Top 21 Maltese Mixes That Will Melt Your Heart

If you love small dogs, then it’s difficult to resist the sweet face of a Maltese. These small white dogs have lovable personalities and silky coats. They’ve long been great companion dogs, as long as you can keep up with their grooming needs.

Maltese History

The Maltese first originated from Malta, hence the name. Malta is an island south of Sicily, where pilgrims, mariners, and wealthy merchants often crossed paths in ancient times. The breed has been known to exist as early as 370 BC, making it one of the oldest dog breeds. However, its popularity didn’t increase until hundreds of years later.

Even in ancient times, people were fascinated by the beauty of the Maltese. The breed was a status of fashion back in the day, and they were sometimes referred to as “Roman Ladies’ Dogs.” Even so, the Maltese later became at risk of extinction in Rome until the Chinese began breeding the little dogs again.

Today, the Maltese is so much more than just a pretty face. These dogs are kept as loyal companions, and they’re known for their gentle temperament and charm. Of course, they also have a playful side like most dogs do.

They’re also beloved because they’re a low-shedding breed. Their hair continuously grows like a human’s would as opposed to shedding like fur. So, they must be groomed and brushed often to avoid tangles. Show dogs typically have floor-length hair that drags like a mop, but companion dogs are more known for their short white coats because they’re more comfortable for the dog and easier for humans to maintain.

Quick Info About Maltese

Why Should You Consider a Maltese Mix?

Similarly to any dog, you should always do your research before bringing home a Maltese mix. Dogs can be a lot of work, so you’ll want to have all your supplies prepared before making that big decision. That being said, if you are looking for a small dog with minimal shedding, then a Maltese would be a great choice for you.

People often mistake the Maltese for just a pretty face, but they’re actually great for families. They’re often gentle and they love to run around and play. Their grooming needs are higher since they need regular brushing and haircuts, but you won’t be spending as much time vacuuming up hair around your home.

The Maltese is also easier to train than most small breeds. While similar small breeds like the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier might be more stubborn, a Maltese is often more willing to listen, so it’s likely that a Maltese mix will be too.

However, you need to remember that every Maltese mix is just a mix. There’s no guarantee as to what you’ll get with a mixed breed, so always choose a new dog based on their individual personality, not just their looks. Dogs are important family members, so they should be treated as such.

Quick Choices of Maltese Mixes

If you’re looking for a good family dog, you should consider the Mauxie, Cairmal, or Silky Cocker. Plus, the Maltichon and Lhatese are especially good with children.

If you’re looking for a mixed breed with minimal shedding, consider the Maltipoo, Mal-Shi, and Morkie.

If you’d like a dog you can exercise with, the Malteagle, Cortese, or Ratese would be your best options.

Yet, if you’d prefer a laid back dog, then the Cav-A-Malt or Peke-A-Tese would be your ideal companion.

Top 21 Most Adorable Popular Maltese Mixes

There are so many dog breeds that a Maltese could be mixed with, but some are certainly more common than others. Here are 21 adorable Maltese mixes that are sure to make you say, “aww!”

1. Maltipoo = Maltese + Toy Poodle

The Maltipoo is such a common dog that people often forget it’s a mixed breed. Since Maltese and Poodles are both very affectionate, this creates one of the sweetest mixes. Their coat is often more wavy like a Poodle’s, but still silky like a Maltese’s. Their coat color can also vary based on what their Poodle parent looked like.

These little dogs are usually energetic for a small breed, so they will enjoy going on daily walks with you. They love exploring the outdoors and visiting new places. However, like any small breed, they can get tired easily, so make sure you don’t overwork them. They are also fairly easy to train since both of their parents are generally obedient breeds.

If you want your Maltipoo’s hair to grow long, then you’ll need to rely on frequent brushing to prevent mats. This is why most dog parents keep their mixed breed’s hair shorter so it’s easier to manage. However, grooming appointments will become pricey if you bring your pup in often. When brushing your dog, you should also wipe around their eyes to prevent tear stains from forming. If your dog’s coat is white or light-colored, tear stains will likely become an issue over time.

Read more: Top 44 most popular Poodle mixes

2. Mal-Shi = Maltese + Shih Tzu

The Mal-Shi is a mix between two of the cutest, fluffiest dogs out there, so of course, it follows suit. However, while Maltese and Shih Tzus have somewhat similar appearances, their personalities often differ. So, this dog’s temperament could vary much more than a Maltipoo’s. After all, Maltese are generally smart, friendly, and affectionate while Shih Tzus are still lovable, but more stubborn and unpredictable.

These dogs usually have a pure white coat like a Maltese, but sometimes with hints of black or brown. They usually have higher energy too. Shih Tzus are often lazier and more laid back, but this trait is less common with a Mal-Shi. Their grooming needs are very high though because both dogs have soft, silky hair that needs to be brushed almost daily to avoid mats, especially if it’s kept long. You’ll also need to bring your dog to the groomer about once a month to keep their coat looking extra healthy.

Mal-Shis love to play and explore the outdoors, but time in the sun should be kept to a minimum. Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed, which means their noses are flat, making it difficult for them to breathe. Mal-Shis can inherit this trait, making them more prone to heat stroke. So, even if they’re feeling energetic, you should probably keep longer play sessions indoors when the sun is out.

Read more: Top 11 Unique Shih Tzu Crossbreeds

3. Mal-Chi = Maltese + Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are known for their small appearances and big personalities. As you can imagine, the Mal-Chi is no different. Like Chihuahuas, they also love to hear the sound of their own voice, so without proper training, you’ll be listening to your Mal-Chi bark at every movement outside. Unfortunately, the Mal-Chi can be a stubborn mixed breed, so they’ll need lots of extra consistency and patience when it comes to training.

These dogs often have a light color coat that’s a little longer like a Maltese’s, so they need to be brushed regularly. If they have silky hair instead of shedding fur, then they’ll need regular grooming appointments too. They’re often highly energetic, but their exercise requirements are low. That’s because they’re often tiny, so even a little bit of exercise can go a long way. About 30 minutes of exercise each day is enough to suffice.

Mal-Chis are generally very loving toward their humans, but they’re not very tolerant around children. Kids love to cuddle little dogs, and Mal-Chis just don’t like to put up with that. So, they’re best in a home with only adults and possibly older kids. This can help keep everyone safe.

4. Morkie = Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier

The Morkie, also known as the Yorktese, is another popular mixed breed because it’s mixed with two of the most desirable small breeds. Both dogs have soft coats, so your Morkie is guaranteed to have a fluffy coat of hair that continuously grows. This makes them great for people with allergies, but not so great for grooming. They need to be brushed multiple times a week and brought to the groomer about every month for a trim.

Oftentimes, these dogs have a light-colored coat like a Maltese, but they can also take on the brown or black colors of a Yorkie. Like both Maltese and Yorkies, they’re high-spirited and love to play. They’re one of the smallest mixes, weighing only 7 pounds at most, but they still need plenty of exercise. Walks and additional playtime is needed to keep them content.

5. Maltichon = Maltese + Bichon Frise

The Maltese and Bichon Frise are both fluffy white breeds, so it makes sense that they’d create an adorable mixed breed. The only option for this mix is a white fluffy dog with a wavy coat. They need frequent brushing to prevent their hair from getting tangled. Most dog parents keep their coats fairly short, so visiting the groomer about once a month should do the trick.

Both of the parents are great companion dogs, so the Maltichon is equally as lovable and affectionate. They’re gentle and get along with kids of all ages and other animals. Just make sure any interactions they have with young children are closely supervised, as they should be with any dog.

They are fairly intelligent for a small breed, so they need plenty of mental stimulation, exercise, and training to keep them entertained. Otherwise, they could develop destructive behaviors, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety. They can have a lot of energy, but they don’t need a ton of exercise to thrive. They prefer warm weather over cold weather, so they might need a sweater in the winter to stop them from shivering.

Like the Mal-Chi, the Morkie has a tendency to bark. They always crave extra attention, so they’ll be sure to let you know when they’re feeling lonely or stressed. These behaviors can be fixed through training if you’re assertive, but these mixed breeds can be stubborn when told what to do. Luckily, their needy personalities make them great around strangers, other dogs, and even young children.

6. Malti-Pom = Maltese + Pomeranian

The Malti-Pom is the perfect companion, thanks to the fluffy coat of a Pomeranian and the lovable personality of a Maltese. Since these dogs are bred from two toy breeds, they are guaranteed to be tiny. But that doesn’t stop them from letting their big personalities show. They are great at adjusting to new surroundings and meeting new people, as long as children are gentle around them. However, they love the sound of their own voice, so they might bark for hours on end if not properly trained.

This mixed breed’s soft coat can easily get tangled or full of dirt. So, it’s important to brush their hair daily if possible. Their coat is straight and soft, but it will likely need to be trimmed from time to time like a Maltese’s. This fluffy hair gives them an adorable appearance, but they can be stubborn dogs. Training might be difficult because they’re very set in their ways.

The Malti-Pom thrives on short bursts of energy like a Pomeranian. However, their exercise requirements are low. They can be picky about when they want to go on walks, so they might be reluctant if they’re just not in the mood. They can also be picky about weather that’s too hot or too cold for their liking.

7. Mauzer = Maltese + Schnauzer

The Mauzer is a bit larger than other Maltese mixes, but these dogs are equally as adorable. They almost always have a gray coat, with about medium length hair. Their hair grows and should be maintained by the groomer occasionally, but their coat isn’t as high maintenance as similar mixed breeds. They should be brushed at least once a week, but you should avoid bathing them too often because they are prone to dry skin.

These pups need more exercise than your typical small breed. They tend to become destructive if they get bored, so keep them entertained with walks and extra playtime. If you’re busy, make sure they have mental stimulation toys to peak their interest. Otherwise, they’ll find something to chew on themselves, which you might not be happy about. If you have a fenced-in backyard, your Mauzer will likely enjoy sitting out there for hours on end.

They’re a great breed for adults of all ages, but they’d be better off without kids in the house. Kids are often too overwhelming for these dogs, which could cause them to become defensive. They often bond closely with one particular family member, and they’ll follow them everywhere. So, this often makes them good dogs for people who live alone.

8. Highland Maltie = Maltese + West Highland Terrier

Also commonly referred to as a “Waltese,” this breed is great for families. They are brave and outgoing despite their small size, and they are very affectionate around their loved ones. They’re intelligent dogs, but they can sometimes be hesitant around strange humans and animals. Therefore, they should be socialized from an early age to help them get used to meeting new people. Children should also be taught to be gentle around them.

Since this mixed breed comes from two solid white dogs, the puppies are guaranteed to have a pure white coat. However, it’s a lot of work to maintain their beautiful coats. They will need to visit the groomer around once a month or so to keep their coat in good shape. They should also be brushed almost daily if possible because they can easily develop mats in their hair.

Oftentimes, these dogs are more relaxed and laid back, but they can be energetic now and then. They like to keep busy, and spending time outside is one of their favorite activities. So, make sure you spend plenty of time walking them and playing in the yard with them to keep them content. Even as they get older, they might not run around as much, but they’ll still love to play.

9. Mauxie = Maltese + Dachshund

Mauxies often still have the long bodies of a Dachshund, but the soft coats of a Maltese instead. They can come in almost any color, depending on what their Dachshund parent looked like. Unlike Dachshunds, they’re much higher maintenance because of their fluffy coats. This means daily brushing to avoid tangled hair.

These mixed breed puppies are small, yet mighty. They aren’t scared of anything, which often causes them to boss bigger dogs around. Around humans, they’re much more gentle though. They love their family members and they will do everything to protect them. However, these dogs won’t tolerate strangers and young children pushing them around, so they should be given space. Otherwise, they might try to nip.

They also have much more energy than you’d expect in their small bodies. They love to spend time with their humans, and they always seek out love and attention. Short walks and playtime sessions scattered throughout the day are perfect for these pups because they often have a short attention span. They’re great apartment dogs because they can adapt quickly. As long as they know you’re with them, they’re content. However, this often causes them to have separation anxiety, and they’re also a bit stubborn when it comes to training.

10. Cortese = Maltese + Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis are one of the most beloved breeds out there, and this mixed breed keeps all their adorable features. They still have a long body with stubby legs, but they’re even fluffier than usual. They can have a wide range of coat colors depending on what their Corgi parent looked like. They could have hair like a Maltese, but they could also have fur like a Corgi that continuously sheds. Either way, they need plenty of brushing to keep them fluffy.

The Cortese is a great mixed breed for families. They love to be around people and other animals, especially if they’re socialized from an early age. They love to cuddle and play with you every chance they get, and they’re surprisingly tolerant around children. Of course, kids should still be gentle with them like with every other dog though. These dogs can act stubborn from time to time, but as long as you offer plenty of positive reinforcements, training them will be easy.

Despite being a smaller dog, they actually need lots of exercises. Corgis are a herding breed, which means their natural instinct is to run around, herding farm animals. If a Cortese lives in a household setting, they’ll likely still have this desire to run around. So, exercise is crucial to avoid destructive behaviors and obesity. More intense daily exercise, such as hiking, swimming, agility training, and running are often better than short walks.

11. Cairmal = Maltese + Cairn Terrier

Also known as a “Caltese,” the Cairmal is a peppy mixed breed. Cairn Terriers are known for their cheerful personalities and affectionate dispositions, so those traits are often apparent in Cairmal puppies too. They can do well in all types of households, as long as all family members know to be gentle around them. Some Cairmals are also hesitant around strangers, but it really depends on how they were raised.

The Cairmal has a wide range of coat color possibilities. Their coat is dense and might shed a little bit. However, it still needs to be brushed daily to keep it looking healthy. If a Cairmal has a light-colored coat, they could also be prone to tear stains. So, regular cleaning around their face is essential to avoid permanent hair discoloration.

There is a lot of energy packed into these tiny pups. They need regular daily exercise, but it doesn’t have to be intense. They often wander when they’re bored, so short walks and play sessions throughout the day should keep them out of trouble. The more time you spend playing with your Cairmal, the happier they’ll be.

12. Hava-Malt = Maltese + Havanese

The Hava-Malt is a mix between two small low-shedding breeds. Therefore, the mix also has a soft, low-shedding coat of hair, which could be a variety of colors due to the Havanese parent. Regular trips to the groomer are essential for these dogs because dirt and debris can often get trapped in their hair. Weekly brushing can also prevent their hair from getting tangled.

These dogs need daily walks, but they don’t need any intense exercise. Most of the time, they’re perfectly content with just lying around. They’re great at adapting to new surroundings, so they can even do well in small apartments. As long as they still get to go outside and meet new humans and dogs, they’ll be happy, especially with you by their side.

The Hava-Malt is a spirited mixed breed, much like both of the parents. They’re very loving toward their family, and they always seem to have an extra skip in their step when they walk. They can get along well with children, as long as those kids are taught how to properly behave around a dog. They enjoy meeting new people, so walks are a great way for them to make new friends.

13. Papitese = Maltese + Papillon

The Papitese is a social little dog that gets along well with most humans. They’re even more tolerant to children than other small dog breeds. Of course, kids should be taught how to properly behave around them just like with any other dog. However, Papitese puppies can get attached to their loved ones too easily. This can cause them to develop separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors when left alone.

This mixed breed only has moderate energy levels. These dogs often prefer being indoors rather than outdoors, so they’d likely prefer more play sessions as opposed to long walks. They especially dislike cold weather, so getting them to use the bathroom in the winter could be a challenge. Yet, these traits make them great apartment dogs. They don’t require much space to run around, so they’re great at adapting to new environments, as long as you’re there by their side.

Papitese puppies might shed a little due to their Papillon parent, but their grooming requirements are much less intense than with other Maltese mixes. They should be brushed regularly to remove any loose hair, and baths should be kept to a minimum. Most of the dirt and debris can be easily removed with regular brushing.

14. Malti-Pug = Maltese + Pug

Pugs are a popular small breed, and they often make adorable mixed breeds. However, Pugs also have a lot of health problems that could be passed on to their puppies. First of all, Malti-Pugs could receive the flat snout of a Pug, which would make them prone to heat stroke and other breathing problems. They could also have wrinkly skin like a Pug, which makes them prone to skin infections. So, if you bring a Malti-Pug home, make sure you’re prepared to pay extra close attention to their health.

Once you get past all the potential health concerns, you’ll quickly fall in love with the Malti-Pug’s personality. Like their parents, these dogs are silly, playful, and smart. However, if not properly trained and socialized, they can become stubborn, clingy, and loud. So, lots of training, exercise, and mental stimulation is the key to keep them behaving properly. Short walks and play sessions throughout the day are enough to keep a Malti-Pug content.

Unlike Pugs, Malti-Pugs usually have long, silky coats. Their coats are usually either black, white, or light brown. The amount you need to brush your Malti-Pug all depends on what their coat is like. If they have a thick and silky coat like a Maltese, they could need frequent brushing. If their coat is short like a Pug’s, then they’ll only need occasional brushing to get the loose hair out. Either way, they should be bathed every few weeks to keep their skin clean and healthy. Using a hypoallergenic shampoo is a good idea if they’re extra wrinkly.

15. Malteagle = Maltese + Beagle

The Malteagle is a desirable mixed breed because the Beagle is such a popular family dog. These mixed breeds are sweet and outgoing, just like both of their parents. They do well around people and dogs, even strangers and children. The only reason they could potentially act aggressive is if they’re not properly socialized or if they’re protecting their loved ones. Otherwise, they’re a very friendly mixed breed that’s also smart, energetic, and loyal.

Despite their smaller size, Malteagles make great watchdogs. Beagles were bred to hunt, so these mixed breeds will often guard the house and bark when they sense danger. In many cases, they might have the urge to chase prey, which is why they should always be leashed while outside. Unlike other Maltese mixes, these dogs have a high energy level. They will happily run or walk with you every chance they get. They also love visiting the dog park so they can run around with new friends.

Most Malteagles will inherit the unique colors of a Beagle with the soft coat of a Maltese. However, it’s still possible for them to inherit the Beagles short fur that sheds. Either way, you should brush your Malteagle at least once a week. If they have thin fur, you’ll just need to remove loose fur, but if they have thicker hair, you’ll need to brush them to prevent mats.

16. Peke-A-Tese = Maltese + Pekingese

The Peke-A-Tese is an adorable mixed breed without a doubt, but they can be a challenge at times. Similarly to Pugs and Shih Tzus, Pekingese have flat faces, which makes them prone to breathing problems. It’s possible that a Peke-A-Tese could inherit this trait. Even if they don’t, they’ll still gain the soft, low-shedding coat of a Pekingese since both parents are small, low-shedding breeds. Their coat color can vary based on the color of their Pekingese parent.

Like many small dogs, the Peke-A-Tese is known for their “big dog” personality. Pekingese are often stubborn and like to have things their way, so their puppies often follow suit. They aren’t always cuddly, but they will seek out attention when they want it. They’re loyal to their parents, and they will often stick right by their side. This could cause them to develop separation anxiety if they’re not given enough socialization.

The Peke-A-Tese is a great apartment dog because they’re generally very laid back. They prefer to keep their walks short if possible, and oftentimes, they prefer just wandering around the yard instead. They are usually gentle, but they won’t tolerate children annoying them. So, they’re likely best in a home with only adults.

17. Silky Cocker = Maltese + Cocker Spaniel

Silky Cockers are lovable and affectionate, much like both their parents. They are also extremely loyal, and will stay by their human’s side no matter what. They are generally a gentle mixed breed, but they could nip at children who don’t respect their personal space. Most of the time, they are eager to train and pick up on new commands quickly. However, they can reach a stubborn streak, especially when it comes to housetraining.

These dogs don’t need too much exercise, but they do love to explore. They love to visit new places and take in new smells, but they might wander off when you’re not looking. So, it’s important to keep them leashed every time they’re outside. They need short walks and some play sessions throughout the day to keep them entertained. Otherwise, they might be loud or destructive if they get bored.

Regardless of what they look like, Silky Cockers will have a beautiful coat of hair. They might shed moderately, but their coats will still be soft to the touch. They should be brushed almost daily to prevent tangles from occurring. They should also be bathed often because as pretty as they are, they can start to smell if not properly cared for. Their ears need extra attention because these dogs are prone to ear infections.

18. Lhatese = Maltese + Lhasa Apso

The Lhatese is a mix between two small, fluffy dogs. It’s unlikely that this mix will have any coat colors other than white or gray. Their hair is usually straight and low-shedding, but it’s also prone to matting, especially if it’s kept long. So, they should be brushed daily and trimmed by the groomer about once a month. Since they have a light-colored coat, they’re also prone to tear stains, so clean the area around their eyes often.

Maltese and Lhasa Apsos are fairly similar breeds. They’re both sweet, affectionate, and playful, so the Lhatese will likely pick up on these traits too. They are a gentle mixed breed that gets along well with nearly everyone they meet. Unlike other small breeds, they are incredibly tolerant around children. They love the extra attention as long as everyone is being kind and gentle to them in return.

The Lhatese is an intelligent little dog, but they are often stubborn. They like to do their own thing, so they require a lot of patience and consistency when it comes to training. They will often bark to alert you of every person that walks by, so it could take a while to correct their bad habits. As much as they love spending time with their loved ones, they can also be independent now and then. So, it’s unlikely that they’ll develop separation anxiety.

19. Boston Malterrier = Maltese + Boston Terrier

The Boston Malterrier looks just like a Boston Terrier, but with long, silky hair like a Maltese. Their hair only comes in black, white, or a mixture of the two. They should be brushed multiple times a week to keep their coats extra soft. It’s also recommended that you bathe them about twice a month with a natural shampoo that’s easy on their skin. They can sometimes be hesitant with different areas of grooming, such as teeth brushing and nail trimming, so make sure you reward them whenever they do a good job.

This mixed breed will likely be smart, loving, and playful, just like both of their parents. They have high energy for a small breed, and their random bursts of energy will make that clear. Even so, they only need a few short walks throughout the day. They will likely want to play as much as possible though, so make sure you devote some time to play fetch in the yard. It’s also a good idea to provide them with mental stimulation toys to prevent them from getting bored.

Training your Boston Malterrier might be a difficult task, but you can’t avoid it. Start training and socialization as soon as you bring your dog home. You should also crate train your mixed breed to help them feel more comfortable when left alone. Otherwise, they could become loud and destructive if you leave the house. They’re not afraid to let their voice be heard if something is bothering them.

20. Cav-A-Malt = Maltese + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular breed that’s known for its beauty. Cav-A-Malts are just as adorable, but they have a little extra fluff. They can have a wide variety of colors, and it all depends on what color their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent is. They might shed moderately, and they should only be brushed about once a week to keep their coat soft and to remove loose hair.

This mixed breed is the perfect balance between playful and laid back. They are usually very gentle, and are always eager to meet strangers. They are curious dogs, so they enjoy going for short walks throughout the day to take in new smells. This is more to allow them to socialize with neighbors than get a workout in. After all, they prefer to spend most of their time relaxing next to their loved ones.

Due to their easygoing personalities, they make great companions for seniors. They’re great at adjusting to new routines and locations. Plus, they’re generally easy to train. They learn best with positive reinforcements, and if they’re not trained often enough, they might develop some dominant behaviors. They’re also quick to attach to their family members. This can make them unhappy about being left home alone.

21. Ratese = Maltese + Rat Terrier

As you can imagine, the Ratese looks just like a Rat Terrier with a longer, fluffier coat. These mixed breeds can come in any color pattern imaginable, much like their Rat Terrier parents. Their hair is fine like a Maltese’s, so it requires frequent grooming. It’s recommended that you brush their soft coat a couple times a week to prevent it from getting tangled.

Like Rat Terriers, Ratese are full of energy. Despite being so small, they will run around to their heart’s content. Most of this exercise can come from vigorous playtime, including long sessions of fetch or tug-of-war. They’re also happy to go on daily walks with you as much as possible. As long as you’re paying attention to them and letting them run around as needed, they’ll be overjoyed. They might even do well in agility competitions.

Training and socialization are essential as soon as you bring your Ratese home. They will quickly bond with you, but they might be wary of strangers at first. So, make sure you let your dog experience lots of new things while also teaching them commands. That can help them learn how to behave on a day to day basis. They can be sensitive dogs, so any harsh punishments could cause them to be aggressive over time.

Final Thoughts

In general, the Maltese is a fairly easy breed to own as long as you can keep up with their grooming needs. Thus, any Maltese mix should make an equally as excellent companion if you’ve done your research.

It’s important to remember that you should consider more than just looks when choosing a new dog. Many mixed breeds can be found at shelters and rescues, so make sure you check there for Maltese mixes first before turning to a breeder. Get to know a dog’s personality before settling on a specific breed. That’s the best way to choose a new family member.

If you do decide to go to a breeder though, make sure you choose a reputable one. A good breeder will allow you to meet the parents of the puppies and show you where the dogs were bred. They should be able to answer any questions about the breed without hesitation. Avoid pet stores or breeders with limited knowledge because they’re likely running a puppy mill.

Always consider your own lifestyle before choosing a dog as well. Ask yourself if you’ll have enough time and money to fully support your new dog. Dogs are family members, so they should always be treated as such. If you’re looking for a small, affectionate dog with a soft coat, then a Maltese mix might be the right choice for you!