11 Maltese Mixes That’ll Melt Your Heart
Maltese mixes are hybrid dogs that result from crossing a Maltese with another dog breed—like a Yorkshire terrier (morkie) or a dachshund (mauxie). Since designer dogs can inherit a mix of traits from both parents, they can be a bit of a wild card, both in terms of appearance and temperament. But, one thing is for certain: All Maltese mix dogs are adorable, good boys and girls who are guaranteed to enrich your life.
If you’ve fallen in love with the charming, gentle Maltese, you might also fall head over heels for these 11 Maltese mixes.
Mixed-breed dogs often pop up at local animal shelters, but if you can’t find a rescue pup to bring home, you’ll want to do lots of research before working with a puppy breeder. Though plenty of breeders run ethical, dog-centric operations, there are lots of bad actors out there. Reputable breeders, on the other hand, will gladly provide you with references—people you can call, including past customers and veterinarians, to get a sense of how they care for their animals.
Maltese Breed Characteristics
With her flowing white locks, gentle personality, and portable size, it’s no surprise that the Maltese has become one of the most popular dogs in America. As a toy breed, the Maltese is tiny in stature, weighing less than a gallon of milk and standing less than a foot tall.
But, despite their small size, these petite pups are big on affection. They're known for being friendly, loving, loyal, and easy-going, traits that make them ideal for everyone from young children to seniors. As a lap dog, the Maltese doesn’t need much room to roam, which can make them a good option for owners who live in apartments, condos, tiny houses, and other small living arrangements. And, since these pups don’t shed much, they may be a fit for allergy sufferers (though they do require regular grooming).
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Maltipoo (Maltese Poodle Mix)
The Maltipoo is a small—and extremely adorable—cross between a Maltese and a poodle. Since designer dogs inherit characteristics from both parents, there’s no telling exactly how big your Maltipoo will get. But since they’re usually bred from miniature or toy poodles, these pups tend to stay on the small side, typically weighing less than 20 pounds. These hybrid dogs often have the spunkiness and intelligence of a poodle and the cuddly, amiable nature of a Maltese, which makes for a winning combination.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 8 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 20 pounds
COAT: Varies
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 13 years
TEMPERAMENT: Smart, cheerful, affectionate
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
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Malshi (Maltese Shih Tzu Mix)
The shih tzu is another toy breed with a long, flowing coat and a heart-melting personality—so it only makes sense that these pups were crossed with the Maltese to create the Malshi. Sweet, social, and small, the Malshi is a designer dog who adores spending time with his human family members. And the feeling is usually mutual: Like its two parent breeds, the Malshi can often be spotted in a handbag or sitting on his owner’s lap.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 16 pounds
COAT: Long, silky
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Peppy, loyal, outgoing, gentle
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
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Morkie (Maltese Yorkshire Terrier Mix)
Spend just a few minutes with a Morkie—also known as a “Morkshire terrier”—and you’ll instantly be smitten with this pint-sized designer breed. A cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire terrier, the morkie is an adaptable, up-for-anything companion with an outgoing disposition. Since Yorkshire terriers were bred to be energetic rodent hunters, Morkies can inherit some of their athletic, playful tendencies. But they will still gladly snuggle up with you on the couch at the end of a long day.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 7 pounds
COAT: Long, silky
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Loving, sprightly, cuddly
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
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Papitese (Maltese Papillon Mix)
Developed in France, the papillon is a whip-smart pooch who's sure to turn heads as you walk down the street: These petite pets often have perky, fringed ears that look a bit like the outstretched wings of a butterfly. (And that’s exactly how these dogs got their name: “papillon” is the French word for butterfly.) Combine a papillon with a Maltese and you’ll get a papitese, a small, hybrid dog who thrives with positive reinforcement training, regular exercise, and constant love and affection.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds
COAT: Long, silky, straight
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Happy, alert, adaptable
HYPOALLERGENIC: Maybe
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Mauxie (Maltese Dachshund Mix)
Whether you call them wiener dogs, sausage dogs, doxies, or some other nickname, you’ll likely agree that dachshunds are irresistibly cute. With their floppy ears, short legs, and sprightly personalities, these “badge dogs” have been winning over pet parents for centuries. Pair a dachshund with a Maltese and you get what’s known as a “Mauxie” (also sometimes spelled “Moxie”). But be forewarned: Since dachshunds were bred for hunting, your mauxie will probably need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay on her best behavior.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 5 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 32 pounds
COAT: Varies
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Bold, clever, loyal, sweet
HYPOALLERGENIC: Maybe
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Mauzer (Maltese Miniature Schnauzer Mix)
Blend the cleverness of the miniature schnauzer with the charm of the Maltese and you’ll get the Mauzer, a lovable designer breed. Though no dog is truly hypoallergenic, the Mauzer comes from two low-shedding parent breeds, so he may be a good choice for people with allergies. But since miniature schnauzers are some of the smartest pups around, you’ll likely want to stock up on puzzle toys to stave off boredom and prevent your Mauzer from being destructive. Enrichment activities and at-home training sessions—with tricks that get progressively more challenging—can also help keep these savvy pups mentally engaged.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 7 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 20 pounds
COAT: Varies
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Social, lively, affectionate
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
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Maltipom (Maltese Pomeranian Mix)
The pomeranian routinely ranks as one of the most popular dogs in America—and, once you meet one, you’ll understand why. These dainty toy dogs not only have ultra fluffy coats and perky ears, but also regal plumed tails that are usually wagging happily. They often have their mouths open in a cheerful little smile, too. Owners often describe their poms as funny, lively little dogs who are just as happy trotting around the neighborhood as they are curled up on the couch. Pair a pomeranian with a Maltese and you’ll get a Maltipom, a small designer breed with a good-natured temperament and an oh-so-adorable aesthetic.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 6 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds
COAT: Varies
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Fearless, intelligent, loving, cheerful
HYPOALLERGENIC: Maybe
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Maltichon (Maltese Bichon Frise Mix)
With their fluffy, snow-white coats, bichon frises look like living pompoms. This breed is closely related to the Maltese, and both pups belong to the barbichon family of dogs. The bichon frise’s origin story is a little murky, but experts believe they were developed in the Canary Islands, then later became popular among European royalty sometime during the 13th century. These clever, affectionate lap dogs are known to have a mischievous side—which may carry through when crossed with a Maltese. The resulting hybrid breed is known as the Maltichon.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 7 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 18 pounds
COAT: Long, straight or curly
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Fun-loving, outgoing, loving
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
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Malchi (Maltese Chihuahua Mix)
Looking for a petite designer breed with a heart of gold? Look no further than the Malchi, a cross between a Maltese and a Chihuahua. These pocket-sized hybrid pups may be tiny, but don’t let their stature fool you: From their Chihuahua parent, they usually inherit a good amount of spunk and sass. Bring your malchi with you everywhere, and she’ll be one very happy dog, since both of these breeds absolutely adore spending time with their humans.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 5 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: Less than 7 pounds
COAT: Varies
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Alert, courageous, loyal, affectionate
HYPOALLERGENIC: Maybe
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Havamalt (Havanese Maltese Mix)
Havanese have been winning over hearts and minds with their bubbly personalities and good looks for hundreds of years. Natives of Cuba, these merry lap dogs are now all the rage in America and beyond. Havanese typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds, which makes them slightly larger than Maltese, but not much. Crossing the two results in a charismatic, adaptable pup known as the Havamalt.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 13 pounds
COAT: Long, silky, straight or wavy
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Playful, good-natured, sweet
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
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Silky Cocker (Maltese Cocker Spaniel Mix)
Look deep into the big, sweet eyes of a cocker spaniel and we guarantee you’ll fall head over heels for this breed in an instant. This small sporting dog was originally developed for hunting but is now more popular as a family pet. With their long, soft ears and their peppy personalities, these pups make a perfect match for the gentle-mannered Maltese. Together, they make what’s known as a “silky cocker,” a relatively rare medium-sized hybrid breed.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 7 to 15.5 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 30 pounds
COAT: Long, silky
COAT COLOR: Any and all
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Sweet, companionable, alert, bold
HYPOALLERGENIC: Maybe
