Maltese Portuguese Water Dog Mix

The Maltese Portuguese Water Dog Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Maltese is known for being easygoing, playful, and lively. 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 Maltese or the Portuguese Water Dog? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Maltese Portuguese Water Dog 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 Maltese Portuguese Water Dog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Maltese Portuguese Water Dog Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Maltese Portuguese Water Dog 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.

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.

Portuguese Water Dog History

The Portuguese Water Dog is a very old breed. A Portuguese Water Dog is first described in 1297 in a monk’s account of a drowning sailor who was pulled from the sea by a dog with a "black coat, the hair long and rough, cut to the first rib and with a tail tuft.” These theories explain how the Poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog may have developed from the same ancient genetic pool. At one time the Poodle was a longer-coated dog, as is one variety of the Portuguese Water Dog. They are thought to have descended from one another. They are obviously strong swimmers and are good in and around the water. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1983.

Maltese Portuguese Water Dog Mix Size and Weight

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

Portuguese Water Dog
Height: 20 - 23 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 40 - 60 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Maltese Portuguese Water Dog Mix Personality

The Maltese and the Portuguese Water Dog might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Maltese Portuguese Water Dog 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 Maltese mixed with the Portuguese Water Dog might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye problems, ear problems, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Maltese Portuguese Water Dog 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.

Maltese Portuguese Water Dog 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."

Maltese Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in