Are you considering bringing home a Maltipom?
You’re in luck! This article covers everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed, from health issues to temperament, training requirements, and more!
Let’s begin!
Meet the Maltipom!
A Maltipom is a Maltese Pomeranian Mix—a cross between the purebred Maltese and purebred Pomeranian.
Maltipoms are as cute as can be and at a glance seem like they’d make the perfect lap dog and the sweetest, snuggliest family companions.
And that may be true, but there’s still so much more to know about this tiny crossbreed before you decide if you’re ready to commit to one.
For instance, did you know the fact that the Maltipom is a crossbreed is an issue of some debate? Let’s learn why.
To Cross or Not to Cross – The Designer Dog Controversy
Also known as a hybrid or a designer dog, a crossbreed refers to a dog who has been deliberately bred from two purebred dogs.
The reason for crossbreeding is usually in the hopes of attaining certain traits from each parent.
But what makes a mutt and a crossbreed different from one another? This is actually part of the debate.
You see, there are those that consider the crossbreed and mutt to be one in the same.
Whereas a crossbreed is the offspring of only two purebred dogs, mutts can have the genetics of several different breeds in their bloodline.
This matter may seem irrelevant to you, but there are bigger issues than just the mutt vs crossbreed dispute. There are also health issues to consider.
Most dog-lovers know that when it comes to purebreds, over-breeding can be an issue and leads to certain heritable health issues that are passed down from generation to generation.
Supporters of crossbreeding hope it may provide a solution to these generational health issues.
However, naysayers insist crossbreeds and purebreds are equally susceptible to certain health issues.
Alas, the debate continues, but that shouldn’t stop you from learning about your favorite breed—or crossbreed—especially if you’re considering bringing one home to join your family!
So, without further ado, let’s learn more about the Maltipom!
What is the Origin of the Maltipom?
The Maltipom is still considered a first-generation crossbreed, meaning they are new to the canine scene and therefore very little documentation exists in regard to their origin.
However, we can learn more about the Maltipon by checking out the backstories of their purebred parents—the Maltese and the Pomeranian.
Origins of the Maltese
The Maltese are believed to gets their name from Malta, which is the island on which it was discovered.
They were most likely brought to Malta by the Phoenicians before 1500 B.C.
The Maltese were not only renowned for their perfect proportions and gorgeous white coats but also their charming dispositions and loving personalities.
It wasn’t long before the Maltese became a fashion staple of the Roman Empire. Noble women were rarely seen without a Maltese tucked under one arm.
So popular were the Maltese that they soon made regular appearances in Roman myths and fables, as a representation of devotion and loyalty.
It was during Europe’s Dark Ages that the Maltese were nearly lost altogether, but thanks to the Chinese, these dogs were saved from extinction!
Today, the Maltese is a formidable show dog and family companion ranked at number 33 out of 194 on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds.
Origins of the Pomeranian
Although their miniature stature makes it difficult to believe, the tiny Pomeranian is actually a descendant of the Arctic sled dog!
The Pomeranian was named after Pomerania, now a region that is part of Poland and Germany.
The Pom as they are sometimes called, are believed to have been bred down to their current size hundreds of years ago.
Now considered to be one of the smallest of the Spitz breeds, the spirited Pom’s chic appearance made them a fast favorite amongst royalty, including Queen Victoria.
She could not resist bringing a few Pomeranians back with her after her visit to Italy.
It wasn’t long after, the Pomeranians popularity skyrocketed! In fact, Queen Victoria herself became an avid breeder of the Pomeranian.
She has been credited even with breeding the 30-pound Pom down to under 7 pounds, their current physique today.
The Pomeranian ranks 10 spots higher than their Maltese counterpart, sitting at number 22 on the AKC’s list of America’s most popular dog breeds!
So, with histories as regal as these, it’s no wonder designer dig enthusiasts decided to cross the pair and create the Maltipom!
And now that we know where the Maltipom comes from, let’s learn about what they look like.
Size, Weight, and Height of the Maltipom
When dealing with a purebred puppy, it is pretty easy to estimate their adult size, height, and weight. All you have to do is look at their parents!
However, with a crossbreed like the Maltipom, pinpointing exact size, height and weight outcomes are a bit more complicated.
This is because a crossbreed can inherit any number of characteristics from their purebred parents—it’s all left up to genetics.
Still, since the Maltese and the Pomeranian are both toy dogs, we can estimate that the fully-grown Maltipom is going to be pretty tiny.
But what is the full range of his height and weight? The easiest way to gage this is by looking at his purebred parents.
The Maltese, for example, stands at a mere 7 to 9 inches tall and weighs under 7 lbs.
The Pomeranian, on the other hand, can be even smaller! They only grow to be around 6 to 7 inches tall and weigh between 3 to 7 lbs
Prepare for your adult Maltipom to be in the range of 6 to 9 inches and weigh around 3 to 7 lbs at most.
So we know the Maltipom is going to be small, but what will they look like?
Defining Characteristics of the Maltipom
Remember, the Maltipom is a crossbreed. This means they could inherit a number of physical characteristics from either of their purebred parents.
The coat of the Maltese, for example, is long and silky, and always white. If left to grow to its natural length, a Maltese’s coat can grow all the way to the floor!
They have no undercoat and therefore their fur more like hair and will have some variation of between curly or wavy.
The Maltese also have long ears and a long tail, a proportionate body, and bright, dark eyes.
And luckily for allergy sufferers, the Maltese is hypoallergenic!
The Pomeranian is not so hypoallergenic, however, and is known to shed.
They have a fox-like face and pointed ears with round, black eyes and a lot of furs starting from their upper neck down.
The Pom has a double coat—the undercoat is short and dense and the outer coat is very long and very thick!
And they have an abundantly plumed tail, which is perhaps one of their most notable features.
Typically orange, the Pom also comes in nearly 24 standard colors and markings, and just some of the others include
- white
- black
- grey-Shaded
- tan
- brown
Remember though, since your Maltipom is half Pomeranian half Maltese, they could end up with any combination of any of the above characteristics.
But what about temperament? Is that going to be left up to chance as well?
Temperament and Behavior of the Maltipom
The temperament of your Maltese Pomeranian is going to depend on what type of personality traits they inherit from their purebred parents.
However, since the Maltese and the Pom are tiny lap dogs built for companionship, it’s safe to assume your Maltipom will have similar traits.
But there are some personality differences between the Maltese and the Pomeranian you should know about when considering the Maltese Pomeranian mix personality.
The Maltese are known for their gentle nature and spirited disposition. They are also affectionate and very adaptable to all types of situations and styles of home.
In addition, they’re wonderful with children of all ages and other household pets, making for a great family dog or singles companion.
Quite the athlete, your Maltese will love snuggling up on your lap just as much as they will love running, playing, and showing off!
The Pomeranian is a bit livelier than the Maltese and can be vocal at times, unafraid to use their voice when they deem something to be out of place or suspicious!
They have a bit of a Napoleon complex and may be completely unaware of how small they are.
This could end up being dangerous if you’re around strange dogs since your tiny pup may be unafraid to pick fights with almost anyone.
Poms are very active and quite smart, making them great watchdogs. Like their Maltese counterpart, they are great with children of all ages,
Although the Pom is slightly less stubborn than the Maltese and may be easier to train!
So, combining the above traits in a Maltipom and what do you get?
The Maltipom is a lap dog who does well with children and other household pets, loves to play as much as cuddle with you, and will keep you laughing!
Although the Maltipom will by all accounts make a wonderful family dog by nature, we recommend early socialization and training to keep your pup well rounded and happy.
Maltipom Grooming
When it comes to grooming and caring for your Maltipom, remember that you’re dealing with a crossbreed that may inherit the coat of either parent and therefore grooming requirements.
For example, the Maltese require daily brushing to keep their silky coat free of knots.
Of course, an owner who is not showing their Maltese always has the option of giving their dog a puppy cut to make grooming more manageable.
Maltipom Care
The Maltese can also be prone to dental issues, so their teeth need to be brushed regularly.
Pomeranian grooming requirements are is a bit more extensive as their double coat is prone to mats if not brushed enough.
The AKC recommends brushing the Pom at least once a week and hiring a professional groomer to do the rest.
This is because the Pom needs consistent, all-over grooming including upkeep on dental care, anal glands, bathing, ears, and claws at least every four to six weeks.
Keep in mind that your Maltipom could inherit high maintenance from their Pom parent.
Regardless, your Maltipom will need their ears cleaned regularly to avoid infection and claws trimmed to avoid painful cracking and splitting.
They will also need their teeth cared for regularly since both the Maltese and Pomeranian are prone to dental issues.
We also recommend a high-quality dog food specified by your veterinarian since Pomeranians are prone to obesity and your Maltipom may be too.
Exercise and Training Requirements of Your Maltipom
The Maltese and Pomeranian may be active breeds, but they are small. This means that
a daily walk or play in the yard should be enough to meet your Maltipom’s exercise needs.
Also, both of the Maltipom’s purebred parents are intelligent dogs, so training your Maltipom should be fun and simple.
However, keep in mind that the Maltese are a bit more stubborn than Pomeranians, and if your Maltipom inherits this trait, you’ll need to be patient and consistent.
Always use positive reinforcement and the positive reward system, as this works best when training dogs.
And, as previously mentioned, we recommend early socialization and obedience training to ensure your Maltipom is happy, healthy, and well-rounded.
Maltipom’s Lifespan and Health Concerns
Your Maltipom is a crossbreed, so similar to temperament and physical characteristics, they may also inherit health issues from either parent.
Maltese
The Maltese has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and although described as a hardy dog, they are still prone to a number of issues:
- inherited deafness
- hypoglycemia
- tracheal collapse
- pyloric stenosis
- dental issues
- liver shunt
Maltese are also more prone to inheriting white shaker dog syndrome—a neurological disease that causes involuntary or stress-related shaking in small and primarily white dogs.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian, with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, is prone to
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
- obesity
- dental issues
- distichiasis
- entropion
- hypoglycemia
- patellar luxation
- tracheal collapse
- severe hair loss syndrome (SHLS)
- hypothyroidism
Since there is no way to tell by looking at a Maltipom puppy what they may have inherited from their purebred parents, we recommend early health screening.
This can help you avoid or prepare for any future health issues in your Maltipom dog.
Choosing Your Maltipom Puppy?
If you think the Maltipom is the right dog for you, it’s important to go through a reputable source when looking for the right puppy.
While shelters and rescues are always a great option, remember that finding a Maltipom may be hit or miss, depending on the time and place you are looking.
You may be able to find other Maltese Pomeranian mixes, like the Pomeranian Maltese Poodle mix, for example, but finding the Maltipom will definitely be up to chance.
However, one of the best things about going through a rescue is that shelters will often cover the initial veterinarian fees.
Still, prepare for there to be adoption fees, which usually run anywhere from $50 to $100.
If you are looking into Maltipom breeders, prepare to spend anywhere from $500 to $1000, especially if your Maltipom’s parents are show quality.
One benefit of going through a breeder is that you can ask questions in regard to temperament and health of previous litters and both parents.
A reputable breeder should be able to provide health certificates proving their dogs have been screened and are ready to be adopted.
Is the Maltipom the Right Dog for You?
The Maltese Pomeranian mix is by all accounts a wonderful, hardy, and easy-going family pet! They adapt well to many different home environments and gets along with everyone.
However, if you have very small children you may want to consider waiting a bit since the Maltipom is a tiny dog and could be easily injured if handled too roughly.
Keep in mind there is a chance the Maltipom will not be hypoallergenic, and they will most definitely need consistent upkeep and grooming.
If you have the time for grooming and have older, gentle children, then the Maltipom may be the perfect dog for you!
If you’re planning on bringing home a Maltipom, congratulations!
We hope your Maltese Pomeranian puppy will help to make your home a lively and very happy place for years to come! Let us know about it in the comments.
References and Further Reading
Turcsan B, Miklosi A, and Kubinyi E. 2017. Owner Perceived Differences Between Mixed-Breed and Purebred Dogs. PLoS One.
Howell TJ, King T, and Bennett PC. 2015. Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.
Sutter NS and Ostrander EA. 2004. Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics.
Acumen L. 2011. The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition. AAHA Press.
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