Maltese Chihuahua Mix is a cross between Maltese and Chihuahua. They are small in size and have a fantastic look. These mixed breed dogs are friendly and intelligent, making them ideal for competitive obedience and agility competitions. These dogs are very tender, playful, social, and goofy too.
This breed was developed in America and is one of the most recent dog breeds. The Maltese is an ancient breed that extends back to the Greek and Roman eras when it was widely employed as a trade product in both civilizations. The breed originated in Malta, but it quickly spread over the world because of its reputation as a trading product. Chihuahuas are initially from Mexico. Malchis were developed to trade goods.
Activities: Therapy dogs, family dogs, companion dogs, sports, agility, playful
Group: Mixed breed
Barking level: Medium to high
Shedding level: Low to medium
Hypoallergenic: No
Litter size: 3 – 5 puppies
Life span: 12 – 15 years
Other names: Malchi, Maltechi, Maltese Terrier Chihuahua Mix, Chihuahualtese
Breed Recognition: Designer Dogs Kennel Club, American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dog’s Kennel Club, International Designer Canine Registry
Maltese Vs. Chihuahua: A Comparison
Features
Maltese
Chihuahua
Image
Origin
South-Central Europe
Central or South America
Height
8 – 10 inches
6 – 9 inches
Weight
Upto pounds
3 – 6 pounds
Size
Small
Small
Group
Companion dogs
Companion dogs
Children compatibility
Medium
High
Family compatibility
High
High
Pet compatibility
Medium to high
Low to medium
Barking level
Medium to high
Medium
Shedding level
Low to medium
Low to medium
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming
Low to medium
High
Overall health
Medium
Low to medium
Energy
Medium
Medium
Exercise needs
Low to medium
Low
Trainability
Medium
Medium
Activities
Companion dogs, family dogs, therapy dogs, sports
Companion dogs, family dogs
Complications in breeding
No
No
Litter size
2 – 5 puppies
3 puppies
Life span
12 – 15 years
10 -18 years
Other names
–
–
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Personality
Chihuahua Maltese Mix can have short or long fur depending upon the traits of the dog breed he takes upon. They have brown eyes, which are partially hidden by the fur which comes down to the forehead. This breed mostly has floppy ears, similar to that of Maltese. They are lap dogs, which makes their bone structure short. These structures can be problematic concerning their health. The most common coat colors are tan, white, cream, fawn, and black. Their coat is silky, wavy, and gentle to maintain.
Friendliness Overview
Affectionate
Medium to high
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
Medium to high
Dog-friendly
Medium to high
Stranger-friendly
Low to medium
Adaptability Overview
Good with apartment
High
Good for new owners
High
Sensitivity level
Medium to high
Tolerates being alone
Low
Hot tolerance
Low to medium
Cold tolerance
Low
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Maltese mixed with Chihuahua are adorable and affectionate dogs. However, they can be loud several times. They shy away around unknown people and can be very close with kids and other pets in the home. Proper supervision is mandatory while mingling with kids and other pets, as Malchis are toy-sized dogs susceptible to injuries. Malchi can display their stubbornness if they inherit the temperament of the Chihuahua parent.
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Training
Chihuahua mixed with Maltese can be very sociable and friendly. However, they will need socialization and obedience training right from their puppyhood. They are packed with intelligence and are easy to train. Positive reinforcement works like magic for this breed. You as a master shall not adhere to any punitive measures against the puppy. This might make him aggressive and destructive. He might also get behavior issues and might not trust you from the next second. Keep their training short and enjoyable.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train
Medium to high
Intelligence
Medium to high
Prey drive
Medium to high
Mouthiness tendencies
Medium
Barking or howling tendencies
Medium to high
Wanderlust tendencies
Low
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Exercise Needs
Chihuahua and Maltese mix are low in energy. They will necessitate 30 minutes of daily activity to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. The best activity for a Malchi is to take small strolls. Puppy puzzles are best to keep them mentally stimulated.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
Low
Intensity
Low to medium
Exercise needs
Low to medium
Playfulness
Medium to high
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Grooming
Maltese and Chihuahua mix may have either short hair as Chihuahua or long hair as Maltese. Malchis are medium shedder. However, they will necessitate frequent grooming in a week. It is suggested to take your pooch to a professional groomer. You will need a pin brush or a deshedding brush to groom your long-haired Malchi. Clip your Malchi’s nails when it grows long. Also, brush your puppy’s teeth once every day.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
Medium to high
Drooling tendencies
Low
Amount of shedding
Low to medium
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Health
Despite being a relatively healthy breed, the Malchi is susceptible to several health issues. Your dog will stay in top shape if you feed him a good diet, give him plenty of exercises, and regularly take him to the vet.
Major health issues
Patellar Luxation: When the dog patella (kneecap), which typically lies in the cleft of the femur (thighbone), slips out of position, it is known as luxating patella. Your dog may feel periodic hind limb “skipping,” lameness, or locking up the leg at an abnormal angle if the patella luxates.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A cardiac abnormality known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occurs once the ductus arteriosus fails to seal properly at birth.
Retinal Dysplasia: Retinal dysplasia is a condition in which the retina develops abnormally. It can be found in a variety of breeds.
Hemophilia: Hemophilia is a hereditary disorder characterized by a lack of blood clotting activity. Hemophiliac dogs are prone to bleeding from a variety of sources.
Minor health issues
Glaucoma: It is caused by increased pressure in the eye and is found in two forms: primary, which is hereditary, and secondary, which is caused by the decreased fluid in the eye. Symptoms include pain and loss of vision. Treatment includes surgery or eye drops.
Porto Systemic Shunt: This is a condition where the blood which is supposed to flow to the liver flows around the liver, depriving the function of the liver.
Mitral Valve Disease: In this condition, the weakening of their heart valves causes blood to flow back into the atrium, which can lead to cardiac failure. Veterinarians can detect it early, so it’s crucial to keep up with their regular examinations.
Pulmonic Stenosis: One of the most frequent inherited cardiac disorders in dogs is pulmonic stenosis. A distortion of the Pulmonic valve causes it and obstructs the blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
Corneal Dystrophy: Corneal Dystrophy is an inherited illness that affects the corneal layers of the eyes. It is not a painful ailment, although some pink poodles exhibit signs such as forming an opaque coating.
Color Dilution Alopecia: The coat’s color dilution occurs due to Color Dilution Alopecia, a condition in which your dog might develop hair thinning slowly on their skin, resulting in hair loss forever. This disorder is developed in some but not all canines that have been bred for unique coat colors.
Shaker Dog Syndrome: It is an inherited health disorder in which white or small-sized dogs suffer from shakes or tremors related to voluntary activities. This rare malaise is also known as little white shakers syndrome or idiopathic tremor syndrome.
Indigestion: When your dog is overfed or some food that is not suitable for their digestive system. It causes indigestion. Symptoms like diarrhea vomiting can be due to indigestion.
Health Overview
Overall health
Low to medium
Weight gaining tendencies
Medium
Size
Toy size
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Diet and Nutrition
Malchi is a little dog that can have stomach problems. As a result, it’s best to offer your Malchi primarily dry diets high in fiber. He will indeed require roughly a cup of food each day, split between two meals. Each month, this will take you approximately $25 and $30.
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Living Conditions
Malchis are suitable for apartment living and are good for new owners too. However, it is necessary to keep them mentally stimulated throughout his life to keep him healthy. He would love kids and other pets around if appropriately supervised.
Adding a Maltese Chihuahua Mix To Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Maltese Chihuahua Mix Puppy to your family
Before you try adding a Maltese Chihuahua Mix puppy to your family, research the breeders and breed adequately to keep aside unwanted circumstances. You can buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who will provide you with all the medical details like vaccination certificates and gene testing certificates. Also, ensure to meet the parents of the Malchi for reference.
Cost of a Maltese Chihuahua Mix Puppy
If you want to own this hybrid, it will cost you between $300 and $1,000 USD. The price is set by the breeders based on the puppy’s lineage, breeder, and overall health.
