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Chinese Crested Maltese Mix (Crested Malt): Info, Pics, Traits, Facts

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

White Chinese crested powderpuff dog

Height: 10–12 inches
Weight: 5–10 pounds
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Colors: Black, white, blue, cream
Suitable for: Singles, apartments, families with older kids, seniors
Temperament: Docile, affectionate, playful

The Crested Malt is a cross between a Chinese Crested and the ever-popular Maltese. These little dogs are a result of the trend of designer dog breeds, and nobody knows precisely when they originated. It’s assumed that they were developed when the trend started, post-1900s.

Crested Malts can have various appearances, depending on whether they favor their Chinese Crested or Maltese parent. They are considered a toy breed that takes little maintenance beyond keeping their coat well-groomed. They are not yet a stabilized breed and have not joined the ranks of purebred pups accepted by the AKC.

Divider 1Crested Malt Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Crested Malts are not a common hybrid pup, and their price can vary greatly, depending on the breeder and the pedigree of both their parents. When you find a breeder, ensure they treat their dogs properly by requesting a tour of their facilities. They should be willing to take you through any area in which they allow their dogs to be.

Also, ask for any verification papers that they might have to prove the parentage of the puppy you want to adopt. You can also check their vet records so you know about the genetic issues that could affect their health.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Crested Malt

1. The Origin of the Chinese Crested Is Ironically Shrouded in Mystery.

The origin of the Chinese Crested sounds like it should be relatively cut and dry. However, there is a lot of debate about where they have come from, and China is only one of the contenders. One of the theories is that the Chinese Crested pups initially came from what we now know as Mexico and were the Aztec’s pets.

Another idea is that they come from a long line of African hairless dogs brought to Asia sometime in the 13th century, but they could date back centuries further than that.

Whatever is true, the dogs were discovered worldwide by explorers during the 1500s, including ports all along Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. They began to be exported into Europe as time went on.

In the early 1800s, Chinese Crested depictions began to appear in European art and architecture. They didn’t make it to North America until sometime in the early 20th century and were recognized as a purebred breed by the AKC in 1991.

2. The Maltese Has been a Companion to the Royals Throughout the Centuries.

The Maltese has a history that has been recorded a bit more carefully. They come from the island of Malta, with a history that dates back to the 5th century. All across the Mediterranean islands and coastal countries, the Maltese were revered and kept as prized pets by royalty and the wealthy upper classes.

Eventually, sometime in the 14th century, during the intermingling that occurred because of the Crusades, the dogs began to spread throughout Europe. They also found prominence there and were still held in high esteem by the upper class.

Finally, in the 1800s, the Maltese reached North America and were among the earliest European breeds to make it to the coast. The AKC recognized them in 1888 as one of their first purebred dogs. They have stayed popular because they are so low-maintenance and adorable.

3. The Crested Malt Can Be a Good Choice for People With Mild Dog Allergies.

The Crested Malt has the potential to inherit plenty of good physical and character traits from both of their parents. One of their better traits is that they are well-suited to owners with dog allergies because they are hypoallergenic.

The parent breeds of Crested Malt
The parent breeds of Crested Malt: Left – Chinese Crested (Veronika_Andrews, Pixabay) | Right – Maltese (dole777, Unsplash)

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Crested Malt🧠

Crested Malts are playful pups that need a gentle, quiet life. They tend to be quite calm and cuddly, preferring to spend as much time as possible with their family and bond closely with one person in particular.

They’re sensitive creatures and need to be treated carefully. They come from two toy-breed parents, so they are tiny and just as dainty as they seem. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable, however. Crested Malts are intelligent and emotionally sensitive, and they make good companions for a single or a senior.

Are Chinese Crested Maltese Dogs Good for Families?🏡 

The Crested Malt can make a good dog for families with older children. They do not do well with young children because they will probably be afraid of their handling and energy. They do best in a low-energy household that likes quieter activities, but they can be vocal if they are excited or frightened.

Do Chinese Crested Maltese Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽 

Crested Malts are not very territorial, but they can get jealous of your affection. When left alone with other dogs, especially those close to their size, they will enjoy vigorous playtime sessions with them and burn most of their energy off.

chinese crested maltese dog outdoor
Image Credit: Peteris Zalitis, Shutterstock

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a Crested Malt

Food & Diet Requirements🦴 

The Crested Malt is a toy breed and thus has a small appetite. They do not need much food to keep them healthy and should never be free-fed. Feed them about 1 cup of food daily and split it into two meals. Spreading the meals apart between the morning and the evening will keep their digestive system in better shape and lead to less indigestion.

When you look for food for the Crested Malt, find one that caters to a toy breed’s needs, especially those with a smaller kibble size since they have a smaller mouth.

Try:

Exercise Requirements🐕 

These little dogs have medium amounts of energy, even though they like to lie low and snuggle for the most part. They need about 30 minutes of exercise each day. Crested Malts are small enough that they wear out quickly. Do not try to involve them in strenuous activities.

They might be able to hike with you and swim, but expect the length to be limited. They prefer walking, and if you take them on regular walks, tryto hit 5 miles each week to keep them healthy.

Training Needs🦮 

Crested Malts are relatively easy to train because they are intelligent and want to keep you happy. They don’t put up much of a fight for potty training and enjoy learning new tricks and behavior patterns.

Due to their relative obedience and docility, they are one of the dogs recommended for first-time dog owners.

Grooming ✂️

Maintaining the coat of the Crested Malt can be challenging and isn’t low-maintenance even though they are low-shedders. They need regular grooming for their long coat, and you might prefer to take them to a groomer to get them styled. Doing so will also be the best way to keep their coat looking its best.

These little dogs should be bathed at least once a month, but a groomer will typically bathe them. They should get their teeth brushed daily or at least once a week to prevent tartar buildup. They also need their nails trimmed twice a month or whenever you can hear their nails clicking on the kitchen floor.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Like any toy breed, specific bone development issues are more common in this breed. You can ensure that they stay healthy by maintaining their annual vet checkups.

Minor Conditions
  • Patellar luxation
  • Distichiasis
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
  • Open fontanel
Serious Conditions
  • Entropion
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia

Divider 5Male vs Female

There are no recognizable differences between males and females of the Crested Malt.

Divider 3Final Thoughts: Chinese Crested Maltese

Crested Malts make wonderful pets for those looking for a docile dog that will give them plenty of love and devotion. They make lovely pups to train for a first-time dog owner, but they shouldn’t be placed with a family with young children because they can easily get hurt, even if accidentally.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Peteris Zalitis, Shutterstock

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