The Maltichon is an affectionate, loving little dog that loves to cuddle. These are facts about the Maltese that tend to be true for a Maltichon, too. When not cuddling and being a peak companion dog, their playful and goofy personality shines through. Well-socialized, they get along with children, other dogs, and other pets.

Plus, their friendly disposition often makes them open to making new friends wherever they are. They may bark to alert you, but generally are not prone to barking a lot unless they have been trained into it, intentionally or unintentionally. Training your dog to stop barking early on and socializing your dog well can help keep barking from becoming a nuisance later.

Maltichon are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to be happy wherever they are as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They also tend to do well in most climates.

As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up in the winter to stay warm. Having the right mix of winter dog products on hand can help your Maltichon stay warm out on walks when the temperatures drop. Because these dogs crave affection and attention, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. This can also make them prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work on it with them early on.

A mixed breed can inherit the health issues common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. For the Maltichon, potential health concerns to be aware of can include patellar luxation, Cushing’s disease, skin issues, allergies, and a congenital heart defect called patent ductus arteriosis.

Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Maltichon puppies. Responsible breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing on genetic health issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to talk to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents or to ask about any health clearances or tests that have been done.

As a small dog breed, the Maltichon is also more prone to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay, which lead to infection and tooth loss. Good dental care for dogs can help protect your Maltichon’s teeth. Regular vet visits, along with a good diet and plenty of exercise, can help keep them healthy.

The Maltichon is a highly trainable dog breed. Not only are they highly intelligent and eager to please, but they also do not tend to have stubborn streaks. This makes them a good fit for dog owners of any experience level.

Maltichon thrive on being the center of attention, which means they respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer opportunities to socialize a puppy.

Both the Maltese and the Bichon Frise are some of the fluffiest dog breeds and have low- or no-shedding coats, so the Maltichon should also inherit the same “hypoallergenic” coat. They also have hair instead of fur. This makes them a great fit for people who are allergic to dog fur because they shed less dander.

However, just because they don’t shed much, if at all, doesn’t mean their grooming is low maintenance. This is a fact about the Bichon Frise and the Maltese that carries over to a Maltichon. A Maltichon’s coat needs to be brushed at least a few times a week, if not every day, to remove tangles and prevent mats. They also usually require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Maltichon’s nails, ears, and teeth. Professional grooming may take care of some of this, but you’ll still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Once or twice monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep your dog’s nails from growing too long. If you hear your Maltichon’s nails clicking on the floor between visits to the groomer, it’s time to cut your dog’s nails.

Checking your dog’s ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. When you are looking at your Maltichon’s ears, you are checking to see that they are dry, clean, and free of debris. If not, it’s time to carefully clean your dog’s ears. For dental care, brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent dental disease.

The Maltichon’s energy level will range from low to moderate. They may love to cuddle, but they are not a complete couch potato and will often have bursts of higher energy when they play. Daily walks, plus some playtime or another activity, will be plenty of exercise for this small pooch. But they also love spending time with you, so they may be up for a little more activity if you are.

Just be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not overexerting themselves trying to keep up. Make sure you are keeping activities low-impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damage to developing bones and joints. Also, these dogs can get bored easily and need mental stimulation to be happy. Playtime with challenging games and toys is a great way to keep them engaged.

A fully-grown Maltichon usually stands 8-11 inches tall and weighs 8-13 pounds. This makes them one of the smallest dog breeds.

A Maltichon generally lives for 12-15 years on average.

The Maltichon is also sometimes referred to as a Maltese Frise.