund. Most times, they are content snuggling against you. Still, you’ll want to watch out for the moment when their bold side takes over to irk bigger animals.
Standing at 10 inches, Mauxies could sport a single coat or as many as three. Either way, the texture will vary from being fine and silky to long and wiry. And because they’re designer dogs, a Mauxie could come in secondary shades, like grey, tan and chestnut.
Given the Doxie parent, hunting comes naturally to the Mauxie, which is why you bring them outdoors every day. When at home, occupy them with plenty of toys. Training this hybrid is simple as long as you use a positive tone.
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12. Jatese
Parents: Japanese Chin x Maltese mix
The hybrid of a Maltese and a Japanese Chin is the Jaltese. Given the long flowing silky fur, the canine closely resembles a rug. But a huge positive is that they hardly shed, and as a result, do not trigger or aggravate allergy in humans.
On an average, members of the Jaltese weigh about 8 pounds. Known for their balanced temperaments, they are relatively easy to train. But for best results, start training them as early as possible using only positive reinforcement techniques.
Despite being a small package, this toy dog enjoys being acknowledged, especially by their loving family. They also score high as family pets, since they get along with children as also with other pets, like cats, birds and bigger dogs.
13. Boston Malterrier
Parents: Boston Terrier x Maltese mix
Born of Boston Terrier and Maltese parents, the Boston Malterrier is friendly yet territorial dog perfect for all. For senior citizens who yearn for playful companions, this cross-breed is perfect. Usually gentle, they might snap at strangers once in a while.
Sporting a long dense wiry coat, a Boston Malterrier could be black or white. Daily brushing is needed, though you might also need to regularly trim the fur sprouting between their toes. Make sure they get frequent tooth-brushing as well.
Never leave your Boston Malterrier unattended as it could lead to behavioral issues. To ensure good health, take them out every day for a short duration. Plenty of daily socializing also works well with this hybrid, especially early on.
14. Ratese
Parents: Rat Terrier x Maltese mix
Amongst cross-breeds, a Ratese is one of the few which bears a distinct stamp of both parents. Like the Maltese they spread cheer. But, they also dislike children and hunt rodents, just like their other parent – the American Rat Terrier.
This Maltese mix even inherits the multicolored coat from the Rat Terrier parent. It’s usual for their long, straight fur to sport a variety of color combinations. The same applies to their eyes, which in addition to brown, could also be hazel or blue.
Grooming this hybrid entails applying mild shampoo and conditioner while bathing. Also include cleaning ears and trimming toenails on a weekly basis. Headstrong that a Ratese is, you must bring a consistent and positive tone during training.
15. Maltipom
Parents: Pomeranian x Maltese mix
Outcome of a Pomeranian and Maltese mix, a Maltipom is family-friendly and intelligent. What you must watch out for is their tendency to dominate. Given a free hand, they’re capable of taking charge and will likely boss over everyone, including bigger dogs.
As possessive as Maltipoms are, they maintain distance from non-family members. Given their strong family bond, they express displeasure by barking incessantly at any non-family person. At other times, they lead a relatively sedentary and quiet lifestyle.
A Maltipom comes in as many as five different colors. Their long dense yet straight coat will require regular brushing, but not bathing. Their ears need regular checks wherein you should remove the dirt and debris that remain trapped in the fur.
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16. Cav-A-Malt
Parents: Cavalier King Charles x Maltese mix