Maltipom

Temperament and Personality

These pint-sized bundles of fluff come with big personalities! The Maltipom is a Maltese Pomeranian mix, and they’re affectionate, playful, and full of energy, making them a delightful addition to any home. 

Clever and quick to learn, Maltipoms can often be found showing off their latest tricks and wowing their adoring fans in living rooms across the nation. Being the star of the show is what these dogs do best, as they thrive on attention and love being involved in all the family’s activities. 

Loyal and loving, Maltipoms adore human companionship and form super strong bonds with their owners, sometimes showing a protective side. They get this fearless, feisty streak from both the Maltese and the Pomeranian, but if not properly trained (or overly pampered), Maltipoms might try to rule the roost. They can also be quite territorial and aren’t shy about letting you know when someone’s at the door – or if a leaf dares to fall in the garden! This makes them a good little watchdog, but also means they’re not the quietest of housemates.  

Their intense love for their humans means separation anxiety is common in Maltipoms. If left alone for too long, they become distressed and destructive, so it’s important they get the love and company they crave. 

Despite these quirks, the Maltipom’s loyal and lively temperament can win over just about anyone, as long as their owner is prepared to guide them with patience and a firm, loving hand.

Maltipom paw-sonality traits

• Sweet, gentle, and loving

• Playful and affectionate

• Alert and lively

• Good little watchdog

• Craves human companionship

• Forms strong bonds with owners

• Clever and quick to learn

• Loves being centre of attention

• Eager to please

• Dominant streak

• Gets jealous over owners

• Forms deep bonds 

• Loves being the centre of attention  

• Picks up tricks and commands easily

• Can be bold and fearless  

• Adaptable to apartment living  

• Energetic but doesn’t need lots of exercise

• Can be wary of strangers  

• Hates being left alone  

Maltipom pros and cons

Are Maltipoms good family dogs?

Yes, Maltipoms can make great family dogs, but they do have their quirks. These little pups are super affectionate and love being the centre of attention, often forming a strong bond with one person in particular. This means they can get a bit jealous if they feel their owner’s affection is being shared too much, with either children, spouses, or other pets. They want to be the centre of your world, and they’ll definitely let you know it. Separation anxiety is also an issue with this breed, so they suit families that spend a lot of time at home. 

Are Maltipoms good with children?

Yes, but they’re a better fit for older children. Their fragile frame doesn’t take well to rough play, and these dogs demand respect for their boundaries, which very young children might not understand. Little ones could accidentally hurt a Maltipom through no fault of their own, or end up being hurt themselves if a Maltipom snaps at them. This breed is better suited to a household with older children or teens who know how to handle dogs with care.

Are Maltipoms good with other pets?

Yes, Maltipoms can get along with other pets, but it depends on their personality and socialisation. Their Maltese side makes them gentle and friendly, but the Pom’s bold streak can cause defensive or territorial behaviour towards other animals in the house, especially larger dogs. This can potentially put them at risk. Early socialisation and proper introductions are key, but like many small dogs, they still might think they’re head honcho.  

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Maltipom properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Maltipom need?

Full grown Maltipoms need around 30 minutes of exercise a day to stay happy and healthy, but they’d happily take more if they could. 

Despite being diminutive, Maltipoms are full of energy and love to stay active. The Pomeranian side brings out their playful, high-energy nature, as they enjoy lively walks, games of fetch, and zooming around the house.

When the weather’s not ideal for outdoor adventures, you can keep them entertained indoors with games like hide-and-seek, tug-of-war, or makeshift obstacle courses. After a good play session, they’re always happy to wind down and snuggle up on the couch for some relaxation.

How do you train a Maltipom?

Training a Maltipom can be both fun and a bit of a challenge. These little dogs are super smart and quick to pick up new tricks, but they can also have a dominant streak, especially if they inherit the confident nature of their Pomeranian parent. They’re eager to please but they’ll sometimes try to call the shots, so a firm yet loving approach is key.

Also, like most small breeds with tiny digestive systems, housetraining can be difficult for the Maltipom to get the hang of. 

With consistency, patience, and lots of paw-sitivity, your Maltipom will soon become the well-behaved little charmer you’ve been hoping for.

Unleash their potential with some fun Maltipom training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats – ideal to help prevent dental issues. Just be mindful of how many treats you dispense during training as the calories quickly add up. 

2. Be firm but fair. Maltipoms can be quite sensitive and might be defensive if corrected harshly, so always use a reward-based approach. 

3. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop unwanted behavioural issues. The Maltipom might try to test the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.

4. Prioritise potty training. Maltipoms need consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks, and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. A covered potty area is also recommended because these little dogs don’t do well in the rain or cold weather.

5. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial as Maltipoms have a territorial trait when it comes to the house and their owner’s affection. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

6. Keep the barking at bay. The Maltipom is an alert little dog, but they can quickly become yappy if they’re not taught to be quiet on command. Teach them from a young age when it’s okay to bark and when it’s time to stop by gradually exposing them to their barking triggers and rewarding them when they fall silent. 

7. Teach them tricks. This dog lives for attention, so incorporate tricks into their obedience training, such as ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’, and let them take centre stage. 

8. Get them used to grooming. Frequently touch them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, mouth, and feet to help them become comfortable with being groomed and handled.

9. Keep training sessions short and sweet. Maltipoms have short attention spans, so do 10 minute bursts each day to ensure they stay engaged. 

10. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Maltipoms need?

Maltipoms tend to have a soft, straight, fluffy coat that needs brushing a few times a week to stay in mint condition. However, as a hybrid dog, appearances and coat types can vary.

The most common Maltipom colours include white, black, orange, red, cream, and any combination of these.

Here are some grooming tips to ensure your Maltipom looks marvellous all year round.

• Brush their coat several times a week to keep it shiny and tangle-free. Use a pin brush followed by a comb for the best results.

• White Maltipoms might develop tear staining around their eyes. Keep the hair around their eyes trimmed and clean, and wipe regularly using a soft, damp cloth or pet wipes.

• Only bathe when needed using a dog-friendly shampoo, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up. Spray their coat with water or wipe it down if it gets dirty often.

• Book them in for a professional groom every 6–8 weeks for a trim and pamper session. Ask your groomer about different Maltipom haircuts and styles, such as the teddy bear cut or puppy cut.

• Trim their nails every once or twice a month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it. 

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Maltipom lifespan is 12–15 years. Being a cross breed, they benefit from hybrid vigour (or heterosis). This occurs when you breed two unrelated purebred breeds that don’t share common health problems. The puppies tend to have more health benefits and longer life spans. However, they’re still predisposed to some of the same conditions as their parent breeds.

Common Maltipom health problems

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Glaucoma. This condition puts pressure on the eyes due to a blockage, affecting a dog’s vision. Left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

• Hypoglycemia. This is where dogs experience a sudden drop in blood sugar, and is more commonly seen in small breeds and pups under 3 months old. If your dog shows signs such as weakness, lack of appetite, shaking, or seizures, you should seek medical assistance immediately. A low-quality diet or underfeeding is generally attributed to hypoglycemia.  

• Hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the thyroid gland to stop producing thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, lack of energy, skin and ear infections, dry skin, and thinning of the fur. Dogs usually develop symptoms when they’re middle aged, but it can be managed successfully with lifelong medication. 

• Tracheal Collapse. This condition affects the dog’s windpipe, causing a chronic cough and a reduced ability to exercise. It’s often seen in small dogs, especially those whose lead is attached to just their collar and not a harness. Treatment can include medication, surgery, or both.

• Entropion. This is where the eyelid folds inward, causing the fur and eyelashes to rub against the cornea. It’s very painful and uncomfortable, and can lead to corneal ulcers. Surgery is the only way to correct this condition. 

• Dental Issues. Small breeds are more susceptible to dental problems due to their miniature mouths. Tartar and plaque buildup leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually tooth and bone decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Maltipom a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Maltipom eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Maltipom will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

Maltipoms benefit from small, frequent meals rather than one big serving, so feed them 2–3 times a day to ensure they’re well fueled for their activities. Dog food designed especially for small breeds is a good choice as the size of the kibble is perfect for their tiny teeth.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Maltipom’s nutritional needs. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet, such as Salmon Oil, to boost their physical and mental health.

Protect their joints

To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t let your Maltipom engage in too many high-impact activities. Also, consider feeding a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.

Monitor weight

A healthy Maltipom weight is between 1.3–4 kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight on a pooch can reduce their quality of life.

Monitor blood sugar levels

As the Maltipom is more susceptible to be hypoglycemic, create a plan with your vet to manage their blood sugar levels.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of glaucoma, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health. 

Care for their skin and coat

Consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic and ensure to stay on top of grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can cause skin irritability. 

Look after their teeth

The Maltipom is prone to dental disease, so a portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy. Schedule in a professional clean once a year to remove tartar and plaque buildup. 

Use a harness

Walking your Maltipom using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Maltipom’s dream home.

Maltipom vs Maltipoo: Which one’s right for me?

The Maltipoo and Maltipom are both adorable hybrid breeds, but they have some key differences. The Maltipoo is a Maltese and Poodle mix, known for its curly coat and friendly, intelligent personality. Meanwhile, the Maltipom is a cross between a Maltese and a Pomeranian, typically sporting a fluffy, fox-like coat and a spunky, lively demeanor. Both breeds are small and affectionate, making them great companions, but the Maltipoo tends to be a bit more laid-back compared to the energetic and independent Maltipom. Regardless of the mix, they’ll both steal your heart with their cuteness!

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Maltipom is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Maltipom?

Maltipom pups can cost anywhere between £600 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a Maltipom can be as high as £100, depending on food and insurance levels. 

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £20 and £30 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a crossbreed without any pre-existing conditions is around £300. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Maltipom Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Maltipom even more with these interesting tidbits and tales!

• How big does a Maltipom get? These tiny treasures reach 20–30 cm in height and weigh between 1.3–4 kg when fully grown. While you might be tempted to put them in your handbag, this kind of treatment can cause small dog syndrome, where an overly pampered pooch thinks they’re top dog.

• They’re vigilant watchdogs that won’t hesitate to raise the alarm if someone approaches the house. Their yappy barking can become problematic though, so it’s best to teach them from a young age to be quiet on command. 

• Maltipoms are small but mighty! They have a fearless streak that can make them defensive with large dogs. Supervision around bigger breeds should always be taken, as they might pick on the wrong pooch.

• Although tiny, Maltipoms are lively, spritely dogs that enjoy fun walks and engaging playtime sessions indoors. Daily exercise is important to prevent these dogs from becoming overweight, as this puts pressure on their joints and organs and reduces their quality of life. 

• The Maltipom also goes by Pomanese or Pomtese, but Maltipom is the more recognisable name. 

History and Origin

The Maltipom is a relatively new hybrid breed, born from the combination of the Maltese and the Pomeranian. Like many designer dogs, the Maltipom was created to combine the best qualities of both parent breeds: the Maltese's gentle nature and the Pomeranian's lively spirit. This adorable mix likely emerged in the United States in the 1990s as part of the trend for smaller, cute companion dogs. With their fluffy coats and playful personalities, Maltipoms quickly became popular among dog lovers looking for a fun and loving little companion!

While they might be new on the scene, their parent breeds certainly aren’t. The Maltese is an ancient breed with roots dating back to 1500 BC. They were considered symbols of wealth and prosperity, and have enjoyed being a lapdog for millennia. The Pomeranian descends from arctic Spitz dogs that originated in Iceland, where they used to be a lot bigger and were bred to pull sleds. Over time, the breed was refined and they were favoured amongst royalty.  

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Maltipoms. 

1. Research the breed. Maltipoms hate to be left alone for too long, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Maltipom puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Maltipoms and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Maltipom, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Maltipoms in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home. 

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