Maltipom Breed Information
This designer crossbreed between a Maltese and a Pomeranian is the result of years of careful breeding. Though small in size, they still retain the intelligence and people-pleasing nature of their parents. A combination of playful energy and cuddly looks makes this pooch one of the most popular toy designer dogs in America today. They are surprisingly tough despite their small size and make good companions for people with allergies or children who catch every sneeze going around.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Hybrid / Maltese crossed with a Pomeranian
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Playful, Social
ADULT WEIGHT
4-8 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
8-10 in
LIFE SPAN
10-14 yrs
Characteristics
- The Maltipom is a designer hybrid dog that is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Maltese
- They are also known as Pomanese, Malti-Pom, and Pomanees
- The Maltipom is a cheerful dog that enjoys being around people and other furry friends
- They are affectionate and approachable and have a playful temperament that makes them ideal for families with children
- These dogs are also hypoallergenic and make excellent pets for owners who are sensitive to dander and dog hair
- Maltipoms are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners which makes them easy to train
- They are moderately energetic but don’t require much exercise. They can live in apartments or homes without yards
- These dogs are very social and affectionate toward their owners, but they may be reserved around strangers at first and need time to warm up to them
Appearance
This toy-sized dog breed is known for its elegant demeanor and dazzling appearance. The Maltipom is a cross between the Maltese and the Pomeranian. Their rich coats keep them well protected from harsh weather conditions. They are also known for their cuddly looks.
The Maltipom is a small dog breed with a sturdy and hardy build. They have a round and sturdy body with alert eyes. They have erect ears, puffy and curled tails, and a long silky, soft, and straight coat. They have a low shedding hypoallergenic coat that can come in black, white, cream, orange, red, or any combination of these colors.
Temperament
They are friendly, energetic, and playful pups. They love to play with their human family members and other pets and enjoy spending time with everyone they meet. Maltipom pups are not aggressive towards strangers, but they do need proper training during puppyhood so that they learn to control their energy levels.
They are affectionate and sweet-natured. They are also eager to please their owners and therefore, respond well to training techniques such as clicker training or positive reinforcement techniques.
Maltipom pups tend to bond strongly with one person, in particular, often following that person around like a shadow. This can lead to separation anxiety if the pup has no other outlet for its energy such as another friend or a favorite toy.
They are loving creatures who crave attention from their owners. They will do anything for treats, and will never turn down a belly rub. They love to explore their environment by nosing around, pouncing on toys and bones, and “helping” in the kitchen.
They are good with children and understand them well. They need plenty of exercise, food, and mental stimulation to be happy pets.
Care
Grooming
You should brush your Maltipom at least once a week to prevent tangles from forming in their coat, as well as remove dead hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. Your Maltipom will also need regular nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning.
To keep your Maltipom smelling fresh between baths (which you should only give them when necessary), you can bathe them with dog shampoo every 2 to 3 months. Be sure to use a shampoo designed for dogs so it doesn’t weigh down their coats.
Brushing their teeth twice a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation. This buildup may lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontal disease, both of which can result in tooth loss. Brushing their teeth at least two times a week, with special toothpaste made for dogs, will help prevent these problems.
Exercise Needs
Maltipoms are small dogs, so they don’t require much exercise. A brisk daily walk is sufficient for these toy dogs. However, because they are small, you should use a harness instead of a collar to prevent injury to their trachea.
Maltipom puppies need plenty of playtime to burn off energy and develop social skills. Play with your pup indoors or in an enclosed yard that has been fenced in. If you have a large yard, let them run around and explore the territory during playtime.
You can also engage in games like fetch and hide-and-seek with your puppy to help them get some exercise while having fun too.
Health
The breed is generally healthy and has no major health concerns. However, some conditions can be seen more commonly in small breeds like the Maltipom. Some of these issues include ear infections, obesity, dental issues, and allergies.
Aging affects all parts of your dog's body, including his ears. As your Maltipom ages, he may experience a gradual decline in hearing ability.
Lifespan
The average Maltipom lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. This is quite a long span for a dog of this size. A good and balanced lifestyle and diet can help with a longer lifespan.
Training
Maltipoms are intelligent dogs that love to please their people. They are extremely people-pleasing and bond closely with their family members. Training should begin early in order to establish a good foundation for their future.
Puppies are usually a joy. But most people don't realize it's going to take a lot of time and energy on both the part of the owner and the dog. The earlier you start training your pup, the easier it will be for both of you.
Training for the first 10-12 weeks should be limited to 10 minutes per day. After that, you can gradually increase the amount of time spent on training until you reach 30 minutes per day by the time your dog is 6 months old. You should also follow a positive reinforcement approach to training with positive rewards such as treats or praise. They can easily become bored with repetitive tasks and may even become resistant if they receive harsh corrections during training sessions.
Your Maltipom is a social animal and loves nothing more than playing with other dogs and people, so it's important that they have plenty of opportunities to socialize during early puppyhood.
They tend to be very sensitive when left alone and may develop separation anxiety if they don’t receive at least some independence training before being left alone for the first time.
History
Maltipoms are smart, charming, and very affectionate pups. These attributes go along with their adorable looks. The main reason why Maltipoms are becoming a popular choice among dog owners is their adorable toy size. The Maltipom is a mix between the Maltese and the Pomeranian. While they are a new breed and don't have a long history, their amazing parents certainly have an interesting and fun history.
Loyal and loving, Maltese dogs have been by our sides for centuries. Their beautiful white fur and sweet smiles have made them champions in the show ring and one of the most popular toy breeds around. The Maltese breed is one of the oldest breeds of dog, dating back as far as 1000 BC. They were originally bred by the ancient Egyptians and brought to Malta as a gift from the island's most powerful governor.
Pomeranian dog breed history is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that these cute, foxlike dogs originated from hunting and herding dogs in Germany. The breed has been popular with royals and aristocrats for hundreds of years. Queen Victoria is believed to have been the owner of over 20 cute Pomeranian pups. Thanks to her, the large Spitz/Pomeranian of ancient times is now a cute, toy-sized pooch. Her breeding program was successful in diminishing the Pomeranian size to almost half of its original height.