The Maltese mix with Chihuahua, also known as a Malchi dog, is a tiny hybrid that has risen in popularity very fast. The mixed breed is full of heart that inherits some of the finest qualities of both parents resulting in an adorable small pooch with a huge personality.
This mixed breed between a Chihuahua and a Maltese dog is lively, high-spirited, and smart. Both parents of the mix are amazing and have found their way into homes of renowned stars. If you are looking for a crossbreed that will shower you with a lot of affection, a Malchi is ideal. And while they are confident and independent, Malchis are very loyal to their owners.
These small hybrids make excellent dogs for the right people that need pooches for different reasons. From a lap dog to a companion, Malchis are outstanding crosses that are adaptable even for people living in apartments.
Owning a dog is amazing as it fills your world with lots of fun, but only when you understand your canine buddy.
People who own hybrids, says the International Wolf Center, often find that their dog’s behavior makes it hard to care for them. There is a diversity of genetic composition even within one litter of hybrid pups. This results in a wide range of looks and behavior patterns among all hybrids. This, in turn, makes their behavior fickle and harder to predict.
So, before you commit to owning a mixed dog breed, like the Maltese mix with Chihuahua, take time to understand this cross.
Our article today comprehensively talks about the Malchi. Everything you need to know, such as temperament, appearance, how to care for a Malchi, price, and more. We got you covered.
Table of Contents
What is a Maltese and Chihuahua Mix called?
The Chihuahua Maltese cross is commonly known as the Malchi Dog.
Other names for this sweet and adorable mixed breed include Maltichi, Malachi, Maltese Chihuahua, Malchi, and Maltechi.
Malchis are designer dogs not purebreds like their parents. For this reason, major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and Kennel Club UK (UKC) do not recognize them as a breed.
The Malchi is accepted by registries such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Why mix with Chihuahua?
Breeders will choose to mix other dog breeds with a Chihuahua because of its amazing traits. Overall, these dogs are playful, smart, loyal, and active throughout their lives. The Chihuahua is cute and has a good nature that makes it a great companion. This dog has a big personality hidden within the small body and is vocal and brave which makes it an outstanding guard dog.
People also admire the alluring appearance plus the comical nature that will keep you amused. Oh, and did we mention that Chihuahuas are affordable and low maintenance? This dog breed will also be good with kids and other animals if socialized well and early.
Malchi Puppies
Maltese Chihuahua mix puppies are sweet tiny hybrid pooches that are known for loving to love. These furballs have huge personalities in a small frame which makes them popular and amiable. From the huge compelling eyes to the affectionate nature, there is a lot to love about Malchis.
Do not let the small size and gentle nature fool you. These dogs are intelligent but also known to bark excessively. And while that is a good thing, especially when strangers approach, they are too tiny to be reliable guards. In addition, this could be a problem for your neighbors.
Unfortunately, Maltese Chihuahua mixes are not the most social dogs. Introducing training and socialization early is highly recommended for this hybrid.
Malchis are a relatively new hybrid that is growing in popularity. Expect to spend $300 to $1,000 for a healthy Chihuahua Maltese puppy when purchasing from a reputable dog breeder.
Full Grown Maltese Chihuahua Mix
As a rule of thumb, small dogs will always be tiny in size even when they mature, and it is not different for the Maltese mix with Chihuahua.
When fully grown, a Malchi dog will stand anywhere between 6 and 12 inches tall and 7 to 12 lbs. in weight. These hybrids have a low-maintenance coat that sheds minimally which makes the hybrid very easy to care for in terms of grooming.
Malchis retain the same characteristics they possess as puppies even when mature. You can expect them to be gentle as the Maltese parent or take after the stubbornness of the Chihuahua parent.
We shall discuss this comprehensively in the sections below.
A summary table for the Maltese Chihuahua mix
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Breed | Crossbreed |
| Size | 6 to12 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 12 lbs. |
| Grooming | Low-maintenance |
| Best Suited for: | All dog owners – families with older kids |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Loving, playful, high-spirited, and yappy |
| Coat | Long, curly hair or short-haired |
| Coat Colors | Black, cream, white, and fawn |
| Energy Levels | High |
| Exercise Requirements | 30 minutes per day |
| Health | Average |
| Price | $300 to $1,000 |
History of the Breed
The Darwin’s Ark states that there are over 400 pure breeds of dogs in addition to many other mixed dog breeds in the world.. Unlike their purebred parents, most mixed breeds, such as the Chihuahua mix with Maltese, have an unknown origin. It has, however, been estimated that Malchi dogs were introduced back in the early 2000s.
As for most mixed breeds, no one knows their real origin because, as VCA Hospitals reveals, mixed breeds have an unnamed parentage. There are no official records about their ancestry or how many distinctive breeds were used to develop them. As such, we assume that most of them first existed as a result of accidental breeding.
Designer dogs, such as the Malchi, are developed by mixing two purebreds on purpose to get the best qualities from both thus creating an ideal companion dog. Decent breeding when creating hybrids helps avoid undesirable recessive traits found in some purebreds. With careful and responsible breeding, breeders are also able to create a dog that is healthier than its parents.
For these crossbreeds to be listed in the kennel club to be “a breed”, the Malchi must have been bred from F2 generation crosses resulting in a multi-generational cross or F3 Gen. This is the kind of practice that is only possible with unscrupulous dog breeding, something that the creator of designer dogs says is unfortunate.
That being said, designer dogs have been around for the last 2 to 3 decades and the practice started somewhere in North America.
Parents
To know more about the Maltese Chihuahua cross, let us take a look at their parents.
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.
The Chihuahua – First recorded in the mid-19th century, the Chihuahua ranks as the smallest recognized dog breed. These dogs are thought to have been developed from a small, mute dog called the Techichi that was kept in the 9th century AD by the Mexican Toltec people. The Chihuahua was created solely for companionship and still holds this crown high. The American Kennel Club recognized Chihuahuas as a breed in 1904. Chihuahuas are great dogs and come in two varieties, including the short-haired and long-haired.
Although the Chihuahua is known for being fiercely loyal, lively, swift, courageous, and alert, these small pooches tend to be aggressive. With good training, however, they can make great guard dogs that offer protection without being aggressive. When it comes to dog IQ, Chihuahuas are smart and quick learners. However, they are fairly intelligent with a strong-willed nature making them hard to train obedience and work. Thanks to their eagerness to please and love for treats, training them can be rather easy.
Small dog breeds live long compared to Bulldogs above and the Chihuahua is not an exemption. These dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years and stand 5.9 to 9.1 inches tall at the shoulders with a weight of 4 to 6 lbs., with colors such as black, white, fawn, chocolate, cream, and gold.
The Chihuahua is susceptible to common health issues like luxating patella, hypoglycemia, spinal injuries, obesity, hydrocephalus, bladder & kidney stones, tracheal collapse, and teeth problems, among others.
Table comparison of Parents of Maltese Chihuahua mix: Comparative features of Maltese and Chihuahua
| Feature | Maltese | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7 to 12 inches | 6 or 9 inches |
| Weight | 4 to 8 lbs. | 2 to 6 lbs. |
| Temperament | Playful, affectionate, active, docile, smart, fearless, easy-going, sweet-tempered, gentle, lively, and responsive | Loyal, lively, quick, aggressive, courageous, and alert |
| Energy | High | Moderate to High |
| Health | Average | Average |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 20 years |
| Puppy Prices | $600 to $2,000 | About $800 |
Appearance
Telling what your mix will look like is a little tricky. However, a Chihuahua Maltese mix may either take after one parent more or have exceptional traits from both parents. One thing remains constant; small dogs will always be small dogs even at maturity.
So, how big will a Chihuahua and Maltese dog mix get?
The tiny Maltese mixed with Chihuahua stands about 6 to 12 inches tall at the shoulders with a weight of 7 to 12 lbs. The sizes may vary considerably depending on the Chihuahua parent that was used to create the crossbreed.
This weight and small size are what make the Malchi a perfect lap dog and traveling companion in case you love traveling with your canine companion.
In terms of facial features, the Malchi inherits the Maltese parent’s ears that are folded over and long. Expect these hybrids to have dark, brown eyes with a head that is rounded.
These medium-built crossbreeds can either have the long, curly hair of the Maltese parent or be short-haired like the Chihuahua parent. Either way, these pups are very adorable and pleasing to the eye, and low-maintenance.
When it comes to the coat colors, expect Malchis to come in solid colors such as black, white, cream, brown, or a combination of these colors.
Malchis have a black nose, short and slender legs, and long tails with a curve.
Temperament and Characteristics
Like with the appearance, there is a lot of variation when among puppies of the same litter when it comes to characteristics and temperament. It is hard to predict the exact nature of a Malchi.
Typically, however, the Maltese mix with Chihuahua is a loving pup with a lot of affection to share with its owners. Expect these dogs to be very attached to their owners, devoted, and loyal to their family members. While this level of attachment sounds fun, it makes Malchis susceptible to separation anxiety.
Malchis may be small dogs that are ideal for condos and apartments, but these pooches have a bad reputation for barking incessantly which is triggered by noises of cars and more. This can cause problems with your neighbors. In terms of environment, Malchis are best suited for warmer climates. Despite their small size, Malchis are very playful and are very protective of the folks they live with.
We do not recommend Malchis as a family pet, especially for homes with young children. Kids tend to pull dogs’ ears which can make a Malchi defensive to a certain level of aggressiveness. It is not also advisable to have a Chihuahua Maltese cross in a multi-pet homestead. Its dominant nature, tendency to snap when angered, and small size are best suited for one-person homes.
Ease of Training
Are Malchis easy to train?
The Maltese Chihuahua mix is super intelligent and a quick learner which makes it very easy to train. On the flip side, however, the crossbreed can inherit the Chihuahua parent’s stubborn streak.
Introducing behavior and obedience training when the Malchi is a puppy is more effective, especially when you use positive reinforcement techniques. Socializing them early will also help curb bad behaviors such as unnecessary barking, nipping, as well as showing aggression.
Housebreaking is the hardest part of training the Malchi as it is with the Maltese parent. If you find it hard to train your mixed breed, kindly seek help from a pro trainer. Avoid harsh methods.
Exercise Requirements
As mentioned earlier, the Maltese Chihuahua mix is more of a potato couch which means it spends most of its time indoors. Furthermore, they are best suited for warmer climates, just like their parents. Malchis are very fragile and have moderate exercise needs.
A Maltese mix with Chihuahua requires 30 minutes of exercise per day comprising of activities such as indoor play and a brisk short walk.
Investing in interactive toys and puzzles for puppies is helpful in keeping Malchi mentally active to prevent boredom.
Nutritional Requirements
A perfect diet Chihuahua mix with Maltese diet is the one formulated for small dogs with moderate energy levels. The diet should meet all the dietary needs of a dog, in other words, it must comprise the 6 basic nutrients of a dog such as water, proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
These crucial nutrients must make up your dog’s regular diet to promote proper growth and optimal health. Scientific study has shown that an adult dog’s daily regime can contain up to 50% carbs by weight, as well as 2.5 to 4.5% fiber. At least approx. 5.5% of the diet should be derived from fats and 10% from protein.
High-protein diets can be beneficial for endurance exercise in dogs.
So, how much food should you feed your Maltese Chihuahua Mix per day?
PetMD insists on the benefits of proper feeding saying that too little food leads to nutritional deficiencies while too much causes obesity. The dietary needs of your Maltese Chihuahua Mix will change slowly from their puppy stage to adulthood and senior age.
Malchis are predisposed to intestinal and digestion problems. Therefore, it is recommended that you feed this mixed breed a kibble or a diet rich in fiber, split into 2 to 3 meals a day.
Health Issues
A study was conducted by PLOS GENETICS on genetic diseases of purebreds and mixed breed dogs. According to the findings, fewer mixed-breed dogs than purebred dogs are affected by the disease-causing mutations tested. That, particularly, makes mixed dog breeds healthier than their purebred parents.
As recorded in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) findings, mixed breeds were 1.4 times more likely than purebreds to be a carrier of a recessive disease. That is better compared to 2.8 times the possibility in purebreds.
And while mixed dog breeds, such as the Maltese mixed with Chihuahua as healthier, they are still susceptible to certain health problems affecting their parents.
Serious health issues in Maltese Chihuahua crosses are patellar luxation and patent ductus arteriosis (PDA).
Minor health issues in Malchis include indigestion, glaucoma, portosystemic shunt, corneal dystrophy, pulmonic stenosis, shaker dog syndrome, mitral valve dysplasia, and color dilution alopecia.
Regular vet visits are recommended to keep your mixed breed healthy.
Life Expectancy
According to an article on the mortality of mixed breed dogs by WebMD, mixed breed dogs have an average lifespan of 14 years, with small breeds living longer than large ones.
That being said, expect Maltese mixed with Chihuahua to have a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years on average.
Proper grooming, neutering, proper feeding, and a richer genetic pool have an effect on the lifespan of a dog. Ensure that your mixed breed attends all planned vet visits.
Grooming
The grooming needs of a Malchi will depend on the type of coat it inherits from the parents. Those that take after the long, silky fur of the Maltese parent should be brushed several times a week to prevent mats and tangles as well as visits for a cool touch from a pro groomer.
If the Malchi is short-haired, brushing it once a week will give it a stunning look. Either way, the coat sheds moderately so, this mixed breed has low-maintenance needs.
The floppy ears should be checked regularly for wax build-up and infection signs such as redness. Only clean the ears using the recommended products. Clip the nails before they grow too big and brush their teeth daily or at least three times a week.
Chihuahua Maltese Mix for Sale
Do you think the Malchi dog meets your expectations and want to take a puppy home? You can find a Maltese Chihuahua mix for sale from a responsible breeder where you live.
If you live here in the US, Lancaster Puppies is a good place to start. Remember that your options are not limited to this provider. Take your time to conduct research on where to find a reputable breeder around you. But if shopping seems risky, which is, opt to adopt.
How much is a Chihuahua Maltese mix?
When buying from a responsible breeder, expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 for a well-bred, healthy Malchi puppy.
As a rule of thumb, do not buy a puppy from online sites or puppy mills. Visit a well-known breeder in their location and ask to see the parents of the mix. A scrupulous breeder will provide everything you need to know.
Where to Adopt
According to Wolf.org, thousands of pet hybrids are abandoned or euthanized each year because people buy a pooch they were not prepared to care for. Thankfully, there are many rescue organizations and a few facilities around the country that accept unwanted doggies. They may have limited resources, but they try to keep the canines as comfy as possible. They need you to save them.
Adopting a Chihuahua mix with Maltese is always better and cheaper than shopping, especially when you do not know where to find a responsible breeder.
You can start by asking workers from your local shelter whether this mixed breed is available. Alternatively, you can also check with the rescue organizations for Maltese and Chihuahua such as the American Maltese Association Rescue and the Chihuahua Rescue & Transport among others.
FAQs
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com
