Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix

The Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Dogo Argentino and the Maltese. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Dogo Argentino is known for being intelligent, fearless, and alert. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Dogo Argentino or the Maltese? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix puppies for sale.

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Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Dogo Argentino History

The Dogo Argentino obviously originated in Argentina. It is a descendant of the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, which is now extinct. The Dogo Argentino is a big, fierce dog. Being that it came from the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, it was obviously bred to fight.

The guy who started the breed, Antonio Nores Martinez, desired a fearless hunting dog that could handle the Argentina topography. He also needed it to be a loyal companion. He didn’t need the dogs to fight as much as hunt so he began to lessen that instinct and make them cooperate more in a pack. Unfortunately, it is still used as a fighting dog. Even though it is a great dog for the work that he needed it to do in that type of country.

Maltese History

The Maltese, also called a Maltese Lion, is one of the most ancient of the many toy breeds.

A fun-loving, high-spirited breed, the Maltese makes a great family pet. You’ll never be bored with the constant movement and playfulness that comes with a Maltese. Small and quick, many have loved the look of the Maltese as well as the feel of its soft coat.

Although many say that the downfall of the Maltese is its tendency to bark, the other positive characteristics of the Maltese often outweigh the negative. This can be seen throughout the years as the Maltese has become such a popular breed.

Being one of the oldest breeds—going back at least two millennia—the Maltese has a long history. Although with this long history, the Maltese does not have an exact origin. Many believe that the Maltese came from the Isle of Malta in the Mediterranean Seas from Spitz- or Spaniel-type dogs. Either way, the Maltese always seemed to thrive.

By the 15th century, the Maltese was a popular pet with the French aristocrats. By the end of the 16th century, the Maltese had become a favorite choice for many of the noble and royal ladies. Many famous women have favorited the Maltese such as Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria as well as famous painters like Goya.

Throughout the 17th and 18th, breeders tried to make the Maltese smaller, closer to the size of a squirrel, and, sadly, that almost caused the breed to die out. Luckily, that breeding practiced ended, and breeders worked to get the Maltese back to where it had been before. It as then that the Maltese was mixed with other breeds to continue its genetic pool. It is said that other breeds such as the Bichon Frise and Havanese breeds were direct ancestors.

From that point, breeders made the Maltese into what it is today. The first time the Maltese was seen in the United States was in the late 1800s, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1888, with the latest standard being from March 1964.

Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix Size and Weight

Dogo Argentino
Height: 24 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 77 - 99 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

Maltese
Height: 8 - 10 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 6 - 9 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix Personality

The Dogo Argentino and the Maltese are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Dogo Argentino mixed with the Maltese might be prone to joint dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, gastric torsion, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Dogo Argentino Maltese Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Dogo Argentino Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in