Facts & Origin
Maltese and Bichon Frisé in one
The Maltichon is a designer hybrid breed resulting from the deliberate crossing of a Maltese with a Bichon Frisé. Both parents are classic, charming companion dogs known for their friendly nature, their affectionate nature and their white, well-groomed coat.
Breeding of the Maltichon probably began in the late 1990s or early 2000s, mainly in the USA, where hybrid breeds were becoming increasingly popular. The aim was to create a low-maintenance, socially acceptable and allergy-friendly companion dog that combined the best characteristics of both original breeds: the elegance and loyalty of the Maltese and the playfulness and robustness of the Bichon Frisé.
Criticism of the Maltichon
As with other designer dogs, the Maltichon is also criticized for not having any binding breeding standards. This means that puppies can differ greatly in appearance and character - some look more like Maltese, others more like Bichon Frisé.
Another point of criticism concerns breeding practices: some Maltichons are bred from commercially oriented matings without sufficient health tests, which can lead to hereditary diseases or behavioral problems.
In addition, "allergy-friendliness" is often heavily advertised. Although Maltichons hardly shed at all due to their parents, no dog is really 100% hypoallergenic - even Maltichons can trigger allergies in sensitive people.
Suitability of the Maltichon
Despite justified criticism, the Maltichon is a wonderful companion dog if bred and cared for properly. It is perfect for couples, families or individuals looking for a small, friendly and affectionate dog.
Typical characteristics:
Playful, friendly and people-oriented
Well suited for apartments (with regular exercise)
Very social, loves to be close to his humans
Moderate urge to move, ideal for walks and short play sessions
Often gets on well with other pets
Particularly suitable for:
Seniors looking for a loyal companion
Families with older children
First-time dog owners who can take time for training and grooming
People with mild dog hair allergies who should still seek veterinary advice
The Maltichon is less suitable for people who have very little time or are looking for a completely grooming-free dog breed - because regular brushing and, if necessary, trimming is mandatory.
| Alternate Name | Bichon Frisé and Maltese Mix, Maltese Bichon |
| Origin | France - Malta |
| Life expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance - high-maintenance |
| Activity level | low |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
More Bichon Frisé mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Possible character traits of the Maltichon
The Maltichon is generally a friendly, gentle and cheerful little dog. It combines the affectionate loyalty of the Maltese with the cheerful playfulness of the Bichon Frisé, making it an ideal companion for almost any life situation.
Maltichons are very people-oriented, love to be with their caregivers and adapt well to their people's everyday lives. They are often very social towards other dogs and animals, but can also sometimes be a little jealous or in need of attention if they feel neglected.
Thanks to their intelligent, attentive nature, Maltichons learn quickly and enjoy little tricks, brain games and walks. They are typically even-tempered, playful and cuddly at the same time - the perfect mix of activity and relaxation.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Possible diseases of the Maltichon
Even though mixed breeds are often considered to be somewhat more robust, Maltichons can inherit predisposed diseases from both parent breeds. Therefore, controlled breeding with health testing of the parents is very important.
Possible health problems in Maltichons:
Patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap), common in small breeds
Dental problems, such as tartar or premature tooth loss (due to narrow jaw position)
Allergies and skin sensitivities
Lacrimation and eye problems (e.g. due to blockage of the tear ducts)
Ear infections, especially with drooping ears and thick hair
Heart problems, in rare cases with a genetic predisposition
A balanced diet, good dental hygiene, regular ear and coat care and preventive veterinary examinations help to support the Maltichon's long-term health.
This is what a Maltichon can look like
The appearance of the Maltichon is somewhere between the typical characteristics of the Maltese and the Bichon Frisé. Most Maltichons are small dogs, with a shoulder height of around 20 to 30 cm and a weight of 3 to 6 kilograms.
Typical for the Maltichon:
Round head with large, dark, expressive eyes
Medium-length, drooping ears, often well-coated
Compact, harmonious build, elegant and athletic at the same time
The coat is usually silky soft, slightly wavy or curly and requires regular brushing and occasional trimming to avoid matting. As both parent breeds shed little to hardly any hair, the Maltichon is also suitable for people who value a home that is as hair-free as possible.
The coat color is usually pure white or cream, sometimes slightly shaded in apricot or beige tones.
Overall, the Maltichon radiates a friendly, cheerful and elegant appearance that quickly wins the hearts of its people.
| Fur length | short - long |
| Fur | curly - flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear - Triangle |
| Tail | fanned out |
| Anatomy | dainty, dainty |
| Size ♀ | 20 - 28 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 3 - 5 kg |
| Size ♂ | 21 - 30 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 3 - 5 kg |
| Suitable For | suitable for allergy sufferers, Children, Beginner, Seniors |
Known Diseases
Eye diseases
Often occur with allergies and intolerances.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation is the term used to describe a displacement of the kneecap, which is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs.
Patellar problems
Problems with the Patellar can be a displacement or weak kneecap, which is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs, also because of overweight.
Skin inflammations
Can be hereditary in certain breeds.
Heart disease
Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication.
FAQ
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A Maltese-Bichon Frisé mix is a cross between a Maltese and a Bichon Frisé. These two breeds are often combined to create a small, hypoallergenic companion dog that makes a good addition to the family.
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Maltese-Bichon Frise mixes can vary in appearance, but they are usually small dogs with white or cream-colored coats. They may have some of the Maltese's black markings on the face and ears.
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Maltese-Bichon-Frisé mixes are small dogs that normally weigh between 4 and 6 kg. They are about 10 to 12 centimeters tall at the shoulder.
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Maltese-Bichon-Frisé mixes need regular grooming and brushing to keep their coat clean and tangle-free. They also need regular exercise, such as daily walks or short play sessions.
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Maltese-Bichon-Frisé mixes are generally well tolerated by children, provided they are raised together from an early age.
