Malteagle Basics
This affectionate little dog with the easy-going personality is the Malteagle. With lineage that includes the playful Maltese and the loyal and loving Beagle, this little dog just loves being part of a family and receiving lots of attention.
The Malteagle combines the playful Maltese personality with the loyal and loving Beagle.
Origin
The Malteagle is Designer Dog and likely dates back no further than the 1980s when breeding pure-bred dogs to produce smaller, gentler or hypo-allergenic pooches first began. With this little dog, the gentle Beagle gets a small-dog makeover when bred with a Maltese.
Pedigree
The Malteagle’s non-purebred status means he cannot join the coveted American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds are members. The Maltese joined the “toy” group in 1888 while the Beagle became a member of the “hound” group in 1885.
Food / Diet
The Beagle side of your Malteagle just adores food and can become obese if not monitored. His diet should be a top quality kibble that is suited to his age, size and activity level and he should not be free fed. Protein-rich foods are key if you have him competing in agility competitions or other high-energy activities. Keep his meals structured – small portions 2 to 3 times a day – to avoid weight gain and potential joint issues later in life.
The Malteagle can be a handful when it comes to training.
Training
The Malteagle can be a handful when it comes to training. A firm, consistent approach that includes lots of patience will be needed to get the best out of this little dog. Because all pooches respond best to a rewards-based approach so be sure to always offer lots of verbal praise and treats of your choice for a job well done.
Weight
Your Malteagle will likely tip the scale at 15 to 22 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
The Malteagle is a gentle, affectionate little dog that loves being part of a family and can bond very strongly to his owner. He does well with kids and other pets and thrives on loads of attention. He is a curious pooch who can become bored and destructive if left on his own for long periods of time however isn’t considered a “barker” so could be a great fit for an apartment.
Common Health Problems
Typically, a cross of two purebreds will be able to sidestep many of the health issues that seem to beset their parent breeds. In spite of this, you should always read up on what your new pup may inherit and in the case of the Malteagle, he may be prone to patellar luxation and joint issues, hypothyroidism and intervertebral disk disease.
Life Expectancy
The Malteagle has a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
Exercise Requirements
Your Malteagle is an energetic boy who will require scheduled daily activity including walks and active playtime to keep him fit and mentally stimulated. The Beagle DNA in him means you have a dog who likes to pick up a scent and wander off so leash-free parks may not be an ideal choice. A fenced yard, a ball or Frisbee and his family will make this one happy little dog.
The Malteagle is a gentle family dog who loves kids and other pets.
Recognized Clubs
The Malteagle is recognized by the the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
Your Malteagle may inherit the low-shed longer coat of the Maltese or the shorter, more frequently shedding coat of the Beagle. If the longer coat, expect to brush him 2 to 3 times a week to keep his fur tangle- and mat-free with a visit to the groomer every few months. If he has the shorter, Beagle coat, a quick daily brush should keep his fur in check. Because he is a floppy eared dog, plan to inspect and clean them weekly to avoid a build-up of debris and potential infection.
Puppies
Malteagle puppies can grow into wilful, stubborn adults if not socialized properly from an early age. These pups can be a challenge to train, so start early. Because they can be prone to bone and joint issues, take it easy on the exercise and ensure any children handling these pups are supervised.
Photo credit: michaelheim/Shutterstock.com; Erik Lam/Shutterstock.com
