Last Updated on April 23, 2023
The Pomanese is a hybrid of two purebred dogs, the Pomeranian and the Maltese. Both dogs are great companions.
When you put them together, they become a robust crossbreed that is often hypoallergenic and an absolute joy to be around.
Poms can be quite high strung, but the Maltese will calm it down a notch. If you’re looking for a low-shedding pet, this might just be the one for you.
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What is a Maltipom dog?
As with many designer breeds, they seldom have clear origins. What we do know is that Maltipoms are the first-generation crossbreed. This means that their parents are always Pomeranian and Maltese.
Multi-generation crossbreeds, like the Labradoodle, can be bred from two Labradoodles or a Labradoodle to a Poodle, to increase their hypoallergenic tendencies.
Despite being such a new mix, the Maltipom breed is slowly gaining popularity in the United States. They still have a long way to go until they are recognized by the AKC.
Mixed breed dogs need to breed true and have a breed standard in order for kennel clubs to even consider them as a breed of their own.
This cannot happen with crossbreeds, especially new ones like the Pomanees because every puppy in the same litter can have the potential to look vastly different from one another.
Crossbreeding is filled with controversy due to the breeding practices that most breeders employ and the ignorance of new owners.
Some new dog owners don’t realize that crossbreeds are not homogenous, meaning they don’t all come out identical. When you put two entirely new genes together, there’s no telling what could happen.
Many people are interested in Maltipom because they want an allergy-friendly Pomeranian and believe that they can combine two dogs to get the perfect dog.
What many don’t understand is that most might be hypoallergenic but not all are. When dogs don’t turn out the way their owners expect them to, it’s a short walk and a drop to the pound.
This is also one of the reasons why crossbreeding is so looked down upon. It encourages a culture of building your own breed, when in fact, there are so many factors and considerations that go into each and every dog breed.
Meet the Maltese parent
Maltese is an old and regal breed with an old and regal background. Said to be introduced to Malta by the Phoenicians sometime around 1500 BC, these dogs quickly escalated to a position of power and were touted around as a fashion statement.
When Rome fell, the breed almost fell into extinction with them but was saved by the Imperial Chinese.
They come from such a royally diverse background, and the Maltese themselves are naturally proper little princes and princesses. This dog breed is extremely docile, gentle, patient, and loving.
They were born to be by your side, and that’s what endeared them to so many cultures and people from all walks of life.
Not to forget their sweet faces and even sweeter personalities also played a part in securing their popularity throughout the ages.
Meet the Pomeranian parent
The Pomeranian also has a colorful history. Once a larger breed powerful enough to pull sleds, these dogs became a lapdog for Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria.
Soon enough, everyone wanted a Pomeranian puppy and they were spread out all over the world in all kinds of colors.
It’s hard to imagine that Pomeranians were once all white, just like the Maltese, but breeding for color variations made them into the colorful dogs they are today.
To see all the colors they can be, check out our Pomeranian color chart!
With their bossy-like personalities, they really are big dogs in tiny little bodies and have the courage to boot.
Known to forget their size and challenge big dogs, you want to be careful that these tiny pooches don’t overextend themselves.
What does a Maltese Pomeranian look like?
Crossbreeds very rarely turn out as a perfect split between the two dog breeds. They usually look like one more than the other, but these little dogs usually have the Pom-Pom’s erect foxy ears and the Maltese dog’s fur.
Size: How big does a Maltese Pomeranian mix get?
While their small size allows them to live in an apartment quite comfortably, they can be yappy little things.
Unless you can be sure you can train your pup to mind his manners, it’s best not to risk having your neighbors complain.
These dogs do well in houses but if you provide them with outdoor access, make sure that it’s secured.
Small dogs have been known to be preyed on by birds of prey and other predators. Being such a compact and cute dog makes them an easy target for thieves, too.
They very rarely grow past 13 inches (33 cm) and can be as small as 8 inches (20 cm). Their average weight ranges from 4 to 10 lbs (1.8 to 4.5 kg).
Coat / Hair
Maltipoms usually inherit the Maltese’s long and silky coat. It’s entirely possible for them to have the thick double coat of the Pomeranian, but that’s less common.
The Pomanese’s coat will need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles from forming. They might need a visit to the groomers every now and then, just to keep his hair in check.
Since Pomeranians come in a variety of colors, you can expect your Maltipom to be quite colorful too. Malteses are pure white, which can be hard to care for but is really such a lovely color.
One that many Maltipoms inherit. But, the Maltipom can take after the Pommie parent and be cream, black, brown, fawn, black and tan, gray, or even blue.
Temperament: Do Maltipoms make good family pets?
If there’s one word, to sum up, this crossbreed, it would be the word ‘lapdog’. They are devoted little doggos that often only bond strongly to one person in the family.
It’s not that they won’t love the rest, but more so that there’s one lap that they prefer over all others. If you’re their special person, you must be very special indeed.
Pomeranians love being in the center of attention and it’s safe to say that Maltipoms are the same.
Their Maltese parentage offers gentleness, but while they might be quiet dogs, they are cuddle buddies that hate to be left alone!
As you can see, Shaggy Boy the Maltipom is getting more his fair share of attention:
Pomaneses can be easily jealous, so make sure to introduce them to any new pets slowly and ensure that their socialization skills are up to par. They are a great addition for families with older children.
While they might love small children, they are toy dogs after all and could get hurt without careful handling. Kids aren’t known for their dexterity or caution.
If you do have small kids at home, careful supervision is needed to ensure the child doesn’t mishandle your Maltese Pomeranian mix doggos.
Aside from their fragility, the Pom side might get slightly impatient with grabby hands.
One thing’s for sure, they will make great watchdogs and will bark up a storm if they are on high alert. Pomeranians are notorious barkers, something that Pomteses can also be.
Teaching them the command to calm down and be quiet is especially important for those staying in high-density areas because nobody likes dealing with noise pollution!
When it comes to gender, people think that females are easier to care for than males because intact males can mark or show aggression.
However, this is a behavioral problem which can be corrected with proper training.
Females can also exhibit dominant behavior and show aggression, it’s all a matter of training.
Maltipoms are rather intelligent. Training them will be a cinch. They do get a bad rep for being hard to housebreak and it’s got nothing to do with their intelligence levels.
It’s their small size that’s to be blamed! Their tiny bladders aren’t super efficient at holding it in, especially as puppies.
What you can do to help housebreak your pup faster is to ensure a strict schedule. Consistency is key. Crate training often comes recommended, especially for smaller breeds like the Pomanese.
How to take care of your Pomtese
Pommies can withstand very low temperatures due to their thick double coats, but Malteses might need a little assistance.
Pomanees can inherit either coat, but it’s a good idea to bring around a doggie jacket if it’s snowing.
If it’s too hot for you, it’ll be too hot for them too, so don’t forget to pack a small doggie bowl they can drink from to cool down.
Exercising your Maltipom
Neither Poms nor Malteses is extremely active, but they are playful and would enjoy going out on daily walks with their favorite person.
They should have at least 30 minutes of activity every day in order to keep them happy and fit. You can split up their exercise into smaller sessions instead of doing it all at once.
Take your cue from your dog. When starting from an early age, you might want to only walk them around the house.
When they have gotten all their shots and are ready to wander outside, you can take them to the nearest park. Anytime they look like they’re ready for more, just increase the intensity or duration.
Pomeranian enthusiasts often say that Poms have the tendency to copy their owners. This means that if you’re extremely high strung, they will match your energy levels.
This can be something that your Maltese Pom mix exhibits too!
Grooming: Do Maltese Pomeranians shed?
Maltipoms are hypoallergenic only if they inherit the Maltese’s coat. If your pup has the thick fluffy fur of the Pomeranian, it will not be hypoallergenic.
Since it’s entirely impossible to predict whether your Pomtese will inherit the father or mother’s coat, there can be no guarantees whether your hybrid dogs will be allergen-free.
If a breeder is trying to convince you otherwise, run the other way because the only thing they are interested in is making you buy one of their puppies for sale.
Both the Maltese and the Pomeranian are considered clean dogs. They don’t smell or drool but will need a bath when they get dirty. Unlike humans, they don’t need a bath every single day – that could dry out their skin and fur!
Try and stretch for as long as you can between baths, using dry shampoo in between and brushing their coat out regularly.
You should use a pin brush on their fur every day to ensure there are no hidden knots or trapped dead fur.
Depending on which coat your Pomanese has, you might have to deal with a bit of trimming every now and then if her coat is more Maltese or a bit of shedding if she’s more Pom than Maltese.
Feeding / Maltipom Food Consumption
Toy breeds are often fed 2 – 3 small meals a day. You can free feed your dog if it suits your dog’s personality, but this might lead to overfeeding so you want to keep an eye on how much your Pom Maltese mix is eating.
Don’t forget to take into account his treats and don’t let them get into the habit of begging for scraps.
Like all dogs, Maltipoms should stay away from grapes, chocolate, and large amounts of raw garlic or onion.
You also want to feed them a high-quality kibble that can clean their teeth as well as offer them the nutrients that they need.
The kibble you give them should be specially formulated for small breed dogs as it is usually much lower in calories than a kibble you’d feed a bigger breed.
Feeding them a large breed kibble could result in obesity, or fatty liver, so beware!
If you have toy dogs and big dogs in the same household, look for a kibble that’s formulated for all breeds or get different kibble for each dog.
Maltipom Health and Hereditary Conditions
These small dogs have rather long lifespans and often outlive their estimated 12 – 15 years.
The breed is still quite new, so it’s hard to tell what kind of health problems are common. However, the parent breeds do share some common health issues, which could be something you want to look out for.
Dental problems plague this breed so you should make it a point to brush their teeth regularly. Certain chew toys can help with plaque build-up if you don’t have the patience to brush their teeth every day.
Patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and skin problems are present in both breeds.
None of these are fatal but they can be easily prevented by supporting a reputable breeder than buying from a puppy mill or a pet shop.
Hybrid is often thought to be healthier than purebred because they add more variety to the gene pool, diluting it in a sense.
Some believe that designer dogs are the answer to generational health issues, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
From the Maltese parent, the Pomtese might develop Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA) which is a heart defect that can be treated with medication but surgery is often recommended.
White Shaker Dog Syndrome, deafness, pyloric stenosis, liver shunt are all inherited via the Maltese side.
On the Pom’s end, they could experience hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, and alopecia which causes hair loss.
Other than that, they might also have eye problems such as entropion, distichiasis, cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PFA), and Glaucoma.
To ensure your pup’s health, you can bring them for health checks regularly. Some of the tests that you might want to run are eye examinations, radiographs, and thyroid testing.
How much does a Pomatese puppy cost?
Both parent breeds can cost $700 – $3000 depending on their lineage. For Pomeranians, they can go up to $10,000 for a rare color.
When it comes to a Maltipom, the price should range between $600 – $1500. However, adoption is usually more affordable, from $150 – $400, and it’s often to cover veterinary bills and shelter costs.
Rescuing from a shelter is the kindest act because you can rescue a dog in need of a home and you don’t encourage the act of irresponsible breeding.
If you do end up purchasing a puppy, try to stay away from pet shops because they often obtain their puppies from puppy mills or backyard breeders.
A general rule of thumb is if you can’t see where the puppy grew up or both parents, it’s not a puppy you should be buying.
Maltipom breeders
You get what you pay for. If you are paying a very low price for a puppy, don’t be alarmed if he came from a shoddy background with an ill temperament or a sickly disposition.
The reason why puppies from reputable breeders are so expensive is that they spend lots of time, effort, and money on their dogs to ensure the very best.
If you can, make sure that both parents are AKC registered for peace of mind when looking for a Maltipom puppy.
Both parents should also have their health certified by a vet that they are in good health and don’t carry any genetic defects.
Being a first-generation crossbreed, there aren’t many specialized Pomeranian Maltese mix breeders that are very well known at the moment.
If you have any friends that have a Maltipom, you might want to ask them where they got their puppy.
Another alternative is looking up any breeders of the Pomeranian or Maltese and seeing if they know where you can get one.
Never buy a puppy through the internet. You should see the kennel in person to determine whether or not they look like legitimate dog lovers.
Maltese Breeders
- Luvshire Maltese (Montrose, PA)
- Storybook Maltese (Branson, MO)
Pomeranian Breeders
- Prince of Poms (Warfordsburg, PA)
- Silhouette Poms (Hampton, VA)
Maltipom rescue / for adoption
Why should you adopt a dog? Many people avoid adopting because they want a spanking new puppy that has only ever lived with them.
But second-hand dogs can also offer you gratitude and loyalty. They can love you just as much as that new puppy would, and what’s more, you don’t have to take a risk on whether they’ll grow up to be hypoallergenic.
They’ll be their full adult size so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. If they have any underlying health or behavioral issues, the shelter or rescue will also inform you about it too.
There’s nothing that you leave up to chance when you bring home an older dog. Most of them even come partially trained, which is a plus.
Adopting a dog is more like bringing home a friend, whereas bringing home a puppy is like having a baby.
They can be quite demanding in the beginning, waking up at night and crying, as well as having accidents around the house.
To begin your search for your Maltese Pom mix, you can check out local rescues or shelters near you or scour through rescues of the parent breeds:
Maltese Rescues
- Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue
- Maltese and More Rescue (San Diego, CA)
Pomeranian Rescues
- Recycled Poms (Dallas, TX)
- OC Pom Rescue
Who should get a Maltipom?
Maltipoms can be considered a low maintenance breed and can be great as a first dog.
They don’t have the high maintenance coats of the Maltese, and they aren’t as independent or strong-willed as the Pomeranian.
This makes them perfect for retirees or low effort individuals who just want something to love without all that hassle.
They aren’t suitable for people who have allergies or people who are seldom home.
Further reading: Maltese mixes
The Maltipom isn’t the only half-Maltese cutie out there! There are plenty of furry, hypoallergenic mixes out there that’s just waiting for you to discover them.
You can check out the top Maltese Mixes or pick one of the following to read more about them:
Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.