Malton (Maltese & Cavachon Mix): Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

The Malton is a bit of a mixed bag, which isn’t unexpected, given the fact that this hybrid is the combination of three breeds. That adds a lot of variability to the mix. When we talk about this pup, there are a lot of generalizations. It includes the purebred Maltese and the Cavachon, which is a cross between the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the Bichon Frise.

The Maltese and Bichon Frise share a common ancestry. The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel is the wild card. However, all have many desirable traits that can justify the mix. It also adds many uncharted factors that can make it hard to know what you’re going to get. When you bring in different breeds, you also have the baggage of the negative factors of health and behavior.

Fortunately, all the parent breeds are similar in size and height. Many of their traits, both good and bad, exist across the board. It’s essential to keep these things in mind as we drill down the facts and provide an overview of what to expect when you invite a Malton into your home. You won’t find too much variability as you might with some hybrids with very different parents.

Malton Puppies

The Malton is a toy breed. That presents some challenges for pet owners. It’s essential that this pup eats at every meal because they are small and their growth rate is rapid. These dogs are often quite sensitive to harsh reprimands, even if their behavior warrants it. Many pets are also prone to separation anxiety, which is often the case with canines bred as companion animals.

The Malton is a firecracker with lots of fun energy and playfulness. They are delightful on so many levels. They are friendly with just about anyone they meets, are they sweet and show their  love freely. It’s a winning combination of behaviors that benefits both the pet and the owner. Bear in mind that because of the pup’s origins, there is a lot of variability in what you may get.

Therefore, you’ll need to judge each pup you see on an individual basis. Look for the obvious signs of a healthy pooch with a high activity level and fit body conditions. Avoid pets that are overly shy or aggressive, which are unusual for any of the parent breeds. The Malton embraces all of the loving qualities of its ancestry. This dog is a charmer and generous with their affection.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Malton

1. The Maltese is an ancient breed.

The Maltese traces back its history to their native land, the island of Malta. It was a vibrant trading center since 3500 BC. This pup was a part of its origins, making them one of the older breeds.

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2. The Bichon Frisé has a seafaring history.

The Bichon Frisé and the Mediterranean Sea share a common history. This pup was a seafaring companion of the Spanish hundreds of years ago. It wasn’t long before they caught the fancy of royalty, namely, King Henry III. It’s no wonder then that the breed gets its name from the French word, bichonner, which means “to pamper.”

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3. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a favorite subject of artists.

It’s easy to understand why artists would choose the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a subject. They’re so cute and photogenic! Several painters captured this lovable pup on canvas, including Gainsborough and Rembrandt.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Malton 🧠

The Malton makes it easy to lavish attention on them, which they will return gladly. Their background as a companion animal means that this hybrid is prone to separation anxiety. This is not a pup to leave alone for hours in their crate. As cute as they are, we’d question why that would be an option in the first place. The Malton is a people pleaser, especially if you socialize them early.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Malton is an excellent family pet that will fit in with most households. Because this is a smaller dog, you should supervise playtime with children. Otherwise, they are kid-friendly and will welcome visitors if you take the time to introduce them to new people as a pup. This pooch does well in homes where they can get attention from several family members.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

This pup loves to play, whether it’s with the kids or with other dogs. You can attribute it to their background, where they likely encountered other pets. Of course, it’ll help if you let them meet other dogs to cultivate their canine manners. We suggest that you supervise your pooch if you take them the doggie park, if just because of their smaller size.

Things to Know When Owning a Malton:

Many things you need to know apply to other small breeds. Making sure that your pup doesn’t miss a meal is imperative with any toy breed. Likewise, exercise is vital to keep your pet’s weight under control. No matter how sweet your Malton, you still must take an active role in training. It’s the best way to ensure that they develop good canine manners.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Smaller dogs like the Malton mature quickly. They become adults by 12 months, unlike larger breeds like the Irish Wolfhound that will take 16 or more months to reach that same point. Feed your puppy a food formulated for pups of their size. They will have the proper number of calories and nutrients to support their development.

Offer your pet three or four meals evenly spaced during the day as a puppy. It will ensure that their blood sugar levels stay stable. Sharp drops in glucose are potentially dangerous for dogs, especially small ones like the Malton. You can cut back to two when they become an adult. Monitor their body condition and adjust their intake accordingly based on their weight.

Exercise 🐕

The parent breeds of the Malton are relatively active. This pup is so playful that they will likely make sure they get enough exercise. However, we suggest regular walks to allow them to meet other dogs and people. It will help with their social skills and provide mental stimulation to keep them healthy. It’s also an excellent opportunity to keep up their leash manners.

Training 🦮

The Malton is eager to please and will quickly pick up new tricks and commands, especially if you give them a treat when they obey. It’s essential to be patient when it comes to housebreaking. Your pup might take longer to catch on to what they’re supposed to do. Positive reinforcement is the best approach with a pup that is so willing to make you happy, too.

Grooming ✂️

The time you’ll need to spend grooming your Malton depends on which breed is dominant. The Maltese and Bichon Frisé shed minimally. The Cavalier is a different story. Regular brushing is essential to keep the hair loss under control and prevent mats. Be sure to check their ears frequently for signs of ear infections. The same advice applies to their toenails, especially if you don’t walk them a lot.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Malton is a relatively healthy dog. Routine vet care will help you catch any potential problems. Of course, the fact that there are three parent breeds also increases the risk of some conditions. Therefore, we recommend that you only buy from breeders who conduct the necessary health screenings. Reputable sellers will take this precaution to avoid passing these issues onto their litters.

Male vs. Female

The Malton scores a home run, whether you get a male or female. The size difference between the two sexes is a non-issue. It boils down to your preference. It costs considerably more to spay a female than neuter a male. We suggest you discuss the timing and risks of this surgery with your vet.

Final Thoughts

The Malton has a lot of the welcome qualities we like in a companion animal of this size. This dog is a sweetheart that brings together many of the positive qualities of all the parent breeds. They are affectionate with family and friendly with other owners and pets that they meet. That puts them high on the social index if you enjoy meeting new people. The Malton will like it as much as you.

See also:

• Toy Foxy Russell (Toy Fox Terrier & Jack Russell Terrier Mix)
• Cocker Spaniel Mix

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Featured Image Credit: David Pio Caviedes, Shutterstock