The Maltese Pitbull mix is a designer hybrid perfect for active owners. They’re extremely playful and affectionate, making them a great addition to the family.
This hybrid dog is quite interesting, to say the least, because of the difference between its parent breeds. It showcases an interesting blend of the distinct physical features, as well as temperaments of the Pitbull and Maltese.
In this article, you can find information about the history of the Maltese Pitbull mix, its appearance, general traits, maintenance, and a whole lot more. Get ready to take down notes, as there’s a lot to learn!
What Is a Maltese Pitbull Mix?
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A Maltese Pitbull mix, also called Pitbulltese, results from a cross between a Maltese and a Pitbull. This mixed breed is quite uncommon because of the stark differences between its parents, with their sizes being the most obvious.
It is necessary to note, however, that the term “Pitbull” refers to any Pitbull-type breed, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bully.
Therefore, this hybrid can be made of four possible combinations. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that a Maltese mixed with a Pitbull will result in a dog that is friendly, energetic, and extremely loyal. As with most mixed breeds, the Maltese Pit mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is also not on the official list of the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), which is a registry service for mixed dog breeds.
Maltese Pitbull Mix Origin and History
There is limited information on the history and origin of the Pitbull Maltese mix, possibly because it is not yet as popular as other mixed breeds in the United States.
But the parents of this mix are pretty widespread and have been loved by dog enthusiasts worldwide for a long time.
Most people think of Pitbulls as violent and dangerous because they have been bred for bloodsports and dogfighting in the past. But they’re actually one of the best family dogs, given their protective instinct.
Meanwhile, the tiny Maltese is nothing less than royalty. They even have portraits of them painted as a gift for the mother of Queen Victoria. They were originally bred to be “comforters,” and they still live up to this until today.
It is not certain when and how the Maltese Pitbull mix came about; however, it is likely to have resulted from an accidental breeding.
Because of the size difference, breeders need to cross a male Maltese with a female Pitbull instead of the other way around. This is to prevent health complications for a female Maltese when carrying big puppies.
Maltese Pitbull Mix Appearance
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It is hard to 100% predict what a Maltese Pit will look like since it depends on the dominant physical traits it inherits. One can appear more like a Pitbull with some Maltese features, while one can be the other way around.
The famous long, floor-length mane of a Maltese may manifest in a Pitbulltese, giving it a medium coat instead of the short coat of a Pitbull.
While Malteses are almost always just white, Pitbulls come in many different colors. Thus, a hybrid can have coats in brown, red, blue, grey, black, black and white, and brindle.
The Pitbull Maltese mix can have the muscular, athletic body of a Pitbull, with its broad head and strong jaw. They can also get the big, dark eyes of a Maltese, giving the Maltese Pit mix a unique, adorable look.
Watch this video to see what an actual Pitbull Maltese puppy mix looks like:
Maltese Pitbull Puppy<a href="https://youtu.be/TUF2E-6iduc" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FTUF2E-6iduc%2F0.jpg" alt="Maltese Pitbull Puppy" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Maltese Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
A fully grown Maltese Pit can stand anywhere between 7 and 19 inches tall, with a weight that can range from 7 to 55 pounds.
To compare, Pitbulls are medium dogs, standing anywhere from 17 to 21 inches tall and weighing about 30 to 60 pounds.
Crossing them with the Maltese, which is 7 to 9 inches tall and less than 7 pounds, thus results in a small to medium dog.
Maltese Pits can grow until 12 to 18 months, after which they are already at their adult size. They can gain a few pounds as they mature depending on what you feed them.
Maltese Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality
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A Maltese and Pitbull mix is a fascinating hybrid that combines the desirable traits of two wonderful breeds. It makes for a great canine companion!
Not only do Maltese dogs look like toys because of their size, but they also embody it because of their affectionate and playful nature. They are also excellent watchdogs, contrary to their posh appearance.
Despite their reputation of being vicious, purebred Pitbulls are, in fact, incredibly friendly and loving. They don’t seem to know how big they are and act like lapdogs. The same traits can be expected in a Pitbull Maltese mix.
Putting all these characteristics together creates a perfect pet that can protect you from suspicious strangers and will always snuggle with you.
However, since both the parent breeds of this mix can be stubborn at times, training is necessary. Socialization is also highly important to reduce the aggressiveness the Pitbulltese can inherit from the Pitbull.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Maltese: Which Is Better?
Maltese Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Pitbull Maltese mix has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. This is an estimate based on the individual lifespans of its parent breeds. Of course, this can span longer with proper care and health maintenance.
Some people also believe that mixed breed dogs like Pitbull Maltese mix can outlive purebred dogs because of “hybrid vigor.”
However, this does not mean that hybrids like the Pitbulltese are immune from health problems. Unfortunately, just like any other breed, they can have diseases and conditions that affect their life quality and lifespan.
Below are some common health issues a Pitbull Maltese mix can develop:
Heart Disease: Heart diseases are fairly common among hybrids, including the Pitbulltese. Symptoms can include getting tired easily, weakness, and bloating. It is important to diagnose this early by having a veterinarian examine your puppy.
Hip Dysplasia: Although more common among medium and large dogs, hip dysplasia can also be a problem in Maltese Pits, especially since Pitbulls have a high risk for this. This condition is an abnormality in the hip joints of dogs. Affected dogs can limp and have pain in their hips.
Patellar Luxation: A common health issue among Malteses is luxating patella, a congenital disorder where the kneecaps slip out of the groove and get dislocated.
Allergies: Pitbulls often have skin allergies on the feet, belly, skin folds, and ears. If your Maltese Pit inherits this condition from its Pitbull parent, you might observe them licking or rubbing the affected areas.
To avoid spending on emergency treatments as your dog ages, you should have them regularly checked to diagnose and treat health issues early on. You can also avail yourself of pet insurance to protect your savings when emergencies arise.
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Maltese Mix
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Taking care of a Maltese Pit is no different from taking care of any other dog breed. They just need the right diet and nutritious food, enough exercise, proper grooming, and of course, some tender loving care.
New and experienced owners alike should take note of some tips for keeping the Pitbull Maltese mix happy and healthy.
Food and Diet
Your Pitbulltese should be eating only high-quality food, whether it be commercial dog food or homemade goodies.
Giving them enough protein, vitamins, and minerals in order for them to grow optimally is also suggested. You can give them fruits and vegetables for added nutrition.
You should also be wary of foods that the Maltese Pit mix cannot eat. Check out our Maltese food guide to get some ideas. It is also vital that you consult a vet if you want to give your pooch supplements.
To avoid having an overweight dog, make sure to follow a regular feeding schedule of about two to three meals a day. Limit giving treats to prevent overeating. You can also use our Pitbull feeding guide to have a rough idea of how much this hybrid needs to eat.
Cleaning and Grooming
Because of the stark contrast between the coat types of a Maltese and a Pitbull, their crossbreed can either be high-maintenance or easy to maintain.
If a Maltese Pit inherits the lush, long hair of a Maltese, it would need daily brushing to remove dirt and prevent matting or tangles. They would also need more frequent baths to keep their hair in good condition.
On the other hand, if it gets the smooth, short coat of a Pit, it would only need weekly brushing to distribute oils throughout the coat and keep it healthy. Bathing is also not needed as frequently as a Maltese.
As with any breed, though, their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent pain and problems when walking.
The ears should also be regularly checked and cleaned if any wax buildup is present. This is important to avoid any ear infections.
Because one of its parent breeds is a toy breed, dental maintenance should also be emphasized for this mixed breed. Their teeth should be brushed daily with toothpaste specifically made for dogs.
Training and Exercise
A Maltese mixed with Pitbull will have lots of energy. You should make sure this canine gets enough exercise every day. Daily walks and playing outside will definitely keep them healthy and happy.
Because they are also intelligent dogs who love to please, they can easily be trained. In fact, they will most likely enjoy canine sports like obedience and agility.
When training these dogs, positive reinforcement will be most effective in responding to their stubborn tendencies.
Owners should be especially cautious when bringing their Maltese Pit around other dogs, as they can show some aggressiveness.
Early socialization can lessen this aggression, but in any case, they should not be left alone without a leash.
Chewing and digging may also be issues that are harder to resolve, so you should be firm when training your dog.
How Much Does a Maltese Pit Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The average cost of a Maltese Pitbull mix puppy is $2,000 to $5,000. This is an estimated range based on the cost of a purebred Maltese and a purebred Pitbull.
Nevertheless, the price of a Maltese Pit puppy would still depend on a lot of factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, actual breed of the Pitbull, bloodline, demand in the area, spaying/neutering, etc.
Keep in mind that the expenses do not end at purchasing the puppy, as your new pet will have a list of needs in order to be healthy and live comfortably.
Here are the initial costs associated with owning a Maltese Pitbull mix:
The prices listed above reflect estimates based on the Pitbulltese’s size — small to medium.
Of course, there are many ways to cut costs and find cheaper alternatives. However, take note that this breed will love to chew and bite their toys, so expect that this would need to be repurchased often, just like food and treats.
Places to Find Maltese Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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As we’ve established early on, the Maltese Pit mix is not a very popular and widely available hybrid. Hence, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are not many breeders that specialize in this mix.
Before you go out to get one, check out our puppy buying guide to learn more about buying a puppy safely.
Once you’re ready, here are some breeders you should check out when searching for a Maltese Pitbull mix puppy for sale:
Pawrade – On this puppy advertising site, you can find a lot of puppies available for purchase from reputable breeders across the country. They guarantee that they do not support puppy mills and only connect with trusted breeders. You can browse through their catalog to check for a Maltese Pitbull pup.
Petclassifieds – This website acts as a bulletin where registered sellers can post their ads. Interested buyers can contact them directly to inquire and transact. They have mixed-breed puppies available, so feel free to check for a Maltese Pitbull mix puppy for sale.
PuppySpot – This is another site where top breeders are able to list their available puppies for sale. All the breeders they coordinate with are screened, interviewed, and evaluated, so you can be sure that you and your puppy are in good hands. They have a range of mixed breeds for sale including the Maltese Pit.
Your other option aside from buying from a breeder is to adopt from rescues and shelters. Not only is this cheaper, but it also allows you to save an abandoned dog.
Some rescues where you might find a Maltese Pitbull mix are listed below:
Adopt-a-Pet – This is an online pet database where you can easily browse through dogs up for adoption. They have dogs from rescues, shelters, and even private owners. You can also easily filter the search results based on the breed and your location.
American Maltese Association Rescue (AMAR) – This is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that works with foster homes across the United States to rehome Maltese dogs. They save dogs who are abused, neglected, or abandoned. You can contact them to ask if they have any Maltese Pitbull mixes up for adoption.
Adopt a Pit Rescue, Inc. – This organization based in Ohio passionately works to help Pitbulls deemed hopeless for various reasons to find loving homes. They have a lot of adoptable dogs, and some of them are Pitbull mixes. Feel free to browse their website to check for a Pitbull Maltese dog you can adopt.
We have articles dedicated to the best rescues for Maltese and Pitbulls. Head over to these articles to explore even more options.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Maltese Mix
If you’re still unsure whether a Pitbull Maltese dog is the right fit for you and your family, you might want to consider the perks and disadvantages of owning such a breed.
Below are some of the upsides of owning a Maltese Pitbull mix:
Great family pets: These dogs are incredibly affectionate toward their owners and friendly even with strangers! They also are great with kids, making them excellent companions for families.
Long life expectancy: Because of their generally good health and long lifespan, this is the dog you can expect to grow old with you. Of course, this is as long as you can take care of them well.
Easily trainable: Not only do Pitbull Maltese dogs love to please their owners, but they are also highly intelligent. This makes it easy to train them, especially for owners with prior experience.
Not barkers: These dogs are alert and make great watchdogs. The good news is that they are not avid barkers. Owners who work from home or who have sensitive neighbors won’t have a problem.
On the other hand, here are some cons of owning a Maltese Pit mix:
Aggressive tendencies: Because of the breeding history of Pitbulls, the Maltese Pitbull mix can inherit some of its aggressive tendencies. This makes early socialization and obedience training not only important but necessary for these dogs. It also means that you can’t let your pet run around freely, as they might get into trouble with other pets and strangers.
Destructive behavior: If not properly trained, a Maltese Pitbull mix can bite on and chew things around the house. They might also go through a lot of toys fast if they play with them too rough.
Need for regular exercise: Owners who don’t have time for activities would need to rethink having the Pitbulltese as a pet since this breed would need regular exercise to use up their energy and keep them healthy.
Limited information sources: Because they aren’t as popular as other hybrids, there aren’t a lot of information and data online about the Maltese Pit mix. Owners would have to explore more resources to find answers to their queries. This can be resolved, however, by having a vet they can contact in case any problems arise.
Dog lovers interested in owning a Maltese Pit should keep these pros and cons in mind before deciding to buy or adopt one.
It is crucial to be sure that this wonderful mixed breed would be the right pet for your family so they don’t end up in shelters or rescues in the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Maltese Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
Maltese Pitbull mix dogs are not inherently aggressive, despite the vicious image their Pitbull parent has.
Pitbulls are actually one of the friendliest dogs out there, so combining them with another loving dog produces a tamed canine.
Naturally, Maltese Pits are also friendly and good-natured. They might show some aggression, however, when they feel threatened or if they are maltreated.
Do Maltese Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
The Maltese Pitbull mix is generally a low to moderate shedder. However, it would still depend on which parent is more dominant. To illustrate, Malteses don’t shed a lot, while Pits shed profusely.
Either way, regular brushing will be beneficial. This keeps their coat clean and healthy while also keeping shedding under control.
Are Maltese Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Maltese Pitbull mixes are not hypoallergenic. There is actually no breed that is completely hypoallergenic.
However, there are breeds that are found to be great for allergic dog lovers. Unfortunately, Maltese Pitbull mixes are not one of these.
Final Thoughts: Is a Maltese Pit Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Maltese Pitbull mix is one of the less common designer breeds. There is still a lot to discover about this cross; hence interested owners should really be dedicated before choosing to bring home one.
It is hard not to want a Pitbulltese because of its sweet, affectionate, and playful nature, as well as its one-of-a-kind appearance. They are also very active and trainable, making them great workout buddies!
Leave a comment below to share your thoughts about this fascinating hybrid dog. Also, if you already own a Pitbull Maltese mix, let us know your favorite thing about them!
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