Maltipom – Everything About the Incredible Maltese Pomeranian Mix
There are many gorgeous mixed-breed dogs with a Pomeranian or Maltese parent. From the adorable Maltipoo to the stunning, hyperactive Pomeranian Husky mix, these parent breeds are ideal for dog lovers looking for a designer dog. A Maltipom is a designer toy breed with Pomeranian and Maltese parents, and they’re some of the most affectionate little dogs you’ll ever meet!
The Maltipom breed has unique personality traits and gorgeous coat colors. This breed is also categorized as hypoallergenic. Are you wondering whether to welcome a Maltipom puppy into your family? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Maltese Pomeranian mix and whether a Maltipom pup is the right choice for your family.
Overview of Parent Breeds
The best way to truly understand what you’re getting yourself into when adopting a mixed breed is to have a thorough understanding of its parent breeds. A Maltipom pup is the offspring of Maltese and Pomeranian parents.
Maltese
Maltese dogs are affectionate, tiny, and gentle. Maltese dogs are known for their pure white fur, which is often quite long and requires frequent grooming. This breed usually weighs less than seven pounds and has been recognized by the AKC since 1888.
Pomeranian
A purebred Pomeranian is often described as excitable, bold, and curious. These toy dogs only weigh 3-7 pounds. The Pomeranian breed is known for its range of gorgeous coat colors. From the pure white Pomeranians to those with stunning blue Merle coats, there is no shortage of vibrant and appealing fur colorations! This is one of the many reasons dog owners want to adopt a Pomeranian mix. You never know what coat color your Maltese Pomeranian mix will have until you see them.
Appearance of Maltipom Puppies
Maltipom puppies take all the best characteristics of their parent dog breeds. When you see a Maltipom puppy, you’ll easily be able to recognize its heritage. Most Maltipom puppies have the face, ears, and stature of a Pomeranian with the long, flowing fur of a Maltese.
The appearance of this designer breed can vary, just like other dogs. Most pups mixed from purebred dogs have a wide range of physical attributes from either parent they might take on. A Mini Goldendoodle and a Sheepadoodle are both the result of a mix of purebred dogs, where at least one parent is a Poodle, but each breed takes on very different features from that parent.
The same is true of the Maltipom and other Maltese and Pomeranian mixes. You can expect a Maltipom to have the coat of a Maltese, but the color of their fur might be inherited from their Pomeranian side. This variation is one of the many things that make designer toy breeds so coveted by dog owners.
Most Maltipoms will weigh less than 7 lbs and grow to about 8 inches in height. Keep in mind that your Malipom puppies could be significantly smaller or slightly larger!
Personality of Maltipom Puppies
Maltipoms often have affectionate, inquisitive, and excitable personalities. Some Maltipom pups might take more after their Pomeranian side and be bold, while others may take after their Maltese parents and be timider.
You’re guaranteed a pup that’s full of life and adventure when you adopt a Maltipom. They enjoy going for walks, exploring new places, and sitting on their owner’s laps whenever they get the chance!
Exercise Needs of Maltipoms
Maltipoms have a lot of energy. They need 30-minute walks daily and plenty of toys to keep them entertained around the home. Since a Maltipom tends to be very inquisitive and adventurous, it’s important to provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation to avoid the development of problem behaviors, like chewing, digging, etc.
Squeaky toys will work wonders for keeping your Maltipom entertained while indoors, and there are tons of cute toys that will hold your pup’s interest and provide opportunities for photoshoots!
It’s important to make sure your Maltipom has a few toys they can rely on, like comfort objects, whenever you need to leave them home alone. The Maltipom breed is very affectionate and is one of the many dog breeds that doesn’t enjoy being left alone. Getting your Maltipom to associate some of their toys with comfort and calmness will help them remain relaxed whenever you need to pop down to the store alone.
Dietary Needs of the Maltipom
Just like other dog breeds, the Maltipom has specific dietary needs that must be met. Make sure to provide your Maltipom with a healthy, well-balanced diet. You might want to try fresh dog food. Since your Maltipom is likely to weigh less than seven pounds, they only need 1/3-1/2 cups of food per day.
Giving the correct portions will ensure your pup stays healthy and happy. Toy breeds like the Maltipom are prone to certain health problems, including obesity. If your Maltipom doesn’t get enough exercise or is overfed, then they could become overweight and develop other issues. A well-balanced diet with the correct portions and daily exercise will help prevent serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, etc.
Grooming Needs of a Maltipom
Your Maltipom will likely have a very similar coat to its Maltese parent. Both the Maltese and the Pomeranian breeds need frequent grooming, so your Maltipom will need fairly frequent grooming as well.
You’ll need to brush your Maltipom daily to keep its long coat clean and tidy. It’s also necessary to bring your Maltipom to the groomer once a month, so they can keep the coat looking luscious and healthy! Both the Maltese and the Pomeranian dog breeds are known for their elegant coats and perform very well in dog shows, so your Maltipom’s coat will need just as frequent attention!
Health Issues Associated With Maltipom Dogs
Just like other dogs, the Multipom dog breed is more at risk for certain health issues. While it’s often said that a designer dog is healthier than its purebred parents, this isn’t necessarily the case. The risk of developing health issues depends greatly on the breeding. A Maltipom puppy that was intentionally bred from two purebred dogs is more likely to be healthy than Maltipom puppies that came into the world accidentally.
Regardless, all Maltipom dogs are at risk for developing certain issues. Many of the problems associated with Maltipoms are common among all toy dog breeds. Small dogs are more at risk for developing obesity and related illnesses if they aren’t given the proper diet and amount of exercise. Even though Maltipoms are a smaller dog breed, they’re still very active dogs and need lots of time to play and run around.
Other common illnesses and issues associated with these small dogs are:
-glaucoma
-patellar luxation
-progressive renal atrophy
-entropion
-hyperthyroidism
-hip dysplasia
-hypoglycemia.
Of course, there’s an equal possibility that your tiny dog might not develop any of these issues. A well-balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, and regular vet visits will help keep your Maltipom dog in peak health.
Life Expectancy
Your Maltipom will be a small dog, but they’ll have the life expectancy of many larger breeds. Maltipoms will usually live between 12-15, which is at the higher end of the spectrum for all dog breeds. This is great news for people looking for a perfect dog who can grow with their family. It also makes Maltipoms an excellent option for seniors who are looking for a loyal, affectionate lap companion that will remain by their side for over a decade.
Who Should Adopt A Maltipom?
Pet parents who are looking to add a loving, energetic designer dog to their home will love adopting a Maltipom. This purebred Maltese Pomeranian mix is a smart dog breed that gets along well with other pets and kids and can adapt to most living environments.
Whether you live in a large home or a studio apartment, your Maltipom will be comfortable there. As long as you can provide them with plenty of exercise and grooming for their fluffy coat, then you’re perfectly suited for adopting a Maltipom.
As a small dog, a Maltipom is happy to sit on your lap with you during downtimes. However, much like Maltese dogs, a Maltipom needs plenty of attention and may not do well alone. It’s important to have a system in place for when you need to leave your Maltipom pup alone.
What’s the Ideal Living Situation for Maltipoms?
While Maltipoms are easily adaptable animals, it is helpful to take into account all their different needs and personality traits to determine what their ideal living situation would be. Maltipoms need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy, so having a fenced-in yard would be ideal for these little pups.
Maltipom dogs do well with other household pets, but they’ll also be okay as the only pet in the home. If you do have other pets, then make sure they’re comfortable with a small energetic dog before bringing your Maltipom home. Your Maltipom will need lots of attention, and it could make your other household pets jealous if they aren’t used to sharing your attention.
This breed is an excellent choice for seniors or homes with children. Small children who are gentle with pets will do well with a Maltipom puppy and their playful nature, but older children will enjoy this breed as well.
How to Adopt A Maltipom?
The Maltipom breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry, which means you should be able to find breeders dedicated to providing puppies from healthy purebred parents.
You always want to go through a professional breeder. If you want to adopt more than one pup, try to get them from the same litter. Always avoid pet stores and other avenues because the pups in those situations often come from puppy mills, which is not something loving dog owners want to support!
Of course, you can always check in your local shelter too.
Should You Adopt a Maltipom?
Maltipoms are intelligent, curious, and extremely affectionate dogs that would make the perfect addition to most homes. These little dogs are expected to live a long life and therefore make an excellent companion for people in all stages of their lives. So long as you’re able to provide them with plenty of exercise, fresh food, affection, and regular grooming, then you should definitely adopt a Maltipom! Just make sure to go through a reputable breeder and always ensure your other pets or children are prepared to welcome the new member of the family just as much as you are!
Looking for another Pomeranian mix? Check out the Border Collie Pomeranian pup – they’re amazing!
