The Maltese dog breed dates back to the Roman Empire, as Aristotle mentioned it around 370 BC.
It is a highly sophisticated breed that is popular in the United States, getting on the AKC’s list of top 40 most popular dogs.
This breed has been crossed with many others to create Maltese mixes with a unique blend of different features other dogs may have.
Each hybrid is unique and possesses distinct features compared to others, which is based on the traits the parent breed has.
Oftentimes, creating designer dogs has proven to mitigate potentially dangerous health defects common in purebred dogs.
If you’re thinking of getting yourself any of the Maltese crossbreeds, here, you’ll find a lot of options you can consider, right after this overview of the Maltese dog breed.
Maltese Dog Breed Information
Height | 8–10 inches |
Weight | Below 7 pounds |
Lifespan | 12–15 years |
Coat | Silky, long |
Colors | White |
Temperament | Affectionate, playful, easygoing, brave, gentle, lively |
Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Ideal For | Indoor living, companionship, show dog |
Recognized By | AKC (Toy group) |
Maltese Characteristics
Health | Low |
Grooming | Medium |
Friendliness | High |
Energy | Medium |
Trainability | Medium |
The Most Popular & Cutest Maltese Mixes You’ll Love
1. Malshi = Maltese Shih Tzu Mix
Naturally, this breed has the traits of both the Maltese and the Shih Tzu. It is both fun-loving and affectionate yet carefree and fearless.
The Maltese Shih Tzu mix, often misspelled as Maltese Shitzu, was created with the prospect of having a friendly, light-shedding, hypoallergenic dog, and it’s a success.
The average Malshi lives for as long as 14 years, so it is a long-term friend.
Since the parent breeds are small, it has an average height of about 10 inches and weigh about 6 to 12 pounds.
Malshi is prone to respiratory problems, so it’s best to raise them in a home with enough ventilation and air conditioning.
They thrive well with inexperienced dog owners, older adults, and children.
2. Morkie = Maltese Yorkie Mix
Originating from the United States, this Morkie designer dog is a product of mixing a Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier.
The Maltese Yorkie Mix is also a small dog weighing about 4 to 8 pounds and about 7 inches tall.
Though a litter can resemble either a Maltese or a Yorkie more, a certain feature is the long and elegant coat of fur as they’re dominant in both parent breeds.
Despite their size, they have a lot of energy and are very playful. Like other toy dogs, they are prone to dental diseases.
This can be avoided by brushing their teeth daily and regular visits to the vet.
However, they are very delicate and should not be left with bigger animals, especially dogs with high prey drive, as they may cause harm.
3. Maltipoos = Maltese Poodle Mix
The Maltese Poodle mix is one of the most popular designer dogs in the United States.
They are small, cute and they possess every positive attribute of their parent breeds.
They are known to be hyperactive and lively. This is why Maltipoos need some exercise every day to dispel their energy, to avoid them from becoming very destructive.
Maltipoos easily form an attachment to their owners. They tend to follow them around and love to be held.
Though they can be left at home for a while, they shouldn’t be left alone for too long as they tend to have social anxiety and prefer being in the company of humans.
4. Malchi = Maltese Chihuahua Mix
This is a relatively new designer dog breed. Its coat is usually a mix of white, cream, black and brown.
The Maltese Chihuahua mix is most suitable for older people who need a friendly companion.
They are very active and can be pretty loud. This may cause a disturbance to the neighbors about the constant noise.
They can live for as long as 15 years.
Due to its confidence and bravery, it suffers from ‘the small dog syndrome’.
It tends to attack other dogs or even animals bigger than itself as it sees itself bigger.
5. Maltipom = Maltese Pomeranian Mix
Like the Malchi, Maltipoms is new to the canine market, so there isn’t a lot of documentary about them.
No country is known to be the origin of Maltipoms.
It is safe to assume that the crossbreed was unplanned and accidental since no breeder has taken credit for cross-breeding them.
Though the adult size of the Maltese Pomeranian mix may be difficult to estimate, just like their parent breeds, they are relatively small compared to other dogs.
They have no undercoat, and their fur is as colorful as their personality. Like their parents, they make for good companions and are good lapdogs.
Like many other toy dogs, they are highly intelligent and respond well to training.
6. Boston Malterrier = Maltese Boston Terrier Mix
The Maltese Boston Terrier mix is unique with its small brown eyes that are set apart from each other.
Their coats can be long or medium in length and require regular brushing.
This would prevent dirt and debris from hanging in their hair.
They have black and white fur, and their face may have a ‘mask’ which is a trait gotten from their Boston Terrier parent.
They are very active but don’t like to be around noisy people or children.
A Boston Malterrier would want to follow you around and go on walks.
However, they shouldn’t be left alone or they will cause a ruckus till they find company.
It is a good companion for adults who need a lively friend.
7. Maltichon = Maltese Bichon Mix
The Maltichon is a product of crossbreeding a Maltese and a Bichon Frise.
The Maltese Bichon mix is most suitable for companionship and is easily adaptable in large households or small apartments.
They have long, white fur. Their coat can be silky or velvety. They mostly have black noses and brown eyes.
When it comes to grooming, they need a lot more care. They need to be brushed regularly so that their fur will remain glossy and not get matted.
They require at least 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise due to their small size.
8. Havamalt = Havanese Maltese Mix
This is another mix of two small-sized breeds: the Havanese and the toy Maltese.
The Havanese Maltese mix is pretty bigger than other mixes. Standing at about 11 inches tall and weighing between 10 to 17 pounds.
It usually has white fur like a Maltese but has specks of color from the Havanese.
It is a good choice for old couples or people who live alone and require a companion.
They are also easy to care for. They don’t shed too much and need brushing only once or twice a week.
Though they need to exercise daily, they can just run about the house and still remain fit.
Like most other Maltese crossbreeds, Havamalts are affectionate, intelligent, and alert.
9. Mauxie = Maltese Dachshund Mix
The crossbreeding of Maltese dogs and Dachshunds first started in the United States in the 2000s.
This makes them a lot newer than some other Maltese mixes.
Like Maltese Chihuahuas, the Maltese Dachshund mix have ‘small dog syndrome’. They tend to feel superior to their owners.
They like to get their way and even challenge people or animals bigger than them.
If you have smaller pets like hamsters, Mauxies can have fun by scaring your hamster or chasing them.
They can also be very nosey and would want to follow you about and know what you’re up to.
They might even visit you in the bathroom or toilet if you’re taking too long.
However, they are great companions and love being around people.
10. Mauzer = Maltese Schnauzer Mix
This designer dog was born from breeding a Maltese and a Miniature Schnauzer.
They have long hair and stout necks like their Schnauzer parent, with predominantly white hair with grey, black or brown highlights.
The Maltese Schnauzer mix is not a very popular crossbreed.
However, it’s rising in fame because of its playful and cheerful attitude, which is gotten from both parents.
It weighs 20 pounds as an adult and can grow 14 inches tall.
Often, a Mauzer’s appearance depends largely on the breed that comes stronger. It may look more like a Maltese or Schnauzer.
However, all Mauzers have short legs and a small frame.
11. Jacktese = Jack Russell Maltese Mix
Jacktese is a mix of Jack Russell Terrier and Maltese dogs. They are very devoted to their owners and can even be caught staring on many occasions.
There is no need to be worried. It’s just their way of saying ‘I’m here for you.’
They also show affection by licking people they like. It’s them saying you’re special and they like you.
If you need a companion, a Maltese Jack Russell mix can live for up to 16 years. That’s plenty of dog years and quality time together.
Jacktese have separation anxiety, so they tend to follow you about.
They can also follow a household member that appears to have the ‘alpha trait’.
12. Sheptese = Maltese German Shepherd Mix
A Sheptese is made when a German Shepherd and a Maltese are crossed.
Like most mixes on this list, the Maltese German Shepherd mix is small, even though one of the parent breeds, the German Shepherd, is a medium-sized dog.
It has short fur, which is usually a mix of white, brown, black, or whatever color the German Shepherd has.
Like the German Shepherd, it is intelligent, alert, and watchful. You can always count on it, and it is devoted to its owner.
There is not much information on this hybrid since it’s not so popular.
The parent breeds can be observed to know more about it.
13. Maltsky = Maltese Husky Mix
With its short legs, the Maltsky breed looks like a panda.
They also have black and white hair. Both parent breeds have a lot of hair so expect your Maltsky to have long fur.
A Maltese Husky mix’s features depend mainly on the more dominant parent breed.
You can have a Maltsky that is more of a Maltese than a Husky and vice versa, even from the same litter.
Regardless, some Maltskies can have similar features from both parent breeds.
Like both parent breeds, a Maltsky is a high-maintenance dog. Owners must be prepared to groom them properly.
14. Pitbulltese = Maltese Pitbull Mix
Like the name, the Pitbulltese is born out of a Maltese and Pitbull.
Since they are bred from a reasonably large dog and a small dog, their size hovers somewhere the parent breeds.
This breed takes pleasure in biting and chewing on things. If you own this mix, learn to keep valuables from their reach.
The Maltese Pitbull mix has the Maltese’s viciousness and a Pitbull’s strength. This combination can make training them a challenge.
They can be aggressive and stubborn.
Unless you train them to socialize at an early age, they are not very comfortable around strangers.
They can bark continuously at guests or people they are not used to.
15. Papitese = Maltese Papillon Mix
Also known as the Maltillon, if you’re a lover of the Maltese and Papillon dogs, then the Papitese crossbreed is perfect for you.
Since both parent breeds are elegant beauties, the Maltese Papillon mix is a beautiful show dog. They are affectionate and highly social.
They love spending time with people, especially their families.
Male and female Maltillons are often the same size. An average Maltillon weighs 4 to 5 kg and can be as tall as 10 inches.
Fortunately, Papitese is hypoallergenic due to their Maltese parentage.
However, they shed quite often and require daily brushing to get rid of dead hair.
16. Silky Cocker = Maltese Cocker Spaniel Mix
Though this hybrid is new and doesn’t have much information, the knowledge you need can be gotten from studying the parent breeds; Cocker Spaniel and the Maltese.
The Maltese Cocker Spaniel mix is a tiny dog. It has brown eyes; its nose can be either black or brown.
Their thick fur can be cream, red, or black. They also have long, wavy hair.
Though they don’t have a double coat, they still shed. They need to be brushed daily to remove tangles.
It is advised to bathe, trim their paws and clean their eyes and ears regularly.
Silky Cockers are very adventurous and energetic. Don’t forget to exercise them daily to dispel their energy.
17. Cortese = Maltese Corgi Mix
When a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Maltese Terrier have a baby, you get a Cortese.
They have long and silky coats. Though the most common colors are white, cream, and brown, you can get some in black, red, tan, or blue.
Their eyes are brown, and they have brown or black noses.
Maltese Corgi mixed dogs are small and do not make excellent guard dogs because of their friendly nature around family and even with strangers.
They make for a good family pet, and they’re easy to train. However, they can get stubborn sometimes.
The Cortese needs to get a lot of daily exercise because they tend to have a lot of weight.
Their long thick coat should be brushed often to prevent mats.
18. Morkie Poo = Maltese Yorkie Poodle Mix
The Morkie Poo is a very peculiar hybrid. It is a crossbreed of a Maltese Terrier, a Yorkie Terrier, and a Poodle.
The Maltese Yorkie Poodle mix is a toy dog that likes to think they are more prominent.
Their dark eyes and soft fur make people easily attracted to them. They are people-lovers and crave attention.
Morkie Poos shed lightly, which makes them perfect for people with allergies.
They don’t need to be bathed unless they get dirty, and you can get away with cleaning them with a towel.
Owners should create time for their Morki Poo, or they will begin to have unpleasant traits.
If left alone for too long, they get very destructive and will bark loudly until they have company.
19. Malti Pug = Pug Maltese Mix
The Pug Maltese mix popular friendly hybrid. Its popularity is likely because of its small size and because it doesn’t require a lot of exercise.
This makes it suitable for people who live in apartments and are usually very busy.
Regardless of their small size, they are protective of their owners and are very loyal.
Malti-Pugs are low-maintenance dogs because, despite their long hair, they don’t shed.
This means you don’t have to brush them every day or vacuum after them.
It is perfect for people with allergies. However, they are prone to sunburn due to the open spot at their back where the hair parts.
20. Lhatese = Maltese Lhasa Apso Mix
At maturity, the Lhatese weighs no more than 15 pounds. If you’re in need of a small companion, the Maltese Lhasa Apso mix is a good choice.
They are tiny, affectionate, and adorable.
Their fur is either white or grey but can be a mix of the two.
Though they have long and soft coats, it is prone to matting, so they require regular brushing.
They have brown eyes and black noses.
Regular baths are unnecessary and can be done by a professional groomer.
This is another hybrid that doesn’t shed. However, it may be challenging to train, so it is a better choice for experienced owners.
21. Malchi-Poo = Maltese Chihuahua Poodle Mix
Warning! The Maltese Chihuahua Poodle mix sheds a lot.
Be ready to vacuum your floors often to get rid of the excess hair unless you want dog hair around the house as interior decor.
Also, prepare to give it a lot of physical activities. They are very active, playful, and have a lot of energy, so it’s best to keep their energy levels down.
You don’t want to have torn furniture, do you?
Though it is very stubborn, it is very intelligent, making training difficult for an inexperienced dog owner.
The Malchi-Poo needs someone who will be firm while giving corrections.
However, while training it, remember to praise it when it does something you like. Don’t only reprimand it—they have feelings too.
22. Peke-A-Tese = Maltese Pekingese Mix
The Peke-A-Tese is another small Maltese crossbreed. It is adorable with its round dark eyes, round face, and shaggy hair.
They are fast gaining popularity because of their loyal and fearless traits. They are devoted to their owners and are protective.
Unlike most hybrid dogs, the Maltese Pekingese mix can live up to 18 years! This is a very long lifespan, even for a small dog.
This makes them great companions as you will be with it for a long time unless it dies of a disease.
It is a good choice for people with allergies as it doesn’t shed much hair.
23. Highland Maltie = Maltese Westie Mix
The Maltese Westie mix is an elegant white beauty.
It is born from two popular breeds, West Highland White Terrier and the Maltese.
Like both parent breeds, they have beautiful white hair and eyes that make you want to snuggle them.
Their brown eyes are a mixture of mischief and commitment. Their noses are cute and black.
The Highland Maltie is lively, social, and a bundle of sweetness and intelligence. It is good with children and other dogs.
A Highland Maltie is a perfect companion. It loves being around its owner and would like a good nap on your lap.
Because of their long and thick hair, they should be brushed often to prevent mats.
24. Malteagle = Maltese Beagle Mix
Standing at about 12 to 15 inches, this hybrid is quite bigger than some of its counterparts.
When they reach adulthood, they can weigh about 22 pounds.
Most Maltese Beagle mixes inherit the texture of the Maltese’s coat while they get their colors from the Beagle.
They are usually white, black, brown, cream, or a mix of some of the colors.
Malteagles are high-maintenance dogs. They require daily brushing and regular visits to the vets.
Their ears and teeth also need to be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
They are energetic, lively, and great with children. They are friendly to other dogs and even strangers.
25. Golden Maltese = Maltese Golden Retriever Mix
The Maltese Golden Retriever mix is a union of two affectionate, loyal, and people-loving family dogs.
They come in white and cream like their parents. Though they are small they always have adrenaline in their veins.
It is very active and playful. They enjoy activities like running, going on hikes, and exploring in the yard.
Your Golden Maltese should be given activities at different times of the day to keep it occupied.
So if you don’t like doing a lot of work, this is not the breed for you.
It might take after its Maltese parent by needing constant grooming.
26. French Maltese = Maltese French Bulldog Mix
This hybrid is relatively new to the canine market.
French Bulldogs and Malteses are pretty similar. Hence, a French Maltese is an equal mix of both breeds.
Like their parents, the Maltese French Bulldog mix is loyal, loving, and playful.
Luckily, they don’t require a lot of training or exercise. Being elegant dogs, they like to stay indoors and take a nap while at it.
Though intelligent, they can be a form of frustration.
They are high maintenance and require a lot of grooming. Don’t forget the trip to the Vet or to trim their nails.
They have an average life span of 14 – 15 years, so you have many quality years with your dog.
27. Maltese Australian Shepherd Mix
This breed is very new and not so popular yet. It may gain popularity in a few years because of its adorable features and kind heart.
It requires training if it is going to meet many new people often.
The Maltese Australian Shepherd mix is one of the many Maltese hybrids that are good with children.
However, it should be supervised when it is introduced to new people, especially if it is not who it’s accustomed to.
It may also have long or medium-length hair. Depending on the parent breed it takes after, it may require a lot of brushing and grooming.
28. Colltese = Maltese Border Collie Mix
The Maltese Border Collie mix is a very rare designer dog. Like most hybrid dogs, their personality is quite difficult to know.
A Colltese can take on the traits of one dog breed than the other.
However, most times, they are playful like the Maltese and energetic like a Border Collie.
They are usually small but not suitable as lapdogs. They are very active and do not enjoy being alone in the apartment all day.
This habit can lead to very destructive behavior.
Though both breeds are intelligent, the Maltese trait in Colltese might make training a bit of a hassle.
29. Maltchow = Maltese Chow Chow Mix
Maltchows are very inquisitive dogs. They are intelligent, and while training them, you need to be stern and firm.
This is because they like to be dominant and are a bit stubborn. Owners are advised to socialize with them at a young age and must be intentional about it.
Like all dogs, the Maltese Chow Chow mix wants attention and doesn’t like to be left out.
They are great companions and better friends. They seek to please their owners and like to be around them.
It’s better to take them on frequent walks to keep them tired. They have a lot of energy, and if they don’t use that energy, they tend to be destructive.
30. Cavamalt = Maltese Cavalier Mix
Also known as Maltalier or Cavamalt, the Maltese Cavalier mix is a result of crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Maltese.
Like its parent breeds, it is a small dog that comes in different colors ranging from red, white, black, brown, and apricot.
It is very affectionate and enjoys the company of people.
Their ears are fluffy, and they have big brown eyes.
Cavamalts are very friendly, love meeting new people, and are good with other dogs.
It has low energy and is perfect for busy pet parents or older adults who don’t have time or energy to take them on walks every day.
Is a Maltese mix hypoallergenic?
Maltese Terriers are naturally hypoallergenic. Even though it has long, silky hair, it doesn’t shed. This makes it an excellent choice for people with allergies.
A Maltese mix is born from a Maltese and another breed. The rate at which a Maltese crossbreed sheds depends on the genes the hybrid takes after.
Luckily, most Maltese mixes take after their Maltese parent when shedding. They shed minimally or not at all.
What two breeds make a Maltese?
The Maltese has been around for thousands of years. It is also known as the ‘Bichon Maltiase’.
The Maltese is a pure breed and not a hybrid dog. They are, however, often used to create designer dogs.
Is a Maltese a designer dog?
A designer dog is also known as a hybrid. It is a dog born from crossbreeding two or more different breeds.
A Maltese is a pure breed, so it is not a designer dog.
Do Maltese dogs smell?
Maltese dogs do not have what is known as ‘doggy odor’. They are small dogs, so they can be washed easily.
Though they have a lot of hair, they don’t have skin folds that can cause dirt buildup.
How do I maintain my Maltese?
They don’t require daily maintenance, and you shouldn’t leave them alone for too long.
Depending on the hair length, they should be well brushed with a damp brush biweekly. Brushing it dry is harsh on its hair.
They should be bathed at least 2 to 3 times a month. Don’t forget to trim its nails.
Also, wash its teeth regularly to prevent mouth odor. Washing it daily would prevent tooth decay.
Final Thoughts
A common feature of Maltese mixes is their small size. They are mostly lapdogs and love to follow their owner(s) around.
Most of them are affectionate and loyal.
It should be noted that each Maltese crossbreed is unique. You may not find the exact features in one Maltese mix in another, even if they’re from the same litter.
The parent breed that will be the most dominant in a hybrid cannot be fully determined.
A Maltipoo’s character can be 50% Maltese and 50% Poodle.
Another Maltipoo from the same litter may be 75% Maltese and 25% Poodle or 25% Maltese and 75% Poodle.
These are three Maltipoos from the same litter with different features.
Finally, it is best to study your dog to know its unique features. This will help you give it the care it needs.