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Malteagle (Beagle & Maltese Mix) Info, Pictures, Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Malteagle (Beagle & Maltese Mix)

Height: 9-15 inches
Weight: 15-22 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors: Black, brown, white, cream
Suitable for: Children, families, elderly, disabled, apartments, houses
Temperament: Loyal, energetic, affectionate, sociable

The Malteagle is a mixed breed resulting from the intermingling of a Beagle and a Maltese dog. Malteagles are adorable, kind, affectionate, loving, and loyal and are always striving to be a significant part of their family unit. These dogs accept strangers well, so they don’t make good watchdogs. Because of their small size, they should always be supervised in social situations to ensure that they don’t get lost or stolen.

Malteagles are compassionate and never aggressive, so they need to be protected from larger dogs and other would-be predators when they aren’t safe inside their homes. These dogs won’t do well living predominately outside, as they yearn to snuggle on the couch indoors. They’re playful between naps, which makes them awesome companions for kids and other dogs of a similar size.

These dogs do require daily maintenance in the form of brushing, but they don’t shed as much as many other breeds. They may even be hypoallergenic if they most take after their Maltese parent. Are you thinking about buying a Malteagle to integrate into your family dynamic? There is much to learn and think about before deciding! Here is everything you should know!

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Malteagle Puppies

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Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Malteagle dogs aren’t widely available, so their price can vary, depending on the breeder that you are working with. The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a pup is the health of the dog and the actual lineage of their parents. If you can’t track the lineage, you can’t be sure that you’re even adopting a real Malteagle puppy. Also, if you can’t be sure that the puppy is healthy, you may bring disease or health problems to other pets already living within your household. Before even considering a Malteagle puppy, take the pup to a veterinarian and thoroughly inspect the lineage paperwork that the breeder provides you with.

When you find a Mealtagle to bring home, be ready to have a loyal dog by your side. They tend to be very energetic and sociable. Early socialization and training are essential as soon as possible for them to get along with other animals and remain calm around people.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Malteagle

1. There Isn’t Much Known About This Hybrid’s Origins

Unfortunately, the origins of this hybrid dog were not well documented. Therefore, little is known when they were first bred or where they were originally bred. Owners would have to know the history of the Maltese and Beagle to learn more about the historical temperament and instincts of the Malteagle.

2. This Breed Doesn’t Bark Much

It’s a common myth that all little dogs tend to bark frequently, no matter the situation. This isn’t the case for the Malteagle. They’ll alert you when someone is approaching the door, and they may bark out of excitement while playing occasionally, but otherwise, owners should find that this mixed breed is relatively quiet when hanging out indoors.

3. These Dogs Are Highly Loyal

Once a Malteagle gets to know their owner or “pack leader,” they won’t leave their side if they have a choice. Malteagles are also loyal to extended family members, whether children, teens, adults, or other animals.

Parent Breeds of the Malteagle
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Malteagle 🧠

The Malteagle is never reserved and instead, prefers to engage strangers with an inquisitive and friendly demeanor. Although small, these dogs have big personalities and fun-loving temperaments. Malteagles tend to be loyal, affectionate, and human-centric. They love spending time with their human family members and will protest any time spent outside on their own. If they do have to spend time without human family members throughout the day, they should have animal companions.

Malteagles don’t need tons of exercise, but they do look forward to an outdoor activity every day, especially when it comes to long walks. When indoors, these dogs will play with toys and kids or cuddle up in their beds for a long nap. The elderly and those with disabilities typically enjoy having the Malteagle as a pet.

Although Malteagles are fun-loving and playful, they’re also a bit sensitive and should always be handled with a gentle hand. They’re not big in size, but they are always up for big adventures, like a road or camping trip, with their family members.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Malteagle is great with kids and loves navigating dynamic family situations. Their small size and naturally sweet demeanor mean that they rarely injure children, whether accidentally or intentionally. Still, they should undergo training before they can freely interact with young kids. But overall, families don’t have to worry about whether the Malteagle will be safe around rambunctious kids as they grow from puppies to adulthood.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Thanks to their inquisitive and affectionate temperament, most Malteagle dogs get along well with other dogs, small and large. They aren’t afraid to roughhouse with large dogs or cuddle up with smaller ones. They love the camaraderie of dog siblings. These dogs can also get along well with cats and other small animals like ferrets and guinea pigs if they’re introduced to these animals early and learn how to safely interact with them as they age and grow.

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Things to Know When Owning a Malteagle

You now know more about the Malteagle dog, but there is still plenty to learn! Keep reading on to find out more about this spectacular little designer dog.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

These dogs are small but they are filled with excited energy, so between walks and playtime throughout the day, they’re likely to be hungry at mealtime. Adult Malteagles will need about a cup of food, split into two or three different meals throughout each day. Puppies can eat more, as they expend more energy while growing so rapidly.

Pups should eat high-quality dog food made up of real meat, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The food should be designed specifically for puppies until they reach about a year old. At that point, your Malteagle can start eating an adult dog food designed for small breeds.

Exercise 🐕

Malteagles are small, but they always seem to be full of energy. Without enough exercise during the day, these dogs can become destructive and start tearing up your belongings and furniture within your home. So, you should take your Malteagle on a moderate walk at least once every day. Also, you should make time for outdoor running and play at the dog park or in the backyard. These dogs should have access to several different types of toys inside the house to keep them busy.

Training 🦮

Every dog breed, no matter their size, should participate in obedience training. While your Malteagle won’t hurt you or be able to overrun you when you need to physically handle them, they should know how to handle themselves based on your commands in any situation. Obedience training makes life for your dog safe, productive, and enjoyable overall. You can train your new pup at home by yourself or hire a professional to do the training for you. Either way, make it a priority to start training as soon as you bring your new pooch home for the first time.

Grooming ✂️

These dogs have long coats that can get tangled without proper grooming, so you should take the time to thoroughly brush or comb your Malteagle several times a week, if not every day. If your dog takes after their Poodle parent, they will display hypoallergenic qualities that will be appreciated when spending time indoors. Even so, your home should be vacuumed daily to prevent fur buildup on your flooring.

The exercise that these dogs should get outside each day should keep their nails nice and trimmed, making it possible to skip the trimming chore yourself throughout the year. You may need to bath your pooch if they’re extra inquisitive and end up getting into something like mud or trash while spending time outside. You should clean their ears with a wet towel or cotton ball a couple of times each month to minimize the risk of infection development.

Health and Conditions ❤️

You should be aware of any health conditions that your Malteagle might be prone to before adopting them, so you know how to spot signs of the problems and act quickly to address them if necessary. There are several different possible health conditions that you should be aware of.

Minor Conditions
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Mono or bilateral cryptorchidism
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Mitral valve disease
Serious Conditions
  • Cervical vertebral instability
  • Pulmonic stenosis
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Arteriosus
  • Patent ductus

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Male vs. Female

While some owners think females are more independent, other owners believe that males have the most notable independent traits. Potty training, affection, and training capabilities are also compared between genders.

The truth is that both male and female Malteagles are loving, affectionate, loyal, smart, playful, and willing to learn new commands and tricks. It’s a good idea to simply adopt the gender that you feel most comfortable adopting.

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Final Thoughts

The Malteagle isn’t for everyone. Those who spend a great deal of time away from home without their pets or who aren’t into midnight snuggles in bed might want to investigate another breed. But families and individuals who want a loving, interactive companion to share their lives with may find the Malteagle to be a perfect dog companion for their circumstances.

Is there anything else you would like to know about this interesting little dog breed? Have you owned or spent time with a Malteagle? Post your questions, comments, opinions, hints, and tricks about owning the Malteagle below.

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