The Maltese Terrier mix is a mix between a Maltese and another breed from the terrier group.
The most famous Maltese Terrier mix is known as the Morkshire Terrier, the adorable cross of the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier.
These mixes are packed with tons of charm and energy. Not only do they inherit their parents’ good looks but also their best traits.
They are the perfect little furballs for families looking for a high-spirited dog with a big personality.
If you’re thinking of introducing one into your home or if you simply want to know if a Terrier Maltese mix is for you, stick around until the end of this guide!
What Is a Maltese Terrier Mix?
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A Terrier Maltese mix is a cross between a Maltese and a terrier-type dog. These mixes are adorable dogs that come in many coat colors and patterns. Some well-known Maltese Terrier dogs are the Morkie, Ratese, Caltese, and Scottese.
With parents that are stunning and adorable toy breeds, the Terrier Maltese mix is definitely an irresistible pooch with an abundance of cuteness and confidence in its little body.
They are a sought-after and much-loved mixed breed for families because of their bright and friendly personalities.
Maltese Terrier mixes are very loyal and devoted pets, thus endearing them even further to the hearts of their owners.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes more than 30 types of terriers but the ones frequently bred with the Maltese are the American Rat Terrier, Cairn Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.
The versatility of these pairings results in one-of-a-kind combinations such as the Morkie, Ratese, Caltese, and Scottese.
Another crowd favorite is the Morkie Poo which is a mix of the Morkie and the Poodle.
Though the Maltese Terrier mix has still yet to gain recognition from the American Kennel Club, other organizations like the International Designer Canine Registry have already recognized some of its mixes as a dog breed.
Maltese Terrier Mix Origin and History
As with most hybrid dogs, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origin of the Terrier Maltese mix. Its parents, however, have long colorful histories documented behind them.
For starters, the Yorkshire Terrier dates back to the Victorian era as one of the popular dog breeds of the nobility.
These dogs didn’t always live a life of luxury, though, they were previously used to exterminate vermin in mills before becoming the adored lapdogs of the rich.
Another notable terrier with an interesting history is the Scottish Terrier. Considered one of the oldest terriers in the Highlands of Scotland, they were bred to hunt for rats and badgers on those rocky slopes.
Mostly, terriers are busy and hard-working dogs in the days of old. They were bred to be fearless and independent hunters whose high prey drives still very much exist today.
The Maltese, on the other hand, went as far back as the Roman Empire. It is an ancient and aristocratic breed that was once regarded as a status symbol during that period.
It is believed that in the 1900s, breeders started combining the terrier with the Maltese to produce a lap dog that is a non-shedding and hypoallergenic version of the two parent breeds.
Currently, the Maltese Terrier mix is considered a prized and well-loved household pet whose small frame holds more than enough charm and personality to go around.
Maltese Terrier Mix Appearance
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The Terrier Maltese mix has a long silky coat that rarely sheds and comes in varying colors of black, white, tan, or a combination of all three.
If the genes of the Maltese parent are more dominant, then the result is an all-white puppy or one with random patches of color on mostly white fur.
However, if the terriers’ bloodline is stronger, expect pups with more interesting coat patterns and color variations.
Maltese Terrier mixes have dark round eyes that shine with intelligence, gumdrop noses, and small compact bodies. Their ears could either be perky like the terrier or soft and drooping like the Maltese.
They may or may not inherit the hypoallergenic coat of their terrier parent, but they are still less likely to trigger any reactions compared to other dog breeds.
Thus, they are a good fit for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
That said, it’s not hard to see why these mixed pups are one of the darlings of the designer dog world with their happy faces and sweet puppy dog stares.
For some dose of cuteness, check this video of a Maltese Terrier puppy’s first few weeks at home!
Puppy's First Month Home (Morkie Edition)<a href="https://youtu.be/acopb5RvZYw" 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%2Facopb5RvZYw%2F0.jpg" alt="Puppy&#039;s First Month Home (Morkie Edition)" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Maltese Terrier Mix Size and Weight
Having come from toy-dog parents, the Terrier Maltese mix is a small pooch whose adult height measures around 7 to 9 inches and weighs approximately 6 to 7 pounds.
Mixed puppies from the teacup Yorkie variety are even smaller and may not even reach the 7-inch mark.
Due to their small size, these dogs do not require too much space and can adapt well to apartment living. They would just as happily zip around a small room or house as they would a spacious lawn.
Unfortunately, Terrier Maltese mixes tend to be fragile dogs and can get easily injured during rough play or exercise. As such, they should be handled gently and carefully at all times.
Maltese Terrier Mix Temperament and Personality
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The Maltese and Terrier mix is a playful, feisty, and highly energetic breed. Always up for a game of fetch or a warm snuggle, their affectionate and happy-go-lucky personality makes them great family dogs.
These mixed pups get along well with children and other household pets, similar to their Maltese parent. However, extra care and consideration should be given to avoid injuring their small, delicate bodies.
That said, they are better suited to a family with older children and those whose other pets are more or less the same size as them.
They also tend to be stubborn and willful. Maltese Terrier mixes can be uncooperative and bullheaded little dogs that may easily overwhelm the unsuspecting novice dog owner.
Fortunately, these unwanted behaviors can be corrected through early socialization and obedience training.
Also, positive reinforcement in the form of treats and belly rubs works like a charm for this mixed pup.
Despite their cuteness, the Maltese Terrier mix is a surprisingly great watchdog. They are vocal pooches who love the sound of their own bark, so they will definitely let you know if anything is bothering them!
These dogs also grow very attached to their owners and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. To express their displeasure, they might become destructive and unruly.
Thus, Maltese Terrier mixes need an owner who is at home most of the time or someone who can bring them along whenever they leave the house.
Maltese Terrier Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
As a small dog breed, the Maltese Terrier mix is a generally healthy canine with a long lifespan, thanks to its terrier parent.
They can live for approximately 10 to 13 years in the right conditions and when given the proper care.
Here are some of the common health problems of the Maltese Terrier mix:
Collapsed Trachea: This severe and life-threatening condition usually affects small dogs, particularly Yorkies. Not much is known regarding its cause, but genetics seem to play a major part, as per veterinary experts. Dogs will exhibit respiratory distress such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing as the trachea collapses and restricts the passage of air.
Reverse Sneezing: Also referred to as paroxysmal respiration, this condition is another common affliction among small dog breeds. It may be an alarming thing to watch, especially if it’s your first time seeing a dog doing a reverse sneeze. But rest assured that such episodes are harmless and will quickly pass on their own.
Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is common among toy breeds and puppies in the weaning stage as their body metabolizes sugar faster than they can replace it. Hypoglycemic dogs and puppies are lethargic and weak; thus, their intake should be closely monitored and supervised to ensure that it is enough to meet their body’s requirements.
The Maltese Terrier mix may also suffer from dental problems and excessive tearing, which can be managed by regularly brushing their teeth and gently wiping away tear stains.
How to Take Care of Your Terrier Maltese Mix
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Due to their diminutive size and long flowing coat, there are some points to take note of when taking care of a Maltese and Terrier mix.
These pooches are relatively easy to keep once you get the hang of it, but some aspects of their care would require more effort and attention than others.
Allow this guide to help you with how to properly care for your Maltese Terrier mix.
Food and Diet
As toy dogs, these pooches should be fed a diet that promotes a healthy weight while still providing them with the necessary nutrients just as you would with the Maltese and the terrier.
Maltese Terrier mixes tend to become overweight and obese if snacks are given freely and irresponsibly.
Thus, it is recommended that they be given a high-fat, high-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet only twice a day.
Obesity will only lead to a multitude of other health issues, so it’s important to resist those puppy dog eyes when they’re begging you for more treats.
Cleaning and Grooming
Maintaining the long and silky locks of the Terrier Maltese mix takes quite a lot of effort, so be prepared to put in the work.
Their fur will grow to floor length if left on its own, so unless this is something that you have the time and energy to maintain, you might consider cutting it every 6 to 8 weeks to a more manageable length.
Bathing should be done every month. Make sure only to use dog shampoo, as human shampoo is too drying for canine fur and will strip it of its natural oils and luster.
Their nails should also be regularly clipped and should not make a clicking sound on the floor while they’re walking.
Training and Exercise
Terrier Maltese mixes are tiny dogs whose exercise requirements fall on the low-maintenance side.
Their delicate size also means that care should be given during any activity or exercise as they might get unintentionally injured.
In fact, a brisk 20 to 30-minute walk around the neighborhood is usually sufficient for your little furry friend.
Anything more vigorous or strenuous than that might excessively tire them out and do more harm than good.
With their high energy and sprightly personalities, their time running around inside the house and begging for extended play times also counts as exercise for these little furballs.
As for training and socialization, this should be started as early as 14 weeks of age to ensure that your mixed pup will grow up to be a well-adjusted part of the family.
How Much Does a Terrier Maltese Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of a Terrier Maltese mix is anywhere between $500 and $2,500 but can be as much as $3,500 depending on factors like its bloodline.
The breeders’ reputation may also have some bearing on the amount you have to pay for your four-legged companion. Expect that the more well-known a breeder is, the higher the price of a puppy.
Below is a table showing the initial costs for your Maltese Terrier mix:
The expense, however, does not stop there. Once you’ve set a budget for the puppys’ initial needs, you also have to prepare for the long-term costs of keeping this hybrid pooch.
Regular vet checkups and a ready emergency fund are only some of the essentials that you have to make space for in your finances if you plan to welcome a Maltese Terrier mix into your home.
Places to Find Maltese Terrier Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Due to their popularity as cute lap dogs, breeders are eager to produce more of these Maltese Terrier pups to meet the growing demand from potential buyers.
That said, it is very important to find a reputable breeder as this ensures that you’ll be taking home a healthy dog. This also shows your support for ethical and responsible breeding practices.
Here is a list of reputable breeders where you can buy your Maltese Terrier mixed puppy:
Little Paws Nursery – Apart from their love of the breed, this Alabama-based breeder started because of their desire to promote healthy and ethical breeding standards. They test all their puppies to ensure that they carry healthy genes, and they also provide a health certificate from the vet before turning over a puppy to their new family.
Danza Bolo Kennels – This is a family-owned kennel in Tennessee specializing in producing designer dogs from toy breeds such as Yorkies, Maltese, and toy Poodles. Most of the parent dogs in their kennel are AKC registered, and all puppies are screened for genetic defects.
Morkies and More – This Florida-based breeder has a good track record of producing quality mixed-breed puppies. All of their parent dogs are AKC and CKC registered, and some are even show champions. Head over to their website if you’re looking for a Maltese Terrier puppy with an impressive bloodline.
You may also check our article on the best Maltese breeders if you’re still looking for more options and a comprehensive list.
If you’re on a budget and would rather not spend too much on buying a new puppy, adopting from a shelter or rescue center might be the best option.
Take a look at these adoption websites and rescue organizations to find the perfect Terrier Maltese mix for you:
Maltese Rescue California – This charity has been rescuing and rehoming Maltese and its mixes in California and nearby areas. They spay/neuter, vaccinate and microchip all their dogs before handing them over to their new owners. They also take in Maltese Terrier mixes, so check their website for postings.
American Maltese Association Rescue – Founded in 1995, this rescue organization has been saving Maltese dogs who are homeless, abused, or surrendered by their owners. They are run by volunteers and operate on donations alone. All adoption applications are carefully reviewed by their team until a suitable family is found,
Petango – This website has a database of thousands of local shelters and adoption centers that can help you in your search for a Maltese Terrier mix near your area. They have partnered with rescue organizations all over the United States, so there’s a big chance that you might find your mixed puppy on their website.
Despite its adorable and striking appearance, you’ll find that a considerable number of Terrier Maltese mixes still end up as rescues in shelters and adoption centers.
Also, try checking out our list of the best Maltese rescues. More often than not, you’ll find many mixed puppies up for adoption in one of these rescues.
To help you further in your search, you may also check out our ultimate dog adoption guide.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Terrier Maltese Mix
As with any dog breed, there are advantages and disadvantages to keeping a Terrier Maltese mix.
Doing your research and finding out if a certain breed is a good match for you or not helps you make a well-informed choice when buying a puppy.
As such, we made a list of the pros and cons of owning a Maltese Terrier mix to help you make that all-important decision.
Let us start first with the advantages of raising a Terrier Maltese mix:
Unique appearance: There’s no arguing that this designer pooch is high on the list of adorable dogs. It’ll have you wrapped around its little paws with just one look in no time.
Small size: The compact size of the Maltese and Terrier mix is a plus point for those living in an apartment or whose accommodation only has limited space. They are less likely to knock the furniture down and are also easy to bring along when you go out or travel.
Long lifespan: With the proper care, this mixed pooch relatively has a long and healthy life. This means you don’t have to worry about your beloved pet crossing the rainbow bridge anytime soon.
Now that we’ve discussed the advantages, let us take a look at the disadvantages of having this designer pup as a pet:
Stubborn and uncooperative: Despite their intelligence, these woofers most often exhibit the stubborn streak of their terrier bloodline. It takes a firm and patient owner to teach them their manners and how to become well-behaved family members.
Nuisance barking: Maltese Terrier mixes are yappy little dogs who will bark your ears off if you let them. To prevent their barking from becoming over the top, you have to be willing to put in the time and effort to train them to control this unwanted behavior.
Prone to separation anxiety: This mixed breed needs a lot of attention from its owner and easily suffers from separation anxiety. If you’re the type who has a busy schedule and is mostly away at work, then your pup might get anxious and resort to destructive chewing.
Having a dog is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It is essential to know about the breed to see if it is a good match for your personality, lifestyle, and even your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Terrier Maltese Mixes Bark a Lot?
Terrier Maltese mixes are known to be very vocal dogs; they would alert you to an intruder, an approaching car, a stray cat, or a falling leaf.
Exercise and positive reinforcement are proven to be effective ways to control excessive barking.
By consistently rewarding good behavior, your furry friend will eventually know when it is okay to bark and when to stop.
Do Terrier Maltese Mixes Shed?
Terrier Maltese mixes are light shedders, thus making them good pets for those suffering from allergies. Even so, their coat still needs to be brushed daily to keep them from becoming matted and tangled.
It can also keep growing up to floor length, so regular trips to the groomer might be needed unless you can give them a haircut yourself every few weeks.
Are Terrier Maltese Mixes Hypoallergenic?
The coat of the Terrier Maltese mix is not completely hypoallergenic; however, the risk of it causing an allergic reaction or asthma attack is considerably lower compared to other dogs.
Final Thoughts: Is a Maltese Terrier Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Maltese Terrier mix is an irresistible designer dog breed with its cute and charming appearance. They are high-spirited lap dogs that thrive on the attention of their owners.
These designer canines make wonderful family pets; however, care must be given due to their tiny size. Thus, they might not be a good choice for families with very young children or those with bigger pets.
If you’re already a proud owner of a Maltese Terrier mix or still planning on getting one, share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
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