The Malchi dogs are a hybrid between the Chihuahua and the Maltese. Much like its parent breeds, the Maltese cross Chihuahua is a warm-hearted animal with a loud voice despite its small size.
These dogs are extremely loving and caring and require training and socialisation from their early days to ensure they get along well with kids and other animals.
Also known as the Malachi or Maltechi dogs, they are great companions and don’t require too much exercise, which is one of the reasons why they are highly suitable for older people. This designer breed came into existence in the 2000s, which is why most of the information about it comes from its parent breeds.
Even though it’s tiny, the Maltese cross Chihuahua dog often tries to bully other dogs, including the bigger ones. So, the owners might want to keep that in mind and be careful.
If you’re planning to bring home this small, adorable dog, it’s important to acquire all the information about them. So, let’s dive right in about their personality, food requirements, grooming needs, and more.
History and Facts Malchi Breed
The Maltese breed came from the island of Malta and was given favourable treatment by the ancient Greeks and Romans since they used these dogs as trade goods.
They were sold off to the wealthy to serve as their companions, especially to women. They also became subjects of art and poetry.
During the late 19th century, the Maltese became popular in the United States of America.
The origin of the Chihuahua breed can be traced back to the 9th century and is said to have a connection with Mexico.
These small dogs were considered spirit guides for the dead souls, guarding them in the journey towards their afterlife. American tourists first witnessed them during the 19th century.
| Height | 12 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 5 to 15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Breed type | Designer |
| Coat colour | Black, white, brown, and cream |
| Best suited for | Families and individuals looking for small dogs |
About Maltese Cross Chihuahua
A Maltese cross Chihuahua could be a small dog in its appearance, but nothing else about its demeanour or personality feels diminished. On the contrary, it has a big heart in addition to having a big bark.
The latter trait could be difficult if you have neighbours around, so it’s vital to consider your surroundings before getting this breed.
Despite the minute and tricky problem areas, these dogs will win you over with their affectionate and playful nature. But, of course, everything from their temperament to appearance depends on which parent breeds they take after.
1. Physical Attributes of Maltese Cross Chihuahua
A Maltese cross Chihuahua is a small dog weighing up to 15 pounds. Their physical appearance depends on which parent breed they take after, which is why a Malchi can look different from its own brothers and sisters.
If they inherit more from the Chihuahua, they will have a shorter coat, and if they take after the Maltese side, their coat will be long and flowing. Similarly, they could have flapped or prick ears based on which parent breed is the most dominant in them.
The coat of a Maltese Chihuahua mix is quite soft and comes in various hues. The common ones include white and cream.
2. Personality and Temperament
The personality and temperament of your Maltese cross Chihuahua will depend on which parent breed it takes after. If it’s more like the Maltese, it will be playful and gentle, and if it resembles the Chihuahua more, it can be headstrong and independent. Therefore, be ready to experience a wide range of moods.
Overall, the Maltese Chihuahua mix dogs are loyal, devoted, affectionate, and extremely attached to their owners, which is why they might suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, causing them to become fussy and destructive.
The tendency to bark at most people is something they get from their Chihuahua gene. They might bark at strangers and other pets if they feel they are a threat to their owners, which is why making them socialise from a tender age is imperative.
Although they are energetic and playful animals, keeping them around young children is not a good idea as they could bark and snap at them if they feel threatened or teased.
A Maltese cross Chihuahua is also quite territorial and protective of its things, such as its food, the area it sits and sleeps on, and its toys. Therefore, ensure to supervise them carefully at all times.
3. Grooming
The grooming requirements of a Maltese cross Chihuahua depend on whether it is short-coated or long-coated since they inherit the traits of the longer-haired Maltese as well as the short-haired Chihuahua.
If your Maltese Chihuahua mix has a short coat, its grooming needs will be minimal. However, their owners can occasionally brush them with firm bristles to remove the dead hairs.
If the dog has taken after its Maltese parent, the brushing will have to be more frequent to prevent their fur from getting knotted and matted. You can also take them to a professional groomer to maintain the health and appearance of their coat.
The long-haired Maltese cross Chihuahua can be bathed every month, whereas the short-haired Maltese cross Chihuahua should be given a bath once every six weeks. Clean your dog’s ears properly and ensure to dry well, or else they might develop an infection due to their folded ears.
If your dog has a white coat, you will have to pay more attention to grooming them because it can easily get stained due to grass, food, mud, or other environmental elements. Be careful while taking your white-coated dog on walks and give them daily baths and clean their facial area thoroughly.
Usually, the dogs that get regular exercise in the form of walks have shorter nails. However, since the Malchi doesn’t need much exercise, their owners should ensure their nails stay trimmed. So, if you hear them scraping the floor, know it’s time to trim them.
4. Diet and Nutrition
Since Maltese cross Chihuahua dogs are prone to digestive and intestinal problems, feeding them a fiber-rich diet is crucial. To reduce the risk of indigestion, it’s better to stick to dry foods.
Feed your dog depending on its size and give them about two to three meals throughout the day. As your dog grows, change the portion size of its meals accordingly.
Make sure not to overfeed your Maltese Chihuahua mix, or else it could gain a lot of weight, especially since its daily routine does not involve too much exercise. Additionally, don’t spoil them by indulging in frequent treats.
Also Read: Pedigree Dog Food Review (Australia’s Leading Brand)
5. Training and Exercise
The owners of a Maltese cross Chihuahua must be assertive and firm from the beginning of the training period and utilise positive reinforcement methods to teach their dogs to be obedient. This is because this breed can often be stubborn despite being quick and smart learners.
Make sure that they socialise from an early age, or else they could develop negative traits such as biting, barking, or being aggressive towards humans or other pets and dogs.
These dogs are quite wary of kids and meeting new people. Therefore, early training is very much needed, so their behaviour doesn’t become a problem later. However, also be prepared to face some challenges while training them at home.
Due to its small size, the Maltese cross Chihuahua breed does not call for tremendous physical exercise. Instead, take them on brisk walks daily or play with them at home for about half an hour.
6. Health Concerns
Some people believe that designer dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. However, this is not the case at all. A couple of the major health issues a Maltese Chihuahua mix could develop are retinal dysplasia, hemophilia, and patellar luxation.
The minor health concerns to look out for in a Maltese cross Chihuahua are shaker dog syndrome, glaucoma, mitral valve dysplasia, colour dilution alopecia, hydrocephalus, and corneal dystrophy.
Final Words
With the combination of the energetic Chihuahua and the slightly more laid-back Maltese, you get a designer breed that does not require you to spend too much time maintaining their physical mass.
It makes the Maltese Cross Chihuahua a good option for older adults and those who don’t get enough time to take their pets for walks.
Being loud and barking at others is a trait that you should keep in mind before going for this breed. However, for those who wish to enjoy a slower-paced life, the Malchi can prove to be a suitable companion indeed.
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