You've seen them on Instagram. Those tiny, cloud-like puffs of fur that look more like Steiff teddy bears than actual living, breathing canines. They're often called Maltipoms. Sometimes Maltepoms. Basically, they're the result of breeding a purebred Maltese with a purebred Pomeranian. People go crazy for them because, well, look at them. But owning maltese pomeranian mix puppies isn't just about carrying a cute accessory in a designer tote bag. It's a weird, delightful, and sometimes loud commitment that catches a lot of first-time owners totally off guard.
Most people think they’re getting a "hypoallergenic" dog. Not exactly.
The Genetic Lottery of the Maltipom
When you mix two breeds, you aren't using a calculator. You’re playing a game of biological craps. A Maltese has a single-layer coat of silky white hair. A Pomeranian has a thick, double-layered coat that sheds like crazy twice a year. If you get a Maltipom, you might get the non-shedding Maltese hair. Or you might get the Pom "blowout" where your couch looks like a sheep exploded on it.
Most of these pups land somewhere in the middle.
They usually weigh between 3 and 9 pounds. That’s tiny. Think about a bag of sugar. Now imagine that bag of sugar has legs and a very high-pitched bark. Because they're so small, they are incredibly fragile. A jump off a high sofa can lead to a luxating patella (a fancy way of saying their kneecap popped out of place) or even a broken limb. Veteran vet techs will tell you that "toy breed" injuries are one of the most common things they see in emergency clinics on Saturday nights.
The look is unpredictable too. You’ll see some with the "foxy" face of the Pomeranian—pointed snout, prick ears, alert eyes. Others take after the Maltese side with those floppy, dropped ears and a more rounded, doll-like face. Colors range from the classic Maltese white to cream, orange, sable, or even black. Honestly, every puppy in a single litter can look like a different breed.
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Personality: Big Ego, Tiny Body
If you’re looking for a dog that sits quietly in the corner, keep looking. Maltese pomeranian mix puppies are basically "Main Character Energy" in fur form. They are bold. They are feisty. They genuinely believe they can take on a Doberman.
This trait comes largely from the Pomeranian side. Poms are descendants of large sled dogs, and they haven't forgotten it. Combine that with the Maltese’s history as a pampered companion of royalty, and you get a dog that demands attention 24/7. They aren't just pets; they’re roommates who don’t pay rent and insist on sleeping on your pillow.
Separation anxiety is a huge deal here. These dogs bond hard. If you work 12-hour shifts and leave them alone, they won't just be sad. They will likely bark until the neighbors call the police or chew the molding off your baseboards. They need people. They need "their" person.
The Barking Situation
Let’s be real. They bark. They bark at the mailman. They bark at a leaf blowing across the driveway. They bark because they heard a noise in a movie you’re watching. While you can train them to "quiet" down, their instinct is to be a tiny alarm system. It’s part of the package. If you live in an apartment with paper-thin walls, you’re going to need to start working on desensitization training the second you bring them home.
Health Realities You Need to Track
Everyone says crossbreeds are "healthier" because of hybrid vigor. That’s a bit of a simplification. While mixing breeds can reduce the risk of certain recessive genetic disorders, Maltipoms are still prone to the issues that plague both parent breeds.
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- Dental Issues: Their mouths are tiny. Their teeth are crowded. This is a recipe for tartar buildup, gingivitis, and early tooth loss. You have to brush their teeth. Not once a month. Every day. Or be prepared to pay for expensive veterinary dental cleanings every year.
- Collapsed Trachea: This is scary. It’s a genetic weakness in the rings of the windpipe. If your Maltipom starts making a "honking" cough when they get excited or pull on a leash, that’s likely what it is. Always use a harness, never a collar, to walk these dogs.
- Hypoglycemia: Especially in very young puppies, blood sugar can drop fast. They get shaky, lethargic, or even have seizures. Experienced breeders often suggest keeping a bit of Nutri-Cal or even honey on hand to rub on their gums if they miss a meal.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) data on the parent breeds, Maltese typically live 12-15 years, while Poms live 12-16 years. You’re looking at a long-term commitment. This isn't a "starter" dog; it’s a decade-and-a-half-long relationship.
Grooming is a Full-Time Job
If you hate brushing hair, do not get a Maltipom.
Because their hair is often a mix of textures, it mats easily. Mats aren't just ugly; they pull on the skin and cause painful sores. You’ll need a slicker brush and a metal comb. You’ll also need a professional groomer on speed dial. Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" or "teddy bear cut"—keeping the hair short all over—to make life manageable.
Also, the eyes. Maltese are famous for tear staining (those rusty-colored streaks under the eyes). Since many maltese pomeranian mix puppies are light-colored, they get this too. It’s usually caused by the shape of their tear ducts or sometimes their diet. Keeping the face dry and using filtered water can help, but for many, it’s just a lifelong cosmetic quirk.
Training: They Are Smarter Than They Look
Don't let the "dumb blonde" fluff fool you. Both Maltese and Pomeranians are actually quite intelligent. The problem is that they are also stubborn. They will look you right in the eye, understand the command "sit," and then decide if the treat you’re offering is worth the effort.
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Potty training is the biggest hurdle. Small bladders mean they have to go... a lot. And because they’re so low to the ground, they can sneak off and pee in a corner before you even realize they've moved. Consistency is the only way out. Some owners find success with "potty bells" on the door, but it takes patience. Lots of it.
Socialization is equally vital. Because they are small, owners often "protect" them by picking them up whenever another dog comes near. Don't do this. It creates a "Napoleon Complex" where the dog becomes aggressive or fearful. Let them meet nice, vaccinated dogs. Let them walk on different surfaces. Build their confidence so they don't turn into a "scrappy" nightmare.
Finding a Puppy Without Getting Scammed
This is the hard part. Since the Maltipom is a "designer dog" and not a breed recognized by the AKC, there are zero regulations on who can breed them. This attracts backyard breeders and puppy mills looking for a quick buck.
If a "breeder" won't let you see the mother, walk away.
If the puppies are kept in a garage or a barn, walk away.
If they are selling them at 6 weeks old, walk away. (Puppies need 8 to 10 weeks with their mom to learn social cues).
Check local rescues first. You’d be surprised how many "designer" mixes end up in shelters because people weren't ready for the grooming or the barking. Organizations like the American Maltese Association Rescue or Pomeranian-specific rescues often have mixes looking for homes.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you've decided a Maltipom is the one for you, stop scrolling and start prepping.
- Ditch the Collar: Buy a high-quality, padded Y-harness. Protecting that trachea is non-negotiable from day one.
- Find a "Fear-Free" Groomer: These dogs can be nervous. Find a groomer who specializes in toy breeds and puppy introductions so they don't grow up terrified of the bathtub.
- Blood Sugar Prep: Keep a tube of high-calorie supplement (like Tomlyn) in your kitchen cabinet. It’s a lifesaver for those tiny-puppy sugar crashes.
- Enforced Naps: These puppies have a "zoomie" switch that doesn't always turn off. Crate training or using a playpen helps them learn to self-soothe and rest, which prevents over-tired nipping.
- Water Matters: Use a ceramic or stainless steel bowl instead of plastic to reduce chin acne, and use filtered water to help minimize those pesky tear stains.
Owning a Maltipom is a bit of a circus act, but if you can handle the grooming and the vocalizations, you’ll have a tiny, loyal shadow that thinks you’re the center of the universe.