The Maltese is known as one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They tend to be incredibly cuddly, friendly, and loving. Although they can be initially reserved around strangers, they tend to warm up quickly. They also tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs.

If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, you should be able to expect the same from a Maltese Mix. The other parent breed will introduce their own quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like.

The breeder should have started some socialization and training. However, it is important to remember that it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home to help them grow into a well-rounded dog.

The Maltese is a sensitive dog that is highly adaptable. They tend to do well in apartments as well as larger homes. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat and to the cold, so they may need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm when temperatures drop. These little dogs are true companions that do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Maltese Mix to be highly adaptable as well. You do want to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed as they will contribute their own quirks and traits that you will want to be aware of.

Although a mixed-breed dog can sometimes be healthier than a purebred dog, it’s not a guarantee and it all depends on good breeding practices. Just as a mix could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them.

From the Maltese side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Maltese Mix include luxating patella, heart anomalies, liver issues, microvascular dysplasia, and encephalitis. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both of the parents.

The Maltese is a highly intelligent dog that is eager to please, but they can be stubborn at times and will try to charm you into getting their way. This makes consistent and patient training focused on positive rewards even more important.

For the most part, a Maltese is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. You just have to be careful about training them unintentionally into undesirable behavior and about the tones you use. As a sensitive breed, they do not respond well to harsh tones.

If the other parent is similar when it comes to training, then you can expect a Maltese Mix to also be highly trainable. Even if you don’t necessarily need them for training, there are several benefits of puppy training classes that still make them a good idea.

A Maltese Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a combination of both. Should a Maltese Mix end up with a Maltese coat, they will be non-shedding, but will require some maintenance.

A Maltese coat can be kept in a short or long clip. The short clip requires brushing a few times a week while the long clip requires daily brushing. Bathing is as needed and professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Maltese Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. With regular visits to the groomer, they will be able to help with some of this. However, you will need to do maintenance at home between visits.

Nail trims once or twice monthly keep them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs, like daily brushing in addition to cleanings at the vet, helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Although the Maltese will be energetic when they play, they don’t require a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for them. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Maltese Mix to be on the lower activity range as well. If the other parent breed has more energy and requires more daily activity, you will need to be prepared for that potential in a Maltese Mix.

A fully-grown Maltese tends to be 3-8 pounds and 7-9 inches tall. They are generally under 7 pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother.

So, you want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. Although it’s not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother in person to get some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Maltese Mix.

A Maltese generally lives for 12-15 years on average. Although the parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span from a Maltese Mix.