- Activity Level:moderate
- Grooming Level:moderate
- Trainability:high
- Adaptability:high
- Kid/Pet Friendly:often
- Prey Drive:moderate
- Watchdog:chill
- Average Size:Small
- Average Lifespan:12-15 years
- Registered?:other
Maltichon Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
Did You Know?
The Maltichon is a designer dog breed that is a cross between a Maltese and a Bichon Frise. As the hybrid of two well-loved toy breeds, the Maltichon is a popular designer dog breed. Although a mixed breed can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds, the Maltichon tends to inherit some of the best traits from them both.
Overall, they tend to be affectionate, friendly, and a great fit for families. The Malitchon may not be recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are recognized by other notable dog organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and more.
The Maltichon is an affectionate, loving little dog that loves to cuddle. When not cuddling and being a peak companion dog, their playful and goofy personality shines through. They get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. Plus, their friendly disposition makes them open to making new friends wherever they are.
Maltichon are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to be happy wherever they are as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They also tend to do well in most climates.
As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up in the winter to stay warm. Having the right mix of winter dog products on hand can help your Maltichon stay warm as the temperatures drop. Because these dogs crave affection and attention, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone.
A mixed breed can inherit the health issues common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. The Maltichon is a relatively healthy dog breed. As with any dog breed, there are potential health concerns to be aware of. For the Maltichon, these potential health concerns include patellar luxation, Cushing’s disease, skin issues, allergies, and a congenital heart defect called patent ductus arteriosis.
Responsible breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic health issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to talk to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents or to ask about any health clearances or tests. As a small dog breed, the Maltichon is also more prone to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay, which leads to infection and tooth loss. Good dental care for dogs can help protect your Maltichon’s teeth. Regular vet visits along with a good diet and plenty of exercise can help keep them healthy.
The Maltichon is a highly trainable dog breed. Not only are they highly intelligent and eager to please, but they also do not tend to have stubborn streaks. This makes them a good fit for dog owners of any experience level.
Maltichon thrive on being the center of attention, which means they respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer opportunities to socialize a puppy.
Both the Maltese and the Bichon Frise have low, or no-shedding, coats, so the Maltichon should also inherit the same “hypoallergenic” coat. This makes them a great fit for people who are allergic to dog fur. However, just because they don’t shed much, if at all, doesn’t mean their grooming is low maintenance. A Maltichon’s coat needs to be brushed at least a few times a week, if not every day, to remove tangles and prevent mats. They also usually require professional grooming every 4-6 months.
In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Maltichon’s nails, ears, and teeth. Professional grooming may take care of some of this, but you’ll still need to do some maintenance at home. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep your dog’s nails from growing too long. If you hear your Maltichon’s nails clicking on the floor between visits to the groomer, it’s time to cut your dog’s nails.
Checking your dog’s ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. When you are looking at your Maltichon’s ears, you are checking to see that they are dry, clean, and free of debris. If not, it’s time to carefully clean your dog’s ears. For dental care, brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day can help prevent dental disease.
The Maltichon’s energy level will range from low to moderate. They may love to cuddle, but they are not a complete couch potato. Daily walks plus some playtime or another activity will be plenty of exercise for this small pooch. But, they also love spending time with you, so they may be up for a little more activity if you are.
Just be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not overexerting themselves trying to keep up. Also, these dogs can get bored easily and need mental stimulation to be happy. Playtime with challenging games and toys is a great way to keep them engaged.
A fully-grown Maltichon usually stands 8-11 inches tall and weighs 8-13 pounds.
A Maltichon generally lives 12-15 years.
The Maltichon is also sometimes referred to as a Maltese Frise.
