Characteristics
- Maltipoms are charming mixed-breed dogs called Pomanese, Malti-Pom, Maltese Pomeranian mix, and Pomanees.
- Vigilant, protective, and alert, Maltipoms serve as outstanding alarm dogs.
- The Maltipom is a low-shedding and hypoallergenic breed.
- Friendly, affectionate, and approachable, the Maltipom interacts well with other dogs, household pets, strangers, and young children.
- Maltipoms adjust well to both spacious and compact living environments.
- As a first-generation hybrid, Maltipom puppies enjoy the benefits of hybrid vigor.
- Maltipoms have moderate energy and love to play, making them a great choice for families with older children, seniors, couples, and individuals.
- Smart and eager to please, Maltipom puppies are fantastic companion pets for those new to pet ownership.
Appearance
The Maltipom is a small, toy-sized dog known for its elegant demeanor, playful nature, and adorable appearance. These dogs exude happiness and friendliness, with warm, approachable expressions and a joyful appearance. Despite their tiny size, Maltipoms are sturdy and hardy. They have dark, round, and alert eyes, slightly erect ears, and puffy tails that curl over their backs. Their long, silky, soft coat can come in solid colors such as black, white, cream, orange, or red, as well as various combinations of these shades.
As a toy breed, Maltipoms stand between 8 to 10 inches tall and weigh between 4 to 8 pounds. They shed very little and are considered hypoallergenic, making them excellent companion pets for individuals with pet-related allergies.
Temperament
Maltipoms are among the most loving and lovable dogs in the canine kingdom. These elegant dogs are affectionate, sweet, friendly, and gentle. They adore their pet parents above all else and are known to be highly attached, often displaying protective behaviors. Maltipoms make amazing family pets. While they can be cuddly and caring, they also have a playful and energetic side. Maltipoms love their toys and enjoy playing games, such as hide-and-seek with treats, fetch, tug-of-war, and indoor or outdoor obstacle courses. They are particularly fond of noisy toys, like squeaky toys or those that make animal sounds, as well as food puzzle toys. After a fun-filled play session, Maltipom pups are ready for snuggles, cuddles, and pampering.
As attention-seekers, these delightful pups love to be the living room stars. They enjoy performing tricks, stunts, and spontaneous zooms, jumps, and rolls, eagerly seeking praise for their antics. They often want to be the center of attention, leading to territorial and jealous behavior toward other household pets. Like many small dogs, proper training during early puppyhood is essential to prevent these behaviors from escalating in fully-grown Maltipoms. Maltipom puppies are bouncy, joyful, and playful bundles of fluff. They love testing their speed, jumping ability, and exploratory skills. With their sweet and cuddly nature, Maltipom puppies have a joyful disposition that is highly contagious.
Care
Grooming
Regarding grooming, Maltipom dogs require a level of maintenance that falls between high and low. They have medium to long straight coats that should be brushed with a pin brush and combed weekly to maintain shine and avoid tangles. Bathing, nail trimming, and dental care should be performed as necessary. To prevent tear stains and infections, it’s important to clean the eyes and ears of Maltipoms regularly.
Exercise Needs
Due to their small size, Maltipoms only need a little exercise, regardless of how energetic they may be. They enjoy going for one or two brisk walks each day and playing actively indoors. Combined with walks and play for thirty minutes, it is sufficient to keep these adorable dogs healthy and fit. Engaging their minds with games is another effective way to exercise them. They particularly enjoy being entertained by puzzle games and Kong toys filled with puppy treats.
Health
Like other small dog breeds, Maltipoms may experience a range of minor health concerns, particularly as they age. In their senior years, they might face issues like cataracts, joint troubles, dental decay, and diminished hearing. However, as first-generation pups, they generally have a low occurrence of health problems. They benefit from hybrid vigor and are recognized for their ability to live long and healthy lives.
Lifespan
The typical lifespan of a Maltipom ranges from 10 to 14 years, though with proper care and a healthy environment, they can live even longer. The Maltese and Pomeranian breeds are known for their longevity, which the Maltipom inherits. Maltese dogs have achieved remarkable lifespans, with some individuals living up to 23 years. Similarly, the Pomeranian breed has examples of long-lived dogs, including Coty, who lived just three months short of 22 years.
Training
Maltipom puppies are a mix of two smart breeds: the Maltese and the Pomeranian. They have a friendly nature from the Maltese and a bit of stubbornness from the Pomeranian. With patience and rewards, these puppies can learn well. They quickly pick up basic commands and tricks and love to make their owners happy. Maltipoms have short attention spans as young puppies, which limits their learning during the first 10 weeks. It’s best to keep training sessions short and fun. Aim for about ten minutes of training daily for the first 10–12 weeks. You can increase the time as they get older.
Although Maltipoms are friendly, it’s important to socialize them when young. This helps prevent shyness in their adult years. It’s also good to teach them to be independent before leaving them alone for the first time. Without this training, they may develop separation anxiety.
History
Maltipoms are a designer hybrid breed resulting from the cross between a purebred Bichon Maltese and a purebred Pomeranian. Maltese and Pomeranian have been popular dog breeds for decades and are known for their intelligence, adorable looks, affection, and strong loyalty to their owners. Maltipoms inherit wonderful traits from both parent breeds and have gained popularity in their own right.
Although Maltipoms may have existed for some time without the intervention of professional breeders, they were intentionally bred from purebred Maltese and Pomeranian lines approximately 20 to 30 years ago in the United States. Like many designer hybrids, the Maltipom does not have a well-documented or extensive history. To better understand these amazing dogs, it’s helpful to look at the history of their parent breeds.
Maltipom puppies are often referred to as the living jewels of dogdom. These beautiful toy dogs originate from the Isle of Malta and have become one of the most popular toy-sized companion pets worldwide. The Maltese breed has a long history and has enjoyed a life of luxury among high-society families, royals, aristocrats, and noblemen. They have been depicted in poetry, paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts. Known for their silky white coats and elegant demeanor, Maltese dogs have won numerous canine show awards and captured the hearts of dog lovers around the globe. They are sweet, kind, obedient, and friendly, with strong family attachments and playful natures.
Pomeranian puppies are adventurous, loyal, and animated. Their feisty personalities, intelligence, and striking appearances have earned them a special place in the hearts of many, including kings and queens. Originating from Pomerania, a region near the Baltic Sea, the Pomeranian breed traces its lineage to ancient Spitz dogs used for sledding in the Arctic. They inherit strength, agility, and speed from their Spitz ancestors, making them excellent competitors among small breeds. For hundreds of years, Pomeranians have been cherished by notable figures such as Queen Victoria and Napoleon Bonaparte and families of all social standings. Today, Pomeranians rank among the 20 most popular dog breeds worldwide.
The American Canine Hybrid Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Designer Dog Kennel Club recognize the Maltipom breed.