The Maltese Pitbull mix is one of the most unexpected designer dogs introduced recently. As a hybrid canine, there will be variation among dogs of this kind.
When you choose a mixed-breed dog, you won’t know its exact appearance or temperament. This is because it can inherit any trait from its parents.
If the Maltese Pitbull mix intrigues you, you’ll learn everything about this dog in this guide. Discover its appearance, temperament, needs, cost, and more as you read on. Let’s start!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 7 – 19 inches |
| Weight: | 7 – 60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | White, black, tan, red, brown |
| Temperament: | Playful, gentle, patient |
| Suitable for: | Families with children; active singles; single-pet households |
What Is a Maltese Pitbull Mix?
A Maltese Pitbull mix is developed by crossing the Maltese and the Pitbull. It’s new and uncommon in the dog world, but it’s starting to become known in the United States. Generally, this mix is described to be highly energetic and incredibly loyal to its owner.
It’s important to note that the Pitbull parent can refer to the American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or the American Bulldog.
Because of this, the expectations regarding the offspring’s appearance must be based not only on the Maltese’s looks but also on what Pitbull breed was used for breeding.
Generally, though, the Pitbull Maltese mix may look like a Maltese with a Pitbull’s build or vice versa.
Since this crossbred dog has no standard appearance, it won’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) conformation events. The same organization won’t recognize it as an official dog breed.
However, you can have your Maltese Pitbull mix registered in clubs and registries, such as the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), and National Hybrid Registry (NHR).
Maltese Pitbull Mix Origin and History
Mixed breed dogs like the Maltese Pitbull mix have origins that are difficult to trace. Fortunately, one way to understand the roots of the Pitbull Maltese mix is by understanding its individual parent’s origin.
To start, the Pitbull is a dog developed in England, Ireland, and Scotland in the late 19th century. It was bred to capture and restrain semi-feral cattle and excelled in doing so.
Due to its fierceness, the Pitbull has been commonly used in bull baiting in the British Isles. Fortunately, dogfights were ruled out, and Pitbulls are now known to fill the role of working dogs, companion dogs, and therapy dogs.
Meanwhile, the Maltese dog is an ancient variety of dwarf canine whose history is believed to date back up to two millennia. Its exact origin is unknown, but people believe it comes from Italy or the Isle of Malta.
This dog almost became extinct in the 17th and 18th centuries when breeders tried to make it to the size of a squirrel. As it was disastrous, other certain dog breeds were crossed with the Maltese as a means to revive it.
It was in the 1950s when the Maltese dog became a registered breed in the AKC. Since then, it has garnered immense popularity among the dog-loving community due to its excellent companionship.
Knowing the different purposes of these well-loved dogs, it’s still a mystery why breeders developed a Maltese and Pitbull mix. Regardless of the reason, this designer dog has won the hearts of many.
Maltese Pitbull Mix Appearance
The Maltese Pitbull mix has no set appearance since it’s a designer canine. It may exhibit a combination of features that will make it look like a Maltese, a Pitbull, or somewhere in between.
Generally, the Maltese mixed with Pitbull will have a head and body structure similar to its Pitbull parent. The coat may be medium length, especially on areas like the muzzle and the eyebrows.
Its usual fur colors are black, white, tan, red, and brown, which are hues available from its parent breeds. The coat is then often complemented by a set of dark brown eyes and a black button-shaped nose.
Of course, the physical appearance of this designer dog may vary depending on whose parents’ genes influence the offspring’s DNA more.
Check out the short video below if you want to see a Pitbull mixed with Maltese:
Maltese Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
The Maltese Pitbull mix is a toy-to-medium canine with a height measuring between 7 and 19 inches and a weight ranging from 7 to 60 pounds.
Most of the time, this hybrid dog displays a physique much larger than that of the Maltese but smaller than a Pitbull.
Depending on whose parent breed’s size it’s predisposed to have, it may take 9 to 12 months to reach its adult height and weight. Also, as with most breeds, males take longer to physically mature than females.
It’s also common for male Pitbull Maltese mixes to be larger than their female counterparts.
Despite their varying proportions, owners with limited space can certainly bring a Maltese Pitbull mix home.
Maltese Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality
The Maltese Pitbull mix is a dog known for its sweet charms, loyalty, patience, and outgoing attitude. It loves being around its family and may sometimes be described as a velcro pet.
Since it loves attention, owners can witness its various entertaining antics, which it shows off to people and other dogs.
However, note that due to the Pitbull’s contribution to the offspring’s genetics, it may also have difficulty getting along well with others. When not trained, interactions may lead to dreaded altercations.
Thankfully, it’s only sometimes the case since most Pitbull mixes, including the Maltese Pitbull mix, are fun-loving, playful, and laid-back.
It all boils down to their upbringing and whether their desirable qualities were properly and positively reinforced.
On a different note, Pitbulls mixed with Maltese can be incredible home protectors if they’re sizable enough to take on the task. Meanwhile, they’ll make better alert dogs if they’re as small as a Maltese.
Maltese Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Maltese Pitbull mix is a generally healthy dog with an average lifespan of 8 to 15 years. Due to its vast genetic pool, it is less likely to develop certain recessive disorders.
Still, despite being a vigorous canine, it’s not 100 percent immune to medical issues. The health problems it may suffer from are those its parents are usually predisposed to.
Below lists the common illnesses of the Pitbull Maltese mix:
- Obesity: If your Maltese Pitbull mix is obese, its excess energy has been stored primarily as fat. It’s usually caused by the owner’s poor decision on their pet’s food intake or lifestyle. If obesity worsens, your dog may develop hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition wherein your Pitbull Maltese mix has a shallow hip socket and a deformed femoral head. This condition is often caused by rapid growth and poor diet and nutrition. If it goes undetected, your dog may experience occasional lameness or have trouble standing up.
- Luxating Patella: If you see your Pitbull Maltese mix skipping or hopping and walking normally afterward, chances are that it has a luxating patella. This happens when the kneecap pops out from its normal location. It may cause unbearable pain to the dog, especially since it can lead to other issues, such as torn cruciate ligaments.
To ensure your Maltese and Pitbull mix is healthy, only get it from reputable breeders. They select their dams and sires by conducting health screenings to guarantee they’re not carriers of known conditions.
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Maltese Mix
The Pitbull Maltese mix is a good choice of pet for many. If you’re planning to have one, learning to take good care of it is vital, especially since owning a dog is a lifetime commitment.
If you’re ready for this responsibility, below is an in-depth guide to teach you about its food, grooming, training, and exercise requirements.
Food and Diet
What your Pitbull Maltese mix eats is a great influencing factor to its overall health. To ensure it grows and develops well, you must provide age-appropriate dog food in portions recommended by your vet.
You can also follow the serving suggestions on the packaging label. Generally, a Maltese Pitbull mix may be given ¾ to 3 ¼ cups of food, divided into the number of meals it’s supposed to consume daily.
Although dry and wet commercial dog foods are popular, owners can also feed their pets home-cooked meals or raw foods.
However, these should be planned out by your pet nutritionist to ensure that they don’t lack certain essential nutrients. Vitamins and supplements may be added to your dog’s bowl if necessary.
Cleaning and Grooming
Your Maltese and Pitbull mix’s level of maintenance largely depends on its coat. If it inherits its Maltese parent’s long fur, you may have to brush it daily to avoid matting.
However, if it has the smooth, short coat of the Pitbull, then it only requires minimal grooming. You may have to increase the frequency of tending to your dog’s hair during spring and fall when they shed heavily.
Bathing is just as essential, too. A 6-to-8-week schedule will suffice unless it likes to roll in the mud. Remember to regularly clean its ears to prevent wax build-up and brush its teeth 2 to 3 times weekly for great oral health.
Trimming its nails is also vital so they don’t get caught up by your carpet or furniture. Maintaining short nails also helps keep your Maltese Pitbull mix from developing bad posture.
Training and Exercise
Pitbull and Maltese mixes are usually easy to train dogs. They love pleasing their owners and would exhibit excitement in following commands.
With proper handling and positive reinforcement, your pet can learn household rules in just a matter of time. Train it as early as possible and start with the most basic if it’s just a puppy.
Crate training, potty training, and verbal commands are some drills you may incorporate into its daily routines. Once this designer dog masters these pieces of training, you can level up to obedience and agility.
As for its exercise needs, owners who love to sweat will find a great exercise partner in a Maltese Pitbull mix. It’s known for its high energy levels and typically requires 1 to 2 hours of daily activity.
This has to be divided into shorter sessions to avoid over-exhaustion, especially for puppies who are prone to developing joint issues.
How Much Does a Maltese Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Designer dogs, such as the Maltese Pitbull mix, typically cost between $600 and $1,200. The cost may change depending on the breeder’s experience, demand, location, age, and sex.
If the parent breeds come from superior lineages, then the Pitbull Maltese mix puppy would be more expensive.
On top of this one-time payment, consider the recurring costs of owning this striking mixed-breed dog.
The table below shows the initial expenses of owning a Pitbull Maltese mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $60 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,710 |
Invest only in quality dog beds, food bowls, leashes, and crates to cut costs. Durable products will last longer than cheaper ones, which may require replacement after just a few months of use.
Places to Find Maltese Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If the Maltese Pitbull Mix suits you best, getting it from a trusted breeder is recommended. Not only will you have the assurance that it’s healthy, but as well as that it’s properly socialized.
However, note that finding a legitimate Maltese Pitbull mix may be challenging since it’s a new hybrid dog.
To ease up your search, check out a few reputable sources where a Pitbull Maltese mix puppy may be available:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a hub of reliable breeders across the United States. You can meet people who breed Maltese dogs and American Bulldogs, Staffies, AmStaffs, American Pit Bull Terriers, and American Bullies. Though they usually breed purebred canines, you might chance upon someone who has Maltese Pitbull mixes.
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies sets up high standards regarding the breeding practices of breeders who advertise their dogs on the website. You can go through their list of available dogs until you find a Pitbull Maltese mix that suits your lifestyle and preferences. The puppy will come with a 30-day health guarantee; it will also be up-to-date with its vaccinations and vet-checked.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an online advertising platform where puppies of various breeds and mixes are posted for potential dog buyers. Since they have a lot of dogs for sale, you’ll likely find a Maltese Pitbull mix for your family. Make sure to contact the breeder directly, know their background, and visit their breeding facility.
If these sources don’t have available Pitbull Maltese mixes, you can turn to non-profit organizations and adopt one instead.
Not only would you save the life of a Maltese mixed with a Pitbull, but you’re also making room for another rescue.
Here’s a list of the dog rescue centers where you can find a Maltese Pitbull mix for adoption:
- Metropolitan Maltese Rescue – The Metropolitan Maltese Rescue is a New-York based organization dedicated to finding homes for Maltese dogs and Maltese mixes. Go through their gallery of adoptable dogs and see whether they have a Maltese mixed with Pitbull available. Their dogs are usually given medical attention, training, and socialization to become set for their new families.
- Pitbull Rescue Central – Pitbull Rescue Central is a sanctuary of all Pitbulls, including Pit mixes. So, there’s a good chance you’d find one with a Maltese bloodline. As dog advocates, they ensure that every canine in the area gets the help it needs. They also help reduce pet overpopulation by spaying or neutering their dogs.
- Maltese Rescue California – The Maltese Rescue California is a breed-specific dog rescue dedicated to caring for abused, neglected, abandoned, and unwanted Maltese dogs and other small dog breeds. They have so many dogs in their sanctuary; one could be your Maltese Pitbull mix.
Should the sources listed above not have the Maltese Pitbull mix you’re looking for, we suggest you check their websites daily for updates. You may also join an online community for dog lovers and ask for referrals.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Maltese Mix
It’s certainly a unique and fun experience owning a Maltese Pitbull mix. It’s like owning a Maltese and a Pitbull at home, but the perk is that they come in one package.
Although it’s no question that this hybrid dog is great in its own right, it’s still necessary that you weigh the pros and cons that come with it.
To get to know it better, here are the pros of having a Pitbull Maltese mix:
- Highly trainable: The Mastiff Pitbull mix loves pleasing and obeying its owners. You can take advantage of these traits and incorporate essential drills into its day-to-day activity. Since it’s a smart dog, grasping certain tricks and commands will come easily.
- Protective: Due to its devotion toward its family, it’s natural for a Pitbull Maltese mix to become protective of its loved ones. Regardless of its size, this designer dog won’t have second thoughts about confronting a home intruder.
- Patient and gentle: Another thing that makes Maltese Pitbull mixes appealing is their patience and gentle manners. They’re great with kids and are tolerant of them. Children should be taught not to play roughly with these dogs for a successful interaction.
Meanwhile, here are the cons of having a Pitbull Maltese mix:
- High maintenance: Grooming your Pitbull Maltese mix may take a long time if it has the coat of its Maltese parent. This also makes it unsuitable for allergy sufferers since it may shed a lot.
- Prone to separation anxiety: Due to how people-oriented the Maltese Pitbull mix is, it usually doesn’t like being left alone. The dog may develop separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behavior if that happens.
- Not for laid-back owners: The Pitbull Maltese mix isn’t made to live a sedentary lifestyle. It needs playtime and regular exercise as outlets for its high energy levels. That said, laid-back owners won’t match this dog well.
Hopefully, this list has made it easier to determine whether a Maltese Pitbull mix suits you. You can research more about its qualities and see if those tick the boxes on your list of preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltese Pitbull Mixes Good Family Dogs?
Maltese Pitbull mixes are good family dogs because they are loving and loyal. They like being around their owners and are usually up for games and activities.
You can also rely on them as guards or watchdogs due to their protective tendencies. However, proper training and exposure to new faces and scents are crucial in their upbringing to ensure they react only when necessary.
Are Maltese Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
Maltese Pitbull mixes are not aggressive dogs as long as their owners raise them properly. When they’re trained and socialized, these dogs know how to behave not only at home but as well as in public.
Although one of its parent breeds, the Pitbull, has always been misconceived as dangerous, it’s not always the case.
The Maltese Pitbull mix’s behavior will always boil down to its environment and how it’s nurtured.
Do Maltese Pitbull Mixes Shed?
Maltese Pitbull Mixes shed all year round. How intense their shedding is will depend on whether they have inherited the Maltese or Pitbull’s coat type.
Minimal grooming is required if the fur is short. That is unless the coat is long. Further, this designer dog’s shedding rate may worsen when shedding seasons start.
Are Maltese Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Maltese Pitbull mixes are not hypoallergenic dogs. In fact, no dog is. This hybrid canine sheds in varying amounts throughout the year and may even shed heavily during spring and fall.
That said, individuals should reconsider getting this dog if they suffer from pet allergies.
Final Thoughts
The Maltese Pitbull mix is indeed a fascinating new development in the dog world. What makes it tremendously special isn’t just its appearance but also its personality.
This would be great if you can only handle one dog, but you’re torn between the Maltese and Pitbull.
Of course, even though such a designer canine has many great traits, owning it requires serious commitment. Evaluate if you can provide the lifestyle it needs and if it’s the dog that best suits your family.
If you’re the right match for each other, this undeniably paves the way for successful dog ownership. This also eliminates any chances of the dog getting rehomed.
Have you thought about making this dog your newest family addition? Share your thoughts about the Pitbull Maltese mix by commenting below!
