Malti-Pug

Muggese

Purpose

Companion Animal

Breed Type : Crossbreeds

Breed Size: Small

The Malti-Pug is a designer dog, often called a boutique breed, resulting from the deliberate crossbreeding of two well-known companion breeds: the Pug and the Maltese Terrier. The Pug, a small dog with a unique short snout originating from China, is known for its loving nature and playful behavior. On the other hand, the Maltese Terrier, a small white dog, is adored for its energetic and friendly disposition. The blend of these two breeds produces a small dog that is both delightful and entertaining. Although they are sociable and get along well with people, this friendliness means they are not the best choice for a watchdog. Nevertheless, their calm demeanor and low exercise requirements make them ideal for living in apartments.

Breed Origin

The Malti-Pug is a carefully crafted mix of two historic companion breeds: the Pug, a loving and sociable dog that hails from China, and the Maltese, a spirited small breed from Malta, an island off the coast of Italy. The Pug is recognized as one of the oldest dog breeds, having been treasured by Chinese emperors since the Shang dynasty, around 1600 B.C. These cherished Pugs were often presented as gifts to visiting royalty and dignitaries, which helped them gain popularity worldwide. In 19th century England, the breed became a favorite among royal families, especially Queen Victoria, whose enthusiasm for breeding and showcasing dogs played a significant role in the founding of the Kennel Club and elevated the status of the Crufts dog show. Remarkably, the Pug was one of the first 15 breeds acknowledged by the American Kennel Club upon its establishment in 1885. The Maltese breed may even have origins that predate the Pug, with its roots tracing back to 3500 B.C. on the island of Malta. Throughout history, Maltese dogs have been cherished by the wealthy and powerful, dating back to ancient Greece, and were frequently traded long before the birth of Christ. The first Maltese to arrive in the United States was a white dog with black markings on its ears, initially classified as a Maltese Skye Terrier. Today, many contemporary Maltese in the U.S. likely have ancestry from Pomeranians or Poodles due to significant crossbreeding that took place after their introduction to America.

Breed Appearance

The Malti-Pug is a compact, square-shaped dog known for its surprisingly deep chest relative to its size. It has a wide, gently rounded head and a muzzle that typically falls between the medium-length taper of the Maltese and the short, square shape characteristic of the Pug. Its eyes are dark and round, conveying a sweet yet enthusiastic demeanor, while the ears sit high on the head, either folding forward or hanging down. Due to the diverse coat types of its parent breeds, the Malti-Pug can display a variety of coat traits. The Pug may have a single or double layer of soft, smooth fur that stands away from the body, while the Maltese is known for its long, flat, silky coat. Consequently, this hybrid may inherit traits from either breed, resulting in a coat that can appear rough or wiry, yet remains soft to the touch.

Care Routine

Grooming needs for a Malti-Pug can vary significantly from one dog to another, depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Typically, both coat types should be bathed every three weeks to a month. However, the brushing and combing methods can differ. Dogs that take after their Pug ancestry, with shorter coats, usually require brushing one to three times a week. This routine helps remove dead hair, control their relatively high shedding, and evenly distribute natural oils in their fur. On the other hand, those with the longer Maltese coat generally shed less but are more prone to matting and tangling, which means they need more frequent grooming. Additionally, some Malti-Pugs may have facial wrinkles akin to those of Pugs, necessitating regular face cleaning. This mixed breed may also face a higher risk of dental problems compared to other dogs, making it essential to brush their teeth and schedule regular veterinary check-ups.

Behavior & Temperament

This small dog is remarkably playful, clever, and occasionally a bit goofy, yet it can also display a dignified demeanor when the situation calls for it. Typically, these dogs are sociable with individuals of all ages and other animals, but it’s essential to monitor their interactions, especially with young children or larger pets, to ensure everyone's safety and comfort. With proper training and socialization, Malti-Pugs are vibrant, entertaining, and eager to please; however, if they are overly indulged, they may become stubborn, insecure, and overly reliant, along with a propensity to bark excessively. Fortunately, this mixed breed tends to respond positively to encouraging training methods, although overly long or repetitive sessions might provoke defiance or playful antics. A common hurdle for both parent breeds and their offspring is house training, especially during bad weather. Many pet owners opt to install a doggy door that leads to a sheltered potty area or utilize an indoor dog litter box. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those who are away for long periods, have mobility challenges, or live in climates that are too harsh for these dogs.

Play & Exercise

The Malti-Pug is an energetic and playful breed that doesn't require a lot of exercise to maintain its health. Generally, about 20 to 40 minutes of active play each day is sufficient to keep this dog fit. Its small size allows it to get enough exercise even in limited spaces, and fun activities like fetch or hide-and-seek can provide ample mental and physical engagement indoors. This hybrid breed is well-suited for both larger homes and apartments, as its exercise requirements are modest and it tends to be fairly quiet. However, some owners may choose to provide a covered patio or an indoor dog litter box, since both parent breeds can present challenges when it comes to house training.

Things to Know

Cups Per Day

0.5 Cups

Daily Activity

30 Minutes

Average Lifespan

14 Years

Origin

Unknown

Type

Crossbreeds

Size

Small

Origin Country

Unknown

Brush Frequency

Daily

Coat Texture

Straight

Register

Your kids have been begging for a pet forever, and you've recently decided that it's time for your family to get a new addition -- a dog! While everyone is excited for the new arrival, you're wondering if you need to have a dog license. How much does it cost? Is it required? Where do you get one?

Member Clubs

PETINNATE

Other

Height & Weight

Weight

12 lbs (5 kg)

Male: 12 lbs (5 kg) , Female: 12 lbs (5 kg)

Height

11 inches (28 sm)

Male: 11 inches (28 sm) , Female: 11 inches (28 sm)

6 Months

8 lbs

9 inches

8 lbs ( m 8 lbs, f 8 lbs )

9 inches ( m 9 inches, f 9 inches )

12 Months

11 lbs

10 inches

11 lbs ( m 11 lbs, f 11 lbs )

10 inches ( m 10 inches, f 10 inches )

18 Months