Humans are always mixing things up to try and get a better experience, aren’t they? We’re always looking for new flavors, styles, fashions, ways to be entertained – whatever it is, we are forever combining different things to create new ones.
And we even do this with dogs! We take two long-established, well-loved breeds and create fascinating new hybrids. The Pomchi (a Pomeranian Chihuahua mix), Cockapoo (Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix), Shichi (Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix), and the Chorkie (Chihuahua Yorkie mix) are just a handful that spring to mind.
Some of these designer dogs have become extraordinarily popular recently, especially the smaller breeds that fit easily into busy, modern lifestyles and urban situations.
One small designer breed that has been causing a stir of late is the Maltese Chihuahua mix.
Anyone who knows the two parent breeds will understand that they are pretty different in terms of their character and appearance. Aside from the fact that they are both small dogs, they don’t have much in common at all! So, what is the crossbreed of the two like? Well, that’s precisely what we’re here to find out.
Join us on a journey to discover the truth about the Maltese Chihuahua mix.
What Is A Maltese And A Chihuahua Mix Called?
Photo from: @little.sandy.baby
We’ve gone with the Malchi in our title, as this seems to be the most widely used. However, it’s also known as the Maltechi and the Malachi.
Most new designer breeds take their name from an amalgamation of the names of the two parent breeds. It’s not always successful (as in the case of the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix that no one can think of a name for!) and often leads to a handful of suggestions that nobody can agree on.
Hopefully, as these new breeds become more widely accepted and are eventually recognized by parent breed clubs or kennel clubs, they will have official names.
In the meantime, we’ll stick to using Malchi!
What Is A Malchi?
Photo from: @leo_malchihua
To leave no room for doubt, the Malchi is a crossbreed of the Maltese dog (often mistakenly called the Maltese Terrier) and the Chihuahua.
The Maltese dog is known for its long white, silky fur, its devotion to its owners, and its sweet, gentle, intelligent nature. Not much is known about its history, although it is said to have originated in south-central Europe several thousand years ago and takes its name from the island of Malta. They don’t appear to have had any use as anything other than a lapdog or companion dog.
These are tiny pooches, measuring between 7 and 9 inches at the shoulder and weighing less than seven pounds!
The Chihuahua originates more than six thousand miles away from Malta, in the Mexican state that gave the dog its name. Like the Maltese, this dog’s history is vague and unclear, shrouded in myth and legend.
What we do know is that the Chihuahua is quirky, entertaining, expressive, and lively.
So, what is the hybrid of these two dogs like?
We’re about to find out…
Are Maltese Chihuahua Mix Good Dogs?
Yes, they are!
The Malchi is an amazing companion dog, not just for families with older children but also for individuals and senior dog lovers as they don’t require a lot of room or much exercise.
These little dogs can make a lot of noise when they want to, but they have a lot of love to give.
If there is a downside, it’s that they are so tiny that they are fragile and easily injured. For this reason, they are not ideal for families with young children, as they may see these cute little canines as playthings. Aside from getting injured if the child drops them, they may also lash out if they are pulled about too roughly.
Separation anxiety is a big issue for the Malchi, so you need to ensure that they aren’t left alone for too long. They’ll be so happy to see you, even if you only left the room for twenty minutes!
Overall, the Maltese Chihuahua mix makes a great pet. They’ll keep you entertained with their funny antics, then curl up on your lap for cuddles.
And they make great watchdogs! You can be sure that if they spot a stranger or anything they are unhappy with, they will yap loudly to let you know.
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Size
Photo from: @maisymaethemalchi
How big does a Malchi get? In all probability, your Malchi will weigh between 5 and 12 pounds and measure between 12 and 14 inches at the shoulder.
Now that’s pretty small! You’ll need to take extra care of her because of this. Chihuahuas are well-known for their tendency to get cold very quickly, and they start shivering at the slightest cool breeze. They also need to be fed small amounts of dog food fairly regularly, as their metabolism works much quicker, and they can easily become weak as their blood sugar levels drop.
In the next section, we’ll discover more about the hazards facing small dog breeds.
Toy Maltese Chihuahua Mix
Micro-pups have become extremely popular in the last few years, with breeders producing smaller and smaller dogs to feed public demand.
Toy and teacup dogs are the smallest, although the latter isn’t officially recognized. Things can get a bit confusing, as to qualify as a teacup breed, the dog should measure no more than 17 inches (although most are much smaller) and weigh less than 4 pounds when they are mature. However, toy dogs are rarely bigger than 12 inches in height and weigh between 5 and 12 pounds, meaning that the Maltese Chihuahua mix already qualifies as a toy breed.
Nobody can deny that these are the cutest pups ever. But there are serious concerns about the ethics of producing extremely small dogs.
Reputable breeders may have taken years to produce their toy breeds, using ethical methods to do so. The trouble is, some breeders are not so conscientious, using runts in their breeding programs or even deliberately withholding essential nutrients from pups to stunt their growth. Some will also use inbreeding or select pups that haven’t developed properly for their breeding programs.
Even if the pups have been produced ethically, many of these tiny dogs will have an increased risk of severe health problems because of their small size.
These dogs are prone to heart problems, digestive issues, seizures, liver complications, and respiratory problems. They also often have a soft spot on their skulls and are at serious risk of injury or death from being dropped or trodden on. The most common causes of death are crush injuries or trauma from being dropped onto a hard surface.
You can see why most animal welfare groups advise against teacup dogs! If you want a Maltese Chihuahua mix, then choose your breeder wisely and try to find a dog at the larger end of the scale.
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Temperament
First and foremost, this is a companion dog. She will fret if you leave her alone for any length of time. But as she’s so tiny, why not take her with you? Otherwise, you may return home to find your stuff chewed to pieces! Separation anxiety can also make dogs aggressive.
This is a tiny dog with a big heart. She’ll be absolutely devoted to you from the very beginning. She will also shower love and affection on other family members, but early socialization is always a good idea as it helps the dog accept other people and animals.
You may notice signs of small dog syndrome, which is when the pup appears to be more aggressive than they really are. This is a defensive tactic as many small dogs are fearful of being injured, so they overcompensate by aggressively warning off much bigger dogs. She might also be bossy at times and try to assert her authority over other pets or children.
Other than this, she is playful, gentle, and affectionate.
It’s difficult to be precise about this dog’s temperament, as it depends on which parent breed the pup favors. The Maltese dog is easier to potty train, while the Chihuahua is a little more challenging. Either way, crate training is a good idea, whichever parent your Malchi takes after.
The Malchi is a generally happy lap dog that loves to be with you always. She is very cuddly but can be wary of strangers in the home.
The best way to overcome any behavior problems is through training and socialization. It is vital that this is started as early as possible, and some breeders will even begin the process for you.
Socialization should be a continuous process and should always be positive, peaceful, non-threatening, and gentle.
Brindle Maltese Chihuahua Mix
You’d be very lucky to find one of these! Maltese dogs are nearly always white, while the Chihuahua has thirty official colors and eleven different types of marking, including brindle, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
For those who don’t know, brindle is a pattern rather than a color, sometimes likened to tiger stripes. However, it’s usually a lot subtler than that! It usually appears as blended dark shades that give a wavy/striped effect in the fur. You can see this pattern in breeds such as the Boxer, Dachshund, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and Great Dane.
It’s pretty rare in the Chihuahua and is caused by a recessive gene, making it unlikely that the brindle color will appear in the Malchi.
If you do manage to find one, you’ll have a pup that’s one in a million!
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Price
Photo from: @little.sandy.baby
Your Maltese Chihuahua mix will probably cost you somewhere between $300 and $1,000.
The actual price you pay will depend on local demand, your location (prices are generally higher in the northern states of America), and the breeder’s reputation. Also, the sex and color of your dog may have a bearing on the overall cost as well. As we mentioned above, brindle Malchis are rare, and some breeders may hike their prices accordingly.
This is something to watch out for, as the pup’s true colors won’t be apparent until they are several months old. Don’t be fooled into parting with extra cash for a pup just because it’s a particular color. There’s a good chance that you’ll have wasted that money as the puppy’s coat will change color as he develops.
You can save money by heading to your local rescue center or shelter, as adoption is usually cheaper. You might find a Malchi dog for as little as $50, although some of these places charge a few hundred dollars. Even so, you’ll have probably saved a little life and given a beautiful pooch a loving home.
Are Maltese Chihuahua Mix Hypoallergenic?
Allergies are no joke, causing misery to millions of people around the world, so it’s not surprising that people are asking, is a Malchi hypoallergenic?
The short answer to this is, it could be. Now, that’s not very helpful to allergy sufferers, so let’s explain further.
One of the main arguments against crossbreed dogs is that the results can be unpredictable. When two purebred dogs are mated, you have a good idea of what the pups will look like and how they might behave. The same can’t be said for hybrids until you get to the second and third generation of pups, when it becomes easier to predict certain traits.
With the Malchi, there is a pretty good chance that the pup will inherit the long coat of the Maltese parent dog, which is classed as hypoallergenic. However, there is also a slight chance that the pup will favor the short-coated Chihuahua, which isn’t hypoallergenic.
Nobody will actually know until the pups are several weeks old!
Do Maltese Chihuahua Mix Shed?
Yes, they do. In fact, all dogs shed to some extent, regardless of what you may have heard. However, some dogs shed more than others.
Malchis are classed as moderate shedders, so you’ll probably need to brush them two or three times a week. Some of this depends on how long the dog’s hair is, so if it’s a short coat like the Chihuahua parent’s, then you won’t need to brush it as much.
It’s a good idea to vacuum your home regularly, too, just to cut down the amount of hair that sticks to your clothes and furniture.
Maltese Chihuahua Mix Health Issues
Photo from: @maisymaethemalchi
As this mixed-breed dog has only been around for about twenty years, it’s still too early to have any definitive data on long-term health problems. However, from what we’ve seen so far, they seem to be fairly healthy overall.
Here are a few of the health issues that can sometimes appear:
Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar levels.
Ear infections – floppy ears can trap dirt and earwax, allowing bacteria to thrive.
Patellar luxation – a dislocated kneecap, sometimes requiring surgery.
Tracheal collapse – weakened cartilage in the throat that makes it flatten, causing breathing difficulties.
Eye problems – specifically progressive retinal atrophy and dry eye.
Hydrocephalus – fluid build-up in the brain that can cause permanent brain damage or death.
Liver shunt – blood flow is diverted around the liver by an abnormal connection, leading to an accumulation of hormones, proteins, and toxins in the blood.
Heart problems – including patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease. Both can be serious if not treated.
Most of these can be avoided if you choose an established, reputable breeder as they will test for these diseases.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Maltese Chihuahua Mix?
Photo from: @agwcrockinrescue
Small dogs generally have a longer lifespan than big dogs, with the Chihuahua being one of the longest-living of all!
You can expect your Malchi puppy to live for at least 12 years and possibly as long as 15 years or more, which is better than the average for all dog breeds.
As always, you can increase the chances of your dog living a long and happy life simply by choosing a good breeder. They will screen the parents for any common genetic or inherited health conditions to stop them from being passed on to the litter.
Additionally, you should always use the best dog food possible, make sure that you meet your doggy friend’s exercise requirements, and book them in for regular health checks at the vet.
How To Train A Maltese Chihuahua Mix
Photo from: maisymaethemalchi
Early training is always recommended for any dog breed, as young pups are more receptive than older dogs. This makes life easier for all concerned and helps eliminate unwanted behavior, such as aggression towards strangers and other dogs or nipping and biting.
Positive reinforcement and reward-based training is always the best route. Shouting at this dog will only make her nervous and confused, possibly leading to bad behavior and aggression.
Chihuahuas are not great when it comes to potty training, so you might have a challenge on your hands if your puppy takes after this parent! Crate training is well worth trying in this case, as it has proved to be successful for many dog owners.
Once again, never scold them or use harsh words if they have accidents. It’s bound to happen once or twice, and getting cross will be counterproductive, making your dog nervous and fearful.
Training your Malchi will take patience, time, and persistence. Overall, these dogs are intelligent and eager to please, though the Chihuahua’s stubborn side might show itself at times. Eventually, your patience will be rewarded as your Malchi starts to understand what’s expected of him.
Maltese And Chihuahua Mix Puppy
Are you ready for cuteness overload?
This tiny bundle of fur is sure to steal your heart!
All puppies are precious and fragile, but this one needs extra care and attention because it is so small.
Be very careful when carrying him, as he could sustain a serious injury if he falls to the floor, even on soft surfaces. These dogs can easily break a bone just by falling a few feet.
Your puppy should be ideally no younger than 6 weeks old when you bring him home, although most good breeders won’t release them until they are between 8 and 12 weeks old. By this time, they would have grown their baby teeth and should be in the process of getting their permanent, adult teeth.
They’ll be weaned naturally, and the mother dog will have been able to complete her own training.
You will be taking the mother’s place, and this tiny pup will transfer all of its love and devotion to you. Now it’s your job to care for this bundle of fur and give it the best possible life.
To do this, you’ll need to be prepared physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Puppies can be a lot of hard work, what with obedience training, potty training, teething, any medical problems, and simply helping them settle in.
Puppy-proofing your home is a must, as is the need to make sure you have all the accessories ready to welcome your pup home. You’ll need bedding, a crate, a water bowl, a food bowl, leashes, and an abundance of toys.
As well as the cost of buying your pup, you’ll need to set aside money for routine vet bills for microchipping, vaccinations, flea treatment, deworming treatment, and so on. Then you’ll need to be prepared for unexpected medical bills in case of injuries and sickness.
You’ll have some sleepless nights and will probably gain a few gray hairs along the way, but it will be totally worth it!
In Conclusion
Photo from: @cyouzchalveen
The Maltese Chihuahua mix, otherwise known as the Malchi, is a wonderful mix dog.
To round up our exploration of this adorable hybrid, let’s see what he’s like to live with and care for:
He is compact enough to fit into any living space and makes a great apartment dog, as long as you make sure that he gets plenty of exercise. He is adaptable, playful, affectionate, and gentle, but with a sassy side that will make you smile – although you’ll need to keep this in check if it gets out of control!
As we discovered earlier, Malchis are great family dogs. However, they aren’t always the best choice for families with small children, partly because they may nip at tiny fingers if provoked and because these dogs are fragile and can be injured easily.
Of course, it’s up to you to make this call. If you do have very young children and really want one of these adorable pooches, it’s up to you to supervise any interaction between them to make sure that playtime doesn’t get too rough. You can also reduce the risk of any accidents or injuries by training and socializing your dog. It is also important to make sure that your kids know how to act around dogs. The Malchi doesn’t take kindly to being teased or pulled about, and it’s your job to ensure that this doesn’t happen.
Grooming shouldn’t be too much of a chore, mainly because of this dog’s size! If he has a longer coat, you’ll be able to manage any loose hairs by brushing him every day to avoid tangles, but this should only take a few minutes. You might want to consider having the hair clipped back by a professional groomer once in a while just to keep it from getting too long, especially around his eyes.
Short-haired dogs will only need brushing two or three times a week.
Whether he has short or long hair, you shouldn’t bathe him too frequently, or you could wash away the natural oils that keep his skin healthy.
His fur will be black, white, cream, or brown and can even be a mix of any of these colors! It could also be brindle, but that’s a real rarity.
Check his eyes and ears for signs of infection, and gently wipe them to keep the areas clean. You should also brush his teeth using a doggy toothpaste and toothbrush and never use those designed for humans.
This little dog isn’t designed for cold weather and does better in warmer climates, so you might need to consider getting him a coat if it gets chilly outside. His body temperature can drop rapidly, which can cause serious health problems, so be sure to keep him warm!
Owning any dog is a big responsibility, and each breed has its own challenges. The small size of the Malchi is the main concern here. You need to make sure that he is fed small meals two or three times a day. It is vitally important that you don’t skip a mealtime as his blood sugar levels can become dangerously low very quickly, leading to tremors and fainting.
As for exercise, he’ll need around thirty minutes each day to keep him fit and healthy both physically and mentally. He doesn’t need a lot of room to run around, so it’s not a big deal if you don’t have a large garden or backyard.
This dog doesn’t have an excessive amount of energy, making it an ideal companion for those who live life at a slower pace, such as the elderly.
Barking can be a problem as these dogs are very vocal. You can reduce this a little through training, but you will never stop it entirely. This is something to keep in mind if you live in an apartment block with a resident’s association that has strict rules about noise.
All in all, the Malchi is a wonderful dog, whether for individuals, families, or couples of all ages. Even first-time dog owners should be okay with the Malchi, but just remember to be firm and assertive, or he’ll assume that he’s in charge.
Once he’s trained and socialized, he’ll be a pleasure to have around. And if you choose a good breeder and give this dog the right amount of love and care, he’ll be your loyal companion for at least the next fifteen years!