Primordially, the Maltese is one of the ancient dog breeds that originated from the island of Malta. It is believed that these dogs have been around for more than 29 centuries. Its speculated ancestors are supposed to be a spitz type dog from Sweden and a Tibetan Terrier from primal Asia. They were kept by traders and sailors on their boats to get rid of rats and rodents. Later, the Maltese were owned as lap dogs, symbolizing luxury, wealth, and royalness. They were famous amongst ladies around Britain, who used to roam around carrying them in their arms.
In recent times, the Maltese have been popularly crossbred with a wide range of other dog breeds and are gaining a lot of popularity in Australia as well.
Nature and Characteristics
Even though there are numerous variations of the Maltese strolling their way all over the planet, they share similar traits and characteristics throughout their diverse crossbreds.
The Maltese is a playful and affectionate dog. It is gentle, loyal, and intelligent. However, they sometimes get irritated if they are being prodded frequently when they are relaxing.
Physique and Health
The Maltese is a tiny midget toy dog with a compact body size. It approximately weighs four to six pounds (two to three kilograms) and has a height of nine to ten inches.
It is a healthy breed and generally has a lifespan of more than 10 years. With required vaccinations, a few beforehand medications, and timely vet visits, they live a healthy life without being diagnosed with canine diseases. Like most toy breeds, the Maltese are also a little bit more prone to dental and gum-related diseases, which can be easily mitigated by regular brushing and cleaning of the mouth.
Grooming
With a long draping furry coat, the Maltese requires regular grooming and conditioning. This breed also needs more frequent bathing and cleaning in order to prevent it from having ticks, fleas, and mange. They also shed less and have a lower maintenance cost. Routine brushing will also prevent it from tangling knots in its fur and give it an exquisite and cosmetic look.
They also have fast-growing nails that need to be trimmed regularly. The area around the eyes also needs to be cleaned regularly in order to prevent tear smudges.
Accustomed for
The Maltese is commonly kept as a companion and therapy dog because of the irresistible cuddly first impression they give. But they actually serve as great watchdogs and can be trained to compete in dog competitions as well.
Maltese cross breeds popular in Australia:
Malshi
Parent Breeds: Maltese and Shih Tzu
Alternatively also known as Malti-zu and Malt-tzu, Malshis were developed in the 1990s to create a diminutive and less shedding dog. It is a designer dog produced through cross breeding between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu.
The Maltese originated from ancient Asia and the Shih Tzus were from Tibet. They both are small size breeds. The Malshis shed less than their parent breeds and are gaining more and more popularity throughout the world including Australia.
Maltipoo
Parent Breeds: Maltese and Poodle
Maltipoo, also nicknamed as Multipoo or Maltepoo is a small, fun loving and affectionate dog. The colour and curliness of the furs may vary because of small changes in parent breeds.
These are non shedding breeds and are popular in small apartments and flats amongst people of all ages. They develop quick and deep attachment with people around them and demand constant attention and petting. Also, they may develop separation anxiety when separated from owners for hours.
Malchi
Parent Breeds: Maltese and Chihuahua
Malchis is a hybrid breed between the Maltese and the Chihuahua. Although small in size, Malchis are most probably the breed among all Maltese cross breeds with the biggest personality. They inherit a somewhat raging temperament from their parent breed Chihuahua. Malchis have a loud and sharp pitched bark for their size and are not recommended around mischievous children. That being said, they are great for elder people because of their activeness and low maintenance.
Maltipug
Parent Breeds: Maltese and Pug
Maltipug is a relaxing and restful natured dog that is small in size. It has a small snout herited from its parent breed Pug. It was originally crossbreed between Maltese and Pug in the 1980s as a designer boutique dog. The result was a small, hypoallergenic and mild tempered dog.
This cross breed comparatively has a big diet and may have to deal this obese later in the life because of their overeating habit. It is intelligent and clever and can be trained effortlessly.
Maltichon
Parent Breeds: Maltese x Bichon
Also known as, Maltese Frise are first bred in the United States around 20-25 years back. Generally white in colour, it has medium length and less shedding furs. It has a gentle, cheerful and playful character.
It is hypoallergenic and is best for people that are allergic towards furs and dog hairs. It has less maintenance and lower exercise requirements which makes it a good choice for people living in flat sized apartments with less roaming space.
Malteagle
Parent Breeds: Maltese and Beagle
Malteagle is another designer dog in the whole Maltese cross breeds family with similar physical characteristics like small body and medium length coat. This super friendly breed can be owned as a great therapy dog however, it won’t be a good guard dog as they treat even strangers with a happy wagging tail.
Because of its playful nature, it is suitable among people of all age groups. It may be hypoallergenic and requires regular brushing of its furs.
Morkie
Parent Breeds: Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier
Morkie was bred by designer breeders around the 1990s aiming to develop small, super cute fluffy and adorable dogs. Although small in size, it has a huge personality and great energy level as well. They do require some physical activities and walks in order to release their energy and prevent any weird irritated behaviour.
These are generally healthy breeds with some susceptible health complications that its parent breeds face.
Maltipom
Parent Breeds: Maltese and Pomeranian
These cute, cuddly and intelligent cross breeds are developed by mingling the Maltese and the Pomeranian. Although small in size, Maltipoms have a compact and sturdy body with great energy level.
It is a highly affectionate and loyal dog and is suitable for families with multiple members and a little roaming space. However, if irritated constantly it can produce sharp and snappy bark.
Although there are a wide variety of crossbreeds between the Maltese and other popular dogs, the above-mentioned ones are the most popular throughout the world and are also gaining increasing popularity in Australia.
The commonality among all these Maltese mix breeds is that they are small in size, adorable in looks, and shed less than other breeds. However, their temperament and the reason for owning them may vary according to the characteristics they inherit from their other parent breeds.
One final word of caution: be prepared for these fluffy Maltese to steal your heart.
