The Maltese Pug Mix, affectionately known as the Malti-Pug, is an adorable mix between the Maltese and the Pug.
A cross between two fluffy breeds, the MaltiPug is a cute little dog with a huge personality. He inherits the playful personality of the Maltese parent and the alert and protective tendency of the Pug parent, resulting in a spunky and lovable pup that can be a great choice for almost any family.
Whether you’re interested in getting a Maltese Pug Mix or just curious, you’ll fall in love with what this delightful designer dog has to offer.
In this comprehensive guide to the Pug Maltese Mix, we’ll explore their history, physical characteristics, temperament, training and exercise needs, health, grooming, and much more.
Table of Contents
The Maltese Pug Mix: Breed Overview
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Maltese and Pug) |
| Size: | Small-sized dog |
| Other Names: | MaltiPug, Malti-Pug |
| Good Guard Dog: | No |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 7 to 20 pounds (Keep in mind that individual dogs may fall outside this range) |
| Average Height: | 8 to 14 inches tall (Keep in mind that individual dogs may fall outside this range) |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Apartment Living: | Yes |
| Ideal for: | Families with children and/or other pets, First-time dog owners, Apartment dwellers, Elderly Individuals |
| Coat: | Long and flowing coat like the Maltese or short, smooth, single or double coat (like their Pug parent) |
| Coat colors: | Black, White, Fawn, Cream, and Silver |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes |
| Training: | Moderate difficulty; since intelligent and eager to please dogs are quite stubborn and might distracted easily |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | Low to Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Moderate; brushing twice or thrice per week; bathing once a month |
| Energy Levels: | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs: | They typically do fine with about 30 minutes of exercise a day |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Generally, with adequate training, an adult Maltese Pug mix can be left alone for 4 to 6 hours per day |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1 to 1¾ Cups cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 or 3 meals. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level |
| Maintenance: | Moderate |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Dental issues, Eye problems (such as cataracts), and Breathing issues, Skin Allergies, Obesity |
| Temperament: | Active, Playful, Smart, Friendly, Loving, Affectionate, Loyal, Fun, Stubborn |
| Cat Friendly: | Maltese Pug mixes are friendly and gentle dogs. Because they’re small, cats won’t feel threatened. This can make them good friends with cats |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, provided they are properly socialized and trained |
| Kid Friendly: | Better suited to families with older children. As with all dogs, children need to be supervised during MaltiPug playtime and be taught how to properly interact with (and respect) pets |
| Barking Tendencies: | Moderate. They tend to bark the most when anxious or excited |
| Prey Drive: | Low |
| Price: | $800 to $2000 USD (this can vary significantly depending on factors such as breeder reputation, location, and the individual characteristics of the puppy) |
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What is a Pug Maltese Mix called?
The Pug Maltese Mix is a cross between a purebred Maltese and a purebred Pug.
The Maltese and Pug Mix is called Malti-Pug or Malti Pug.
The Origin and History of the Maltese Pug Mix
Like most designer dogs, the origin of the Malti-Pug is unclear. However, they most likely originated in the United States in the 1990s when hybrid dogs became extremely popular.
The aim of creating the fluffy MaltiPug was to get the best traits of both the Pug and the Maltese in a single package.
The Maltese has a beautiful coat and is known for its playful and affectionate nature, while the Pug has a super alert yet sociable personality. Crossing these two breeds allows breeders to produce a pooch that has the best of both worlds.
The Maltese, which actually originated from Croatia and not Malta, is a playful little dog with plenty of character and love to offer to their owners. These smart pups are one of the smallest toy breeds in the world, making them perfect for apartment living. They are sometimes yappy in nature, but this combines well with the alertness of the Pug to produce a good watchdog in the MaltiPug.
Bred to be a lapdog, the Pug originated from China. Known for their alertness, social, and affectionate personality, Pugs are small, compact dogs with curly tails and expressive eyes that make them undeniably cute.
But what does a Maltese Pug Mix look like? Let’s find out below.
The Physical Appearance of a Maltese Pug Mix
The Pug Maltese Mix is a very cute dog. Their cute wrinkled face, button-type nose, and expressive eyes make them truly adorable.
Another distinctive characteristic of the Maltese Pug Mix dog is their curly tail, which he inherited from the Pug parent. The wagging curly tail contributes to their already cute appearance and is guaranteed to make your heart melt with delight.
The general appearance of the Malti-Pug is a perfect combination of the best features of both the Pug and the Maltese, producing a small, compact, and irresistibly cute dog.
How Big Does a Maltese Pug Mix Get?
A full grown Malti-Pug typically weighs about 7 to 20 pounds and stands at about 8 to 14 inches tall.
Coat and Coat Colors
The Pug mixed with Maltese may inherit a long, flowing coat from the Maltese parent or a short, smooth coat from the Pug parent. These dogs usually come in a range of colors, including black, white, fawn, cream, and silver.
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Maltese Pug Mix Temperament, Behavior, and Personality Traits
Despite their small size, Malti-Pug dogs have a huge personality. They are widely known for their charming personality.
This designer dog is known for being smart, affectionate, friendly, and sociable. They enjoy human companionship and desire to be on their owner’s side almost all the time.
Malti-Pugs are very loyal and establish strong bonds with their families, which makes them great family dogs.
They are also said to be active and playful, enjoying a variety of interactive activities and games with their owners and families.
Despite their active nature, malti-Pugs are also known to be calm and gentle. This makes them an excellent companion for people of all ages, including young children and seniors.
While Pug Maltese Mixes are generally calm, friendly, and sociable dogs, they are also wary of strangers. Proper socialization at an early stage is important to help them adjust to being around different people.
Are Pug Malteses Good With Kids?
Yes! Pug Maltese Mixes are generally great with kids. As with other dogs, however, it’s advisable to supervise playtime involving young children and these dogs to ensure they are kind and respectful to each other.
Are Pug Malteses Good with Other Dogs?
Yes! Both the Pug and the Maltese get along well with other canines, so the Malti-Pug would also be excited to make a new canine friend.
Are Maltese Pug Mixes Good with Cats and Other Pets?
Yes! Both the Maltese and the Pug were developed to be companion dogs, so they generally do not have a high prey drive.
Therefore, introducing a Maltese Pug Mix to your cat or any other household pet shouldn’t be difficult if you socialize your puppy well from an early stage.
Are Pug Malteses Good for First-Time Owners?
Yes. The Malti Pug dogs make great companions for first-time owners and beginner seniors due to their calm and gentle temperament. These dogs aren’t too demanding, so they can adapt well in many environments.
Do Pug Maltese Dogs Do Well in Apartments?
Yes! Maltese Pug Mix dogs are ideal for apartment living. Although they enjoy outdoor activities, daily walks and playtime within their immediate environment can generally meet their moderately low exercise needs.
Nevertheless, providing a secure, outdoor space can be helpful for their physical and mental well-being.
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Exercise Needs
Despite their small, compact size, Maltese Pug Mixes have moderate exercise requirements. They are active and playful dogs that enjoy daily walks, interactive play, and mental stimulation.
Although they don’t need as much physical activity as large dog breeds, you need to provide your Malti Pug with regular exercise to burn off any excess energy and prevent destructive behaviors.
Generally, 30 minutes of short walks, along with 10 to 15 minutes of interactive playtime should be enough to meet their daily exercise needs. However, it is important to note that each dog is different, and some of these pups may require more exercises than others.
Mental stimulation is also important for your Malti Pug’s metal health and overall well-being. Interactive dog toys, games, and activities will help keep your Malti Pug mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
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Training
The Malti-Pug is a smart dog who can master commands and tricks quickly. However, patience is still required because these dogs are potentially stubborn. A firm, consistent training approach is required to achieve the results you desire.
As with any dog breed, Malti Pugs respond best to positive reinforcements, which means providing lots of treats and praise as needed. Avoid punitive or harsh methods because they can create anxiety and fear in these sensitive dogs.
You should teach them basic commands like come, sit, and stay as soon as possible.
In addition, housetraining, crate training, and socialization are crucial elements of their training.
For crate training, you want to use a safe and comfortable crate for your Malti Pug. A good example is the MidWest Folding Crate for small dogs, which provides a sturdy structure that is both safe and long-lasting.
With positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience, you can train and transform your Malti Pug puppy into a well-behaved and obedient dog.
Grooming and Maintenance
The grooming needs of the Maltese Pug Mix will vary depending on the coat type they inherit.
Malti Pugs that inherit the long, silky coat of the Maltese parent will require brushing twice or thrice every week to prevent mats and tangles. For Malti Pugs that inherit the shorter coat of the Pug parent, weekly brushing should be enough.
In addition, routine ear cleaning, dental care, and nail trimming are important aspects of their grooming and maintenance routine. Since Malti Pugs are vulnerable to skin issues, we recommend bathing them with a vet-approved shampoo that has been specifically formulated for sensitive dog breeds.
You also want to provide your new canine friend with a safe and comfortable place to sleep. The best dog bed for the Maltese Pug Mix is the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed. This premier quality dog bed features a decent nest structure that will provide a comfortable nap and relaxing sleep to your small companion.
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Feeding and Diet
A well-balanced diet is important to help keep your Maltese Pug Mix happy and healthy.
Make sure to choose the best dog food for small dog breeds to ensure the food meets their specific nutritional requirements, based on considerations such as age, health, and activity level. Select high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds like the Pug and the Maltese.
The Maltese Pug Mix needs just one cup of dog food per day. Since the Pug is prone to obesity, you want to take care to avoid overfeeding your Malti Pug. So be sure to divide this amount of food into two to three meals each day to prevent overeating.
Consider incorporating probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil into their regular diet to promote gut, joint, coat, and skin health. Additionally, make sure your dog has fresh water at all times.
Lifespan
The Pug Maltese Cross has an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. With a balanced diet, routine vet check-ups, regular exercise, and attention to detail, these pups can live long and happy lives.
Common Pug Maltese Mix Health Issues
For the health of your Maltese Pug Mix, you need to consider the possible health problems that can occur due to the parentage. As with other mixed breed dogs, Malti Pugs can inherit various health issues from both the Pug and Maltese parents.
Sadly, they are prone to certain health conditions. Although some of these illnesses are minor, others are more serious. Therefore, every potential owner should be aware of these medical problems before getting a puppy.
The Malti Pug is prone to health issues such as:
- Patellar luxation
- Respiratory problems
- Heart disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Skin inflammations
- Dental issues
Despite the various health concerns, not all Maltese Pug Mixes will inherit these health problems, and buying a puppy from a reputable breeder can help lower the chances of getting a puppy with health issues. Regular vet checks, proper nutrition, and regular exercise will contribute to their health and overall well-being.
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Finding Healthy Maltese Pug Mix Puppies for Sale
In order to find a healthy Maltese Pug Mix puppy for sale, you need to do proper research. The most important thing is to choose a reputable breeder.
It’s best to contact several breeders in your area to find one that offers healthy and quality Malti Pug puppies for sale. Make sure to ask for health guarantees and references. You should also ask a lot of questions to ensure that the person is knowledgeable about this hybrid dog and offers ongoing support.
You also need to find out the price of a Maltese Pug Mix puppy for sale, especially if you’re working on a tight budget. Knowing the average price range of a Maltipug for sale will allow you to get a good deal from a trustworthy breeder near you.
How Much Does a Pug Maltese Mix Cost?
The Pug Maltese Mix price typically ranges from $800 to $2,000. If the price is too low or too high, chances are the seller is trying to exploit unsuspecting dog lovers.
Maltese Pug Mix for Adoption
Another great way to get a Maltese Pug Mix dog is to look for rescue centers or animal shelters near you.
If your nearby rescue or shelter doesn’t offer any Maltese Pug Mix dogs for adoption, you may want to find a different rescue organization.
You may have to leave your current phone number with the organizations so they can put you on a waiting list if they think one of these dogs will become available in the near future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Pug Maltese Mix a Good Family Dog?
Yes! The Malti Pug is a very adaptable dog that can live and thrive in almost any environment. These lovable dogs are also known to be calm, gentle, and affectionate, making them great for families.
Are Pug Maltese Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
No. The Malti Pug is easy to care for. They are low-maintenance dogs just like both parents.
Can Maltese Pug Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
No! Maltese x Pug dogs are not fond of staying alone. These dogs thrive on human companionship and will establish strong bonds with their owners. If left alone, they can get bored and develop destructive behaviors.
These little dogs are ideal for homes where someone is always at home to provide them with love and attention.
How Long Can a Maltese Pug Mix Be Left Alone?
Because of their need for human companionship, Malti Pugs do not enjoy being alone. So, avoid leaving them alone for more than five hours.
Are Maltese Pug Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Maltese Pug Mixes shed moderately, so they are not hypoallergenic. This makes them unsuitable for individuals with allergies.
How Long Do Maltese Pugs Live?
These little fur babies have an average life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years.
Are Pug Malteses Lazy?
No! Although Malti Pugs have lower energy levels than many other breeds, they are quite energetic. They are active and fun-loving dogs that need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Do Maltese Pug Mixes Bark A Lot?
Although Maltese Pug Mixes do not generally bark too much, they might become yappy like the Maltese parent if they sense danger.
Are Pug Maltese Mixes Protective?
Most Pug Maltese Mixes make good watchdogs because they like protecting their territory. They are also wary of strangers and will produce loud yaps if they see a stranger. Due to their small size and calm personality, however, they are not good guard dogs.
Are Maltese Pug Mixes Hard to Train?
No. These small pups are smart and eager to please, so they should be quite easy to train. With patience and consistency, they should learn quickly despite their potential to be stubborn.
Do Pug Maltese Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Yes. Pug Maltese Mixes are sweet and affectionate dogs that love to snuggle too.
Are Maltese Pugs Aggressive?
No. Despite their active and playful nature, Malti Pugs have a calm and gentle personality, so they are not naturally aggressive.
Are Pug Maltese Dogs Smart?
Yes. Malti Pugs are quite smart and can master many tricks within a short time.
Can Maltese Pugs Be Off-leash?
Since both purebred parents were developed to be companion dogs, they don’t have a high prey drive. If they are leash trained, you can let them off-leash in a secure, fenced area.
What Are Some Negatives About Pug Malteses?
- They are relatively rare to find.
- They may have a tendency to gain weight if not provided with adequate exercise and proper portion control, leading to health issues.
- Depending on the coat type inherited from their parents, they may shed moderately, requiring regular grooming to manage loose hair.
- Maltipugs may inherit some stubbornness from their parent breeds, making training a bit more challenging.
- They don’t like being left alone.
- They can become yappy.
- They are not hypoallergenic.
Is A Maltese Pug Mix Right for You?
The Maltese Pug Mix is very adaptable and can thrive in many living environments as long as their socialization, training, and exercise needs are met.
They are ideal for anyone wants a lap dog that can live in a small apartment. They are also good for owners who are willing to maintain their long, flowing coat, especially if they take more after the Maltese parent.
Other Maltese Mixes
Love Malteses but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Maltese mix breed dogs.
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