Maltipom

Maltipom Basics

If you were to picture a dog that was the perfect combination of everything you love about the Maltese and the Pomeranian breeds, you would have a Maltipom. The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian. The result is a small dog with the face, ears and stature of a Pomeranian and the long, flowing coat of a Maltese. The appearance of this breed varies, of course, depending on the parentage – it is possible to have a Maltipom with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage.

The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian.

Origin

The Maltipom is a more recent designer dog breed- these pooches don’t boast a rich history as their parents do. In fact, there’s not much we know about this new hybrid and his origin. But it’s not to say that the Maltipom is enigmatic or mysterious- there’s a simple reason for that. The exact origins of the Maltipom breed are unknown because hybrid dogs have been in existence for many years. It’s more likely than not that there have been many unplanned encounters of a Maltese and a Pomeranian which resulted in mixed breed litters all throughout history. Of course, the origin of the breed is thought of as the moment when someone intentionally started crossbreeding the two purebreds in an effort to develop a new breed, rather than Maltipoms being a cute ‘accident’. As no one breeder has been credited with the development of the breed, we don’t know when that happened for the Maltese and Pomeranian mix.

Pedigree

The Maltipom is a 50/50 mix of a purebred Pomeranian and a purebred Maltese. This is a so-called first generation hybrid, as the litters that result from this cross are the first of their kind: their parents are always two purebred dogs. Despite the fact that Maltipom’s mom and dad are two purebreds from the AKC roster, the Maltipom himself is not accepted into the fold. And, since the American Kennel Club doesn’t register Maltipom puppies, they won’t have official pedigree papers. One of the reasons for this is that first generation crossbreeds are still a way to go from becoming a breed with a standard. With parents from two different breeds, puppies’ looks will always vary, with some of them favoring one breed over the other.

Of course, it is possible to have a dog with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage. The lack of uniformity in the Maltipom is remedied with multigenerational crossbreeding, where unrelated Poodles or Maltese dogs are introduced into the family tree. For instance, if you want a more hypoallergenic dog, you would cross a Maltipom with a Poodle, for a litter of Maltipoms that would be 75 percent Poodle and 25 percent Maltese. There are many possibilities!

Food/Diet

Choosing a well-balanced, healthy diet for your dog should be one of your primary concerns. A nutritious diet will support your pet’s overall health and improve their quality of life as a result. Luckily, the Maltipom is not too complicated when it comes to his meals. Not unlike most canines, these designer dogs do well on high-quality dry food for dogs. Kibble, when made from natural, human-grade ingredients, can be a perfect way to get your pet all the nutrients they need in a tasty form. As a small-breed dog, the Maltipom requires a high-quality dog food diet that is formulated for their size and activity levels. To boot, they’ll also need kibble that is appropriate for their age group- puppy, adult, or senior.

Small-breed dog formulas are specially designed to meet the high-energy needs of small, active dogs like the Maltipom. That’s why it’s important not to go over the recommended dose- overfeeding would lead to rapid weight gain, and, in turn, health issues.

The Maltipom is intelligent and generally responds well to training.

Training

Every dog owner, both veteran and new, should know that training is a very important step in the dog rearing process that should never be overlooked. With training you are making sure that your pet will be obedient, content, and fun to be around. The Maltipom is intelligent and generally responds well to training. Like many small breed dogs, however, this breed has a tendency to become dominant and may develop “small dog syndrome” if you do not use a firm and consistent hand in training. Socialization and training should be started at an early age to prevent the development of problem behaviors. It is also worth noting that, like many small breeds, your dog may be difficult to housebreak. Crate training is the recommended training method for housebreaking.

Keep in mind that the best time to start training is very early on, while your pet is still a puppy. This is the time when they eagerly soak up all the information you provide, and it will be easier for them to memorize the commands and tricks you teach them. With just a little patience and rewarding treats, you should see results very quickly. Of course, things can get much harder if you try and train them in adulthood, even though it is possible. By that time, they can be less receptive to training and much more willful. In other words – the early bird takes the worm! 

Weight

When you are looking to provide a home for a pet doggo, you should always pay attention to their weight and size. These can be a deciding factor for so many things, especially the way they should be housed. The Maltipom generally weighs between 3 and 9 lbs. at maturity and stands between 8 and 12 inches tall. The size of this breed will vary depending on its parentage and the percentage of each breed used in the cross. Still, they can be considered a generally smaller breed, and as such will thrive in a variety of homes.

Whether you have a small apartment or a spacious home, the Maltipom will find plenty of space for their needs. This is a sparky and energetic breed, so don’t leave them cooped up in really tiny spaces – they certainly won’t like it. They do well in an apartment or a house, preferably with a fenced-in yard. That can be the ideal home for many breeds, Maltipom included. That way they can snooze, lounge, play, and stretch as much as they need to! 

Temperament/Behavior

For the most part, the Maltipom is a friendly and affectionate breed. This hybrid combines the best characteristics of both the Pomeranian and the Maltese breeds into one family-friendly pet. These dogs are typically good with children though they can become a little dominant toward other dogs in the household. It’s recommended that children should be older before bringing home this size, as young children may play too rough with this dog. This breed can also be somewhat territorial and may bark when other dogs or people enter the yard or ring the doorbell. This dog also tends to form a particularly strong bond with one member of the family.

Common Health Problems

It is often said that crossbreeds and designer dogs tend to be healthier than their purebred parents. While this is true in some cases, it is not a rule set in stone. The health of the Maltipom breed varies greatly depending on breeding – if the dog is bred from two healthy purebred dogs, it is much more likely to be healthy than a puppy that is the product of an accidental breeding. Common health problems seen in the breed include progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, patellar luxation, entropion, hypothyroidism, and hypoglycemia. Maltipoms may also be at risk for respiratory problems including asthma. Of course, it goes without saying that your pet might not develop any of these issues, and can be as healthy as ever. All this is only true when you give your best effort to provide your dog with the best care they can have. From diet to vet checkups, this care should be all-encompassing. 

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan of the Maltipom breed is between 12 and 15 years. Quite the age for such a small and cuddly breed! Experts agree that 15 years is the maximum life expectancy for most dog breeds, no matter their size. This means that the Maltipom is at the top of the longevity lists. And not only are they long-lived, but they have a ton of great characteristics and traits. This combo makes them ideal companion pets and lap dogs. And fifteen years is not a small number! Whether you want a pet for your kids, or if you are a senior looking for a friend in your golden years, the Maltipom fits the bill. The kids can spend their loveliest formative years with a little four-legged pupper friend, while the seniors can find emotional support and affection for years to come. Either way, the Maltipom is there to stay for a while in your life.

Of course, the personal care from your side cannot be neglected, as life expectancy is just an estimate. This age can only be achieved with your dedicated care and attention. Making sure that your pet has a good diet, hygiene, exercise, affection, and veterinary care is imperative. If you cannot provide everything this breed needs to thrive, you shouldn’t get a Maltipom.

Exercise Requirements

The Maltipom is an active little dog that loves to run and play. Give your dog a daily 30 minute walk and plenty of play time and he should be happy. These dogs generally do not do well when left alone for long periods of time and failure to provide adequate mental and physical stimulation could result in the development of problem behaviors like barking, chewing, and digging.

Due to their size, the Maltipoms can be quite the sparky little doggos. They love to run around and goof off, to explore and play with anyone and anything. Of course, this is all a part of their loving character. And best of all, it will keep them athletic and slim for the most part. To that end, make sure that they get enough daily exercise, and that they are not cooped up for too long. These are affectionate dogs and they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. And that can create a host of other issues.

Exercise is also important for maintaining good health. Maltipoos are small and light, but if they get no exercise, they can quickly become chubby, and in time – obese. This is common with many small-sized dog breeds, and can become quite a health hazard. To prevent this, carefully balance diet and exercise, doing all in moderation. Obesity in small dogs can have many consequences, the major ones being arthritis and cardiovascular issues. 

For the most part, the Maltipom is a friendly and affectionate breed.

AKC

Many of the most popular cross breeds and designer dogs are sadly not included on the leading dog breed registries, simply because of their mixed origins. Likewise, the Maltipom is not recognized by the AKC because it is technically a hybrid of two pure breeds rather than a new breed. It is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Breed Registry. That is still something, and is a great start for Maltipom’s wider recognition. 

Coat

Though the appearance of this breed may vary somewhat depending on breeding, the Maltipom generally has a long, flowing coat of straight, soft hair. This breed is categorized as a non shedding or hypoallergenic breed which means that it is a good choice for allergy sufferers. The most common colors for Maltipoms include white, black, orange, red, cream, and any combination of these colors.

Of course, you will need to maintain their coat. Regular brushing throughout the week is recommended, in order to keep everything tidy and hygienic. Grooming is recommended too – but that is best left to the care of professional salons. You can take your pet there once a month, and make sure that they always look their best. The parent breeds of Maltipoms are well known as show dogs, and this is reflected in the elegant and flowing coat of this designer breed. And such a coat requires attention and grooming!

Puppies

Maltipom puppies can be accurately described as little balls of fur. When they are young, Maltipoms are full of energy and love to play. Needless to say, you should be very careful when playing with your tiny Maltipom puppy. Owing to their size, they are fragile and prone to injuries. One careless moment could be the reason your pooch is hurt. For the same reason, you shouldn’t let kids play alone with their puppy.

Even though cuddling and playing might be all that’s on your mind, you shouldn’t neglect Maltipom’s upbringing. It is important that you start your puppy with training and socialization as early as possible to prevent the development of problem behaviors. This ensures that they grow up into healthy, friendly, and affectionate dogs with zero negative traits. If you neglect your pet in their formative years, they might become somewhat aggressive, snappy, over-protective, and even too frightened and timid. And that’s never a good thing.

In their puppy years, the Maltipoms are very receptive and eager to learn, which can tremendously help with the training process. Use this time to your advantage, and lay down the healthy foundations, starting with basic training and working your way up from there. Stay patient and do things right, and your little puppy will quickly grow up into a healthy, happy, and obedient adult dog. And that only means that your lasting relationship will be much better in the long run. 

Photo credit: Ancha Chiangmai/Shutterstock