The Bulldog Maltese mix is a mixed breed pooch that results from breeding the Maltese with any of the three Bulldog varieties.
Both parents of the Maltese Bulldog cross are bred as companion dogs which means the hybrid will make a great family pooch. This mixed breed inherits some of the most desirable traits from both parents. So, they are good-natured, loving, friendly, gentle, sweet-tempered, and very loyal to their families. Like both parents, they will be average watchdogs, are house-friendly, and adapts well to lifestyle changes.
Does the Maltese Bulldog mix seem like a mixed breed that you would like to add to your family? We understand why the characteristics we highlighted above are tempting. However, there is more to dog ownership than just looks. You should know what living with this cross is like before taking that puppy home.
In this article, we have gathered all the information you need to know about the Bulldog Maltese mix. From appearance to temperament, training, exercise needs, dietary requirements, grooming, health problems, and cost, we have everything covered.
Continue reading to learn more about the Bulldog Maltese mix.
Table of Contents
What is a Bulldog Maltese mix called?
When creating designer dogs, breeders have to come up with a unique name that suits the hybrid and that is one of the most exciting things in addition to creating sweet mixed breeds. Typically, breeders will combine the names of both purebred parent breeds to create a unique name.
For instance, an American Bulldog mixed with a Maltese is commonly known as an American Maltese, while a Maltese English Bulldog is known as an English Maltese. A French Bulldog Maltese mix is called a French Maltese.
Due to their status as designer dogs, the American Maltese, English Maltese, and French Maltese are not accepted by the American Kennel Club as dog breeds.
Why mix with Maltese?
The Maltese is one of the most popular purebreds, after the Poodle, which is used to create mixed breeds. This dog breed has very admirable characteristics that help balance some of the traits that are undesirable in other dog breeds such as the Bulldog. They also enjoy learning new tricks which is good for training, especially due to the stubbornness of the Bulldogs.
One of the smallest dog breeds out there, the Maltese is loved for its affectionate, loyal, alert, and gentle temperament. They are playful, funny, and usually get along with unfamiliar persons and other dogs as well, especially with early socialization. Even better, the Maltese will either shed lightly or not shed at all which makes them excellent dogs for people that are allergic to dog fur.
Bulldog Maltese mix Puppies
Bulldog Maltese mix puppies are adorable furballs that will fill your house with a lot of warmth due to their playful and amusing traits, especially when they are young. Expect this mixed breed to be a little bit more sensitive than other pooches, but extremely loyal and affectionate to its owners. These pups are friendly with kids, strangers, and even other dogs and cats in the household.
While the Bulldog parent is a social breed, the Maltese parent needs plenty of interaction. So, their offspring needs to be introduced to new people and dogs at an early stage. Depending on the parent they take after most, the Bulldog Maltese mix puppy can either be territorial or not. Like both parents, however, these pups may not be the biggest explorers.
Since both the Bulldog and Maltese parents are expensive dog breeds, you expect these hybrid puppies to be pricey.
Bulldog Maltese mix Full Grown
When fully grown, a Bulldog Maltese mix will take the Maltese parent’s small size but with the facial features of the Bulldog parent. These dogs will still be affectionate and loyal but may tend to be more relaxed and not playful as they were in their puppyhood.
While the Maltese Bulldog mix may be intelligent, the stubborn streak of the Bulldog parent may make them harder to train. The mix will have low to average energy levels and require minimal exercise. The Bulldog Maltese mix will prefer warmer weather. And did we mention that it is prone to weight gain and obesity?
History of the Breed
Although not much is known about the history of the Bulldog Maltese mix, both parents are popular dog breeds. No one knows when this mixed breed was first bred or where. Most mixed breeds, however, are a result of unintentional breeding. What we are sure of is that breeders started breeding two purebreds to create designer dogs in the last 20 to 30 years. It is probable that this practice originated somewhere in North America.
Normally, dog designers are thought to have developed mixed breeds to minimize the health risks found in purebreds. This makes most hybrids healthier that their parents. Besides, breeders needed a dog that mixes some of the best traits from both parents to create a better family dog. Thanks to their success, crossbreeds have grown in popularity, and they continue to invent new mixes, like this between a Maltese and a Bulldog.
To learn more about the Bulldog Maltese mix, let us take a brief look at their parents.
Parents
The Bulldog – With its origins in England, the Bulldog was described as a strong build with a fierce and fearless temperament that made it suitable for sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting. When the sports were banned, the dog breed almost became extinct until it was revived into a calmer, less aggressive, and loving dog we love today. The Bulldog is still brave as it used to be, social and loyal, and gets along with kids making it an excellent family dog.
The Bulldog was accepted by the AKC as a dog breed in 1886. From these ancestors, there are 3 types of bulldogs, including the English bulldog, French bulldog, and the American bulldog. The Frenchie and English bulldogs are recognized by the AKC as dog breeds. The American bulldog, however, is yet to be recognized as a dog breed by this kennel club. In terms of dog IQ, American and French bulldogs are smarter than the English bulldog and their ancestors as well.
On average, Bulldogs live between 8 and 13 years. However, they are prone to many health issues that can shorten their life expectancy. Common health problems include hip dysplasia, cherry eye, obesity, overheating, thyroid problems, skin problems, and more. This article gives more info on how to care for your bulldog.
See our pitbull bulldog mix review.
The Maltese – One of the ancient dog breeds, the Maltese is thought to have been developed in the Mediterranean Basin although its exact origin is complicated. These dogs were solely bred for companionship and while they may be small and gentle, the Maltese fearless. The breed is famous for its stunning white coat that gives it a noble look. This would explain why the breed was popular among the French aristocrats in the 15th century and a royal dog in the 16th century.
While the Maltese make a great companion dog that loves to sit on your laps and cuddle, they are not one of the smartest dogs. They are considered to have below-average dog IQ, but this does not make them dumb as they are excellent therapy dogs. You will find them in retirement homes, hospitals, and other environments that need calmness. The Maltese were recognized as a dog breed by the AKC in 1888.
According to the AKC, the standard height of Maltese is 4 to 7 inches at the shoulders, and a weight of between 10 and 15 lbs. These small furballs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years and are prone to health conditions such as reverse sneezing, collapsed trachea, luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome, and progressive retinal atopy. Ear & eye problems, bladder stones, bad breath, and leg problems are also possible health issues.
Read more on how to care for Maltese.
Appearance
It is tricky to tell how your Bulldog Maltese mix will look until it is fully grown because the two parents are different in many aspects. However, it is possible that many will take after the physical features of the bulldog parent with the small size of the Maltese parent. Even with puppies from the same litter, you expect a lot of differences in appearance.
So, what does the Bulldog Maltese mix look like?
English Bulldog Maltese mix
The English Bulldog cross Maltese will be small in size like the Maltese parent with a height of approx. 10 to 13 inches at the shoulders and weigh around 22 to 30 lbs. When it comes to looks, this mixed breed takes after the facial features of the English Bulldog parent. So, expect them to have a wrinkled face with a black nose like both parents.
The Maltese come in a single white color while the English bulldog has around eight. As such, the English Maltese can come in white color or a blend of those the bulldog parent comes in. The type of coat this mixed breed will have differs significantly. However, most mixes will have a single coat with flowing hair like that of the Maltese parent but can be short as well. Both parents of the mix are not heavy shedders and the same is expected for the mixed breed.
American Bulldog Maltese mix
Like its English Maltese cousin above, the American Maltese will be small in size than the American Bulldog parent but a little bigger than the Maltese parent. Therefore, expect this mixed breed to stand anywhere between 14 and 17 inches tall with a weight of 35 to 65 lbs. The mix will have a slightly wrinkled face like the bulldogs.
Both the Maltese and American Bulldog parents come in a solid white color, but the bulldog parent comes in a bi-color of white and black, brown, and brindle. As such, expect most of these mixed breed doggies to sport a white coat as well as a mixture of colors. The coat type will probably be long like that of the Maltese parent.
French Bulldog Maltese mix
Since both the Frenchie and Maltese are small in size, it would not be hard to predict that their hybrid will be small as well. As such, the French Maltese stands between 10 and 12 inches tall at the withers and has a weight of between 10 and 20 lbs. This mix will resemble the French Bulldog parent’s wrinkled face.
The type of coat your mixed breed will have depends on the parent they favor most. So, expect the French Maltese to either have a long, silky, hair-type coat that does not shed at all like that of the Maltese parent, or a short, flat, fine coat that sheds averagely like the American Bulldog. It is also possible for this mix to have a coat that s somewhere in between.
Read our Bulldog Corgi mix review.
Temperament and Characteristics
Like with the appearance, it is not easy to predict the disposition of your Bulldog Maltese mix. This is because Bulldogs have different temperaments with some being more reserved while others are social. The Maltese parent is outgoing.
So, what kind of personality does the Bulldog Maltese mix have?
English Bulldog Maltese mix
While both the English Bulldog and Maltese are people-oriented and friendly, the Maltese parent needs a lot of social interaction. Thanks to its easygoing nature and being intelligent, training them how to behave is quite easy. The crossbreed, however, may have the stubborn streak of the English Bulldog parent. Therefore, training this cross can be a challenge.
The English Maltese is loyal, gentle, and loving towards its owners and is friendly to strangers and children as well as cats. This friendly nature means that the mixed breed cannot make a good watchdog. Although these dogs will do best when around their family, they may not tolerate being left alone for long, especially if they take after their Maltese parent more.
This mixed breed has high adaptability potential so they will do fine with changes in lifestyle and environments. The pooches are also house-friendly which makes them a good choice for the aged or early retirees.
American Bulldog Maltese mix
The American Bulldog Maltese mix offers one of the most thrilling combinations of everything you admire in a family pet. These furballs are friendly towards people and other pets in the household and enjoy being around their family. The mix is smart, but the American Bulldog parent’s stubborn side may make them quite frustrating at times, especially during training.
If you are looking for a devoted, gentle, and active mixed breed that is good with kids, you can’t go wrong with the American Maltese. Unfortunately, both the parents of this mix do not tolerate being left alone for long periods, so your cross is prone to separation anxiety.
Like their English Maltese cousins above, the American Maltese adapts well to any environment. This crossbreed is protective and will alert you when unknown persons approach your home hence making them good watchdogs.
French Bulldog Maltese mix
Thanks to the personality similarities in both parents, the French Bulldog Maltese mix is a great companion. This mixed breed is smart, playful, and loyal to its family, and also gets along with children of any age. These are the kinds of pooches that will enjoy your company, but this means they are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long.
While the French Maltese is friendly, it tends to be overprotective over its family if the Frenchie genes dominate in the mix. The crossbreed, therefore, will need proper and early socialization to get along with other pets in the house. Like both parents, the French Maltese will enjoy playing with you in the house and sometimes do funny things to get your attention.
The French Bulldog Maltese mix is highly adaptive and makes an excellent choice for apartment living.
Ease of Training
Is the Bulldog Maltese mix easy to train?
English Bulldog Maltese mix
The English Maltese is intelligent but may inherit the stubborn streak of the bulldog parent which can make training them hard. Therefore, it is best to begin training when your mix is a puppy. To make the training effective, use positive reinforcement techniques instead of being harsh when they seem reluctant.
This mixed breed tends to get bored quickly. As such, they should be trained using short sessions and remain constant. Patience is required when training the English Maltese. Since these dogs love human companions, make sure that you spend a lot of time with them. They will respond better to training if you have built a close and strong bond.
The English Bulldog Maltese mix is naturally friendly, but this does not mean socialization is out of the equation. Taking this mix in public places and for walks in dog parks helps nurture confidence.
American Bulldog Maltese mix
The American Maltese is smart and active which makes training its new tricks enjoyable and fast. Sadly, the American Bulldog parent is inherently stubborn which will make training this mix a challenge. Like with any dog, this mixed breed will grow into a better and well-behaved pooch if training is introduced early from the puppyhood stage.
This crossbreed will be trainable with positive reinforcement and keeping their training sessions short, immense, and thrilling. Take advantage of their affection to create a strong bond as this will make them more receptive during training.
Early socialization is recommended with the American Maltese despite their outgoing nature. Doing this helps nurture a responsible and obedient family dog.
French Bulldog Maltese mix
Both the Maltese and French Bulldog can have a stubborn streak, and this can complicate their training despite being smart. As a rule of the thumb, early socialization and training are better if you want to raise a well-behaved family pooch. Teach your children how to treat this mix and the same goes for the French Maltese.
The French Maltese loves to eat. So, they will appreciate and respond better to training if you throw treats. Because they tend to have a short span that makes them easily bored, keep the sessions short and fun.
Exercise Requirements
The exercise requirements of any dog will depend on the activity levels, but with the Maltese Bulldog mix, the type of muzzle they inherit matters a lot. Most bulldogs are prone to breathing problems and that alone determines the amount of exercise they need per day.
So, how much time should a Bulldog Maltese mix exercise? What activities?
English Bulldog Maltese mix
The English Bulldog has lower energy levels while the Maltese have average energy levels. The English Maltese, therefore, is best suited for people or families with a semi-active life. If you are looking for a mixed breed with very minimal exercise needs, the English Maltese is a great choice.
That being said the English Bulldog Maltese mix needs 30 minutes of exercise per day divided into two or three sessions. Short and quick walks are enough to keep this mixed breed healthy and fit. Remember that the English Bulldog parent has a short snout and may have difficulties breathing and is also prone to overheating. This mix should not be exercised too much under extreme cold or hot conditions.
American Bulldog Maltese mix
While the Maltese has average energy levels and has exercise needs, the American Bulldog is physically active with demanding exercise needs. As such, the American Maltese can have varying exercise requirements based on the parent they take after most.
Typically, the American Bulldog Maltese mix should exercise for 40 to 60 minutes every day to burn off excess energy. They might enjoy long walks and runs as well as ample playtime in the backyard. If the mix inherits the shortened muzzle of the bulldog parent, make the exercise sessions short. They also should not exercise when it is too hot or too cold.
French Bulldog Maltese mix
The French Maltese is active due to the Frenchie parent but has low exercise needs due to the bulldog’s shortened muzzle. However, the cross still needs to exercise adequately to burn off excess energy that they would use destructively if bored.
This mixed breed requires about 30 minutes of exercise every day including short walks and ample playtime. These exercises will also prevent your French Maltese from gaining excess weight that could be detrimental to their overall health.
Nutritional Requirements
The Bulldog Maltese mix’s dietary needs are determined by a number of factors, including the age, how active they are, and health issues, if any, among others.
English Bulldog Maltese mix
Both parents of the English Maltese are not as active and will spend most of their time sleeping. Therefore, the mix will not have high energy levels and should not eat a lot since the lazy nature makes it prone to weight gain. But this does not mean that you should not feed them sufficiently.
On average, the English Maltese should consume ½ to 1 cup of high-quality kibble split into 2 small meals throughout the day. Make sure the diet is tasty but nutritious because the Maltese parent can be a picky eater.
American Bulldog Maltese mix
The American Maltese is more active than its English Maltese cousin. To meet its energy needs, this mixed breed should be fed 1 to 1½ cups of premium kibble per day that is formulated for active dog breeds.
To prevent overeating, serve this food in 2 small portions and ensure that it is flavorsome but healthy to fit the fussy Maltese parent’s needs.
French Bulldog Maltese mix
Frenchies love to eat and are active while Maltese are selective and less active! Therefore, the French Maltese should be fed dog food that is formulated for pooches with average energy levels. Both parents of the French Bulldog Maltese mix are prone to obesity. So, do not allow them to feed freely and also make sure that the food is delicious.
This mixed breed should eat ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality dog food per day that is crafted for small dog breeds with moderate energy levels.
Health Issues
While bulldogs are susceptible to a plethora of health issues, Maltese are healthier but also have some problems they are predisposed to. If the mix inherits a shortened muzzle, it will not do well in very cold and very hot weather conditions.
So, is the Bulldog Maltese mix healthier than its parents?
English Bulldog Maltese mix
The English Bulldog Maltese mix is susceptible to health problems such as joint dysplasia, skin allergies, overheating, respiratory issues, cherry eye, and more.
American Bulldog Maltese mix
The American Maltese may be prone to health problems like breathing problems, skin allergies, joint dysplasia, eye problems, overheating, and more.
French Bulldog Maltese mix
Common health issues in the French Bulldog Maltese mix include breathing problems, patellar luxation, cardiac problems, and canine dysplasia, among others.
To make sure that your Bulldog Maltese mix lives healthily and happily, make sure you take them for all the scheduled vet visits.
Life Expectancy
The Maltese have a longer lifespan than Bulldogs as it can live between 12 and 15 years. Unlike the Maltese, bulldogs have a plethora of health issues that shorten their lifespan to 8 to 13 years.
So, how long do Bulldog mixed with Maltese live?
English Bulldog Maltese mix
Typically, the Maltese English Bulldog mix has a life expectancy of between 10 and 14 years.
American Bulldog Maltese mix
The American Bulldog Maltese mix tends to live longer than its cousins with a lifespan of 11 to 15 years.
French Bulldog Maltese mix
The Maltese French Bulldog mix has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years on average.
How to care for your Bulldog Maltese mix
Good care for the Bulldog Maltese cross begins with feeding it the most appropriate diet that meets its specific nutritional needs. Also, make sure that they go for regular vet checkups and exercise them adequately to keep them fit. If you do all this and meet their grooming needs, you will have the healthiest and happiest mix.
Grooming
The grooming needs of your Bulldog Maltese mix are determined by the type of coat they inherit from their parents. The Bulldog has a single short coat that sheds averagely making them easy to maintain. The Maltese, on the other hand, has a long, straight, silky coat that comes in pure white color, has no undercoat, and is a non-shedder.
So, what is it like caring for your Bulldog Maltese mix?
English Bulldog Maltese mix
The English Maltese can take after the long non-shedding (or low shedding) coat of the Maltese parent or the short, fine coat of the English Bulldog parent that sheds moderately. As such, this mixed breed can have low-to-high maintenance needs depending on the coat. Either way, these dogs will do fine with a weekly brushing or daily brushing when they are shedding.
This mixed breed does not need frequent baths. Maltese parent is prone to pesky ear infections which means the mix is vulnerable to the same if it inherits the floppy ears. Therefore, make sure that you clean and dry the ears often using a damp cloth. Trimming the hair around the ear is also recommended.
This mix has a wrinkled face. The skin folds should be wiped using a damp cloth to prevent bacteria build-up that could lead to infections. Clip the American Maltese nails every 4 to 6 weeks and brush their teeth every day (if possible) or at least 3 times a week to prevent teeth problems.
American Bulldog Maltese mix
Like their cousins, the American Maltese can either have a long or short coat that sheds fairly or does not shed at all. Therefore, they should be brushed at least once a week or several times during the shedding season. Invest in a decent vacuum cleaner as well.
If the American Bulldog Maltese mix takes after the floppy ears of the Maltese parent, they must be cleaned and dried gently often, at least weekly. As you clean the ears, check for any signs of redness or infections. Trim the hair around their ears well.
This mixed breed’s nails should be clipped regularly (4 to 6 weeks) and make sure that their teeth are brushed daily or at least three times a week.
French Bulldog Maltese mix
Unlike the first two, the French Maltese is said to shed throughout the year which means they have high maintenance needs. For this reason, their coats should be brushed several times a week to give them a stunning look. Frequent baths are not necessary unless your mix gets too dirty.
The French Bulldog Maltese mix tends to inherit the Frenchie parent’s skin folds that should be cleaned weekly to avoid dirt build-up that could lead to infections. Their droopy ears need attention too and they should be cleaned weekly. Trim their nails every 4 to 6 weeks and brush their teeth daily.
How much is a Bulldog Maltese mix?
The price of a Maltese Bulldog cross depends on the reputation of the breeder, their location, and the pedigree of the parents. That being said,
Expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,200 for an English Bulldog Maltese mix puppy,
An American Bulldog Maltese mix puppy should cost you between $900 and $2,500, while
A French Bulldog Maltese mix puppy should be priced anywhere between $1,000 and $2,250.
Remember that these prices are calculated based on the cost of their purebred parents and can vary from one breeder to another. When you visit the breeder, ask to see the parents of the mixed breed, and see their health records.
Where to Adopt
Instead of buying a Bulldog Maltese mix puppy, adopting is much better and less costly, plus you have a chance to get a well-bred dog. Your local shelter is a good place to start. If you are not lucky, contact the purebred parent’s rescue organizations.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
