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Are you looking to adopt a dog with a lot of personality and charm? Then you may want to consider the Maltipom! If you’ve not heard of this dog breed before, don’t feel bad. This was a new one for us, too!
We’ve put together some information about the Maltipom, which can help determine if this is the right dog for your and your family. Let’s get started!
What is a Maltipom?
Just to be clear, the Maltipom is a hybrid dog mix that’s a cross between a purebred Maltese and a purebred Pomeranian. Talk about adorable! These dogs are also called designer dogs. It’s thought breeders wanted to develop healthier dogs that had the positive attributes of the Maltese and Pomeranian.
Because the Maltipom is a hybrid dog, there’s no set standard for this breed. The dogs are also not a 50/50 mix of their parents. Their genes are randomly inherited from both their Maltese and Pomeranian parents. So, puppies from the same litter can look different from one another.
For instance, some puppies may look more like their Maltese parent, while others look more like their Pomeranian parent. It’s even possible some puppies in the same litter could look more like a blend of their parents.
While we don’t know much about the history of the Maltipom, we can learn something about the dog’s parents.
Quick Overview of the Maltese
The Maltese is a small dog breed that is both gentle and fearless. These dogs are known for their like, white luxurious coats. The breed is one of the most ancient toy dog breeds. Experts believe the dogs go back some 2,000 years, all the way to ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
These elegant little dogs have silky white fur, which is straight and thick. Their hair goes all the way to the floor. These dogs are always white. And the dogs have a ton of energy! What’s more, the Maltese is a highly intelligent dog who is very devoted to his family.
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Ask a Vet Live NowThe Pomeranian
The other purebred parent of the Maltipom is the Pomeranian. Pomeranians originally come from an area that’s split between Poland and Germany. This dog breed is part of the Spitz family and is related to the American Eskimo Dog, Norwegian Elkhound, and other Spitz dogs. Pomeranians are the smallest of the Spitz family.
These dogs have been companion dogs; Queen Victoria loved Pomeranians and showed them in competitions. The dogs are cute, highly intelligent, and devoted to their families. In addition, Poms are famous for having feisty personalities! They’re very independent, brave dogs who are independent thinkers.
As you can see, the parents of the Maltipom share many of the same characteristics. In the following sections, we’ll take a more in-depth view of the Maltipom’s characteristics.
Maltipoms usually stand between 8-13 inches and weigh between 4-10 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
Maltipom Appearance
The Maltipom is a small dog with a coat that may vary slightly. It all depends on which parent the dog takes after the most. However, most Maltipoms have a very soft, long coat of straight hair. The hair on the dog’s head may stand up on end.
The dogs have a head that’s in proportion to their compact body. They have triangular ears that stand up and eyes that are dark and round (they resemble a fox’s eyes). These dogs have thin legs and small feet, with a plumed tail that curls over their backs.
Maltipoms can come in a range of colors, including fawn, white, cream, black, and brown.
Temperament
Maltipoms are usually gentle, loving dogs who are devoted to their families. The dogs may form a close bond with one member of the family. These small dogs can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Maltipoms need to be the center of attention and don’t do well when they’re left out or ignored.
They tend to be highly intelligent and will sound the alarm by barking. The dogs are also wary of strangers and are somewhat aloof.
The dogs also tend to be more vocal like their Pomeranian parent, but they’re usually not as “barky.”
Are Maltipoms Good for Families
Yes! However, these dogs are best for families that have older kids that are pretty calm. Maltipoms are very small dogs and can easily be injured if kids play with them too roughly.
Otherwise, Maltipoms have tons of energy, making them excellent playmates for kids. They also love being part of the family and involved with family outings and more.
Do Maltipoms Get Along with Other Pets?
The answer depends on whether the Maltipom has been properly trained and socialized. If the dog has been trained and socialized, he will be able to live with other dogs and other pets, especially if they’re raised together.
One of the main problems to watch for is that Maltipoms can sometimes be possessive and jealous if other dogs or pets come near their favorite person.
Food & Diet
Maltipoms need a high-quality kibble dog food diet, which is best for their inherited dental problems. It is possible to include wet dog food with the kibble. However, it’s always best to ask your vet about the right food for your fur baby.
Exercise
Maltipoms are small and full of energy! For this reason, the dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. You don’t want a bored Maltipom. These dogs are also intelligent and can easily come up with their own activities to beat boredom. We can say, with full certainty, you won’t like what your bored dog cooks up!
A Maltipom needs at least 15 minutes of exercise a day. However, keep in mind these small dogs don’t do well in extreme hot or cold weather conditions.
Training
Maltipoms are intelligent, yet they can be difficult to train. These dogs can be sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh correction. They do best with positive reinforcement training methods, backed with treats as rewards.
Grooming
Maltipoms usually have soft, silky, thick fur. That means they require daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. The dogs only need to be bathed when they’re very dirty and stinky.
You may have heard these dogs referred to as “hypoallergenic.” While no dog is hypoallergenic, the good news is that Maltipoms don’t shed very much. That means less of their dander is spread throughout the house. So, they may be good for some people who are allergic to dogs.
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! Maltipoms are small dogs that are filled with energy! These highly intelligent dogs can be quite playful, though they are wary of strangers. What’s more, they can make a wonderful family companion for those who have older kids that don’t play too rough.
If you adopt a Maltipom, we’re pretty sure you’ll have an adorable, beautiful dog to have fun with for many years to come!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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