Maltibeag

The Maltibeag is one of the newest designer dogs on the scene and is comprised of the loving Maltese and the cheerful Beagle. These dogs are exceptionally affectionate and good-tempered, making an ideal companion for those looking for a constant sidekick. Their naturally gentle nature makes them a good match for households with younger children.

Interestingly, many Maltibeags look more like the Maltese than the Beagle, with their longer coat and shorter ears. Like the Beagle, their body will be noticeably longer than it is tall and they have relatively short limbs, adding to their overall cuteness. Though many coat colour combinations are possible, most will have predominantly white fur with either black or brown markings.

About & History

Also known as the Malteagle, the Maltibeag has not been around for long and little is known about the very first ever litter of Maltibeags bred. While there is no doubt they will soon make a name for themselves, for now, they are not particularly well-known.

The Maltese

Maltese dogs are sometimes called ‘little clouds’ thanks to their snow white, long fur and graceful gait. They have existed in the Mediterranean for many centuries, where they were kept by locals as much loved pets.

While we now know that they may not have originated in their namesake Malta, there are records of their presence there from as far back as the early 19th century. They belong to the Kennel Club’s Toy Group and make splendid companions, as well as elegant show dogs.

The Beagle

Both Snoopy, and Odie from the Garfield series, are thought to be Beagles and this dog is renowned for its happy disposition and zest for life. An English Scent hound that dates back to the 15th century, the Beagle has had plenty of time to establish itself. They continue to be used for hunting today and are a pack hound that do best when surrounded by other like-minded dogs.

A smaller variant of the Beagle exists called the ‘pocket Beagle’ though it is only really popular in America. Modern day Beagles, as well as hunting and being kept as family pets, are also used as sniffer dogs and are frequently employed by police and airports to sniff out drugs and other contraband.

Appearance

Maltibeags are rather small with long backs and stubby limbs. They have sweet faces with pendulous ears and a muzzle that tends to be a lot shorter than their Beagle parent’s. They have circular, black eyes and a prominent dark and shiny nose. Their jaunty tail is usually well-feathered and held with a curve above their back.

Quite little, when fully grown the Maltibeag measures anything from 23cm to 38cm and will weigh between 7kg and 10kg. Most Maltibeags have medium length coats that are straight and dense. They won’t grow to the impressive lengths of the Maltese’s coat but this does make for less grooming requirements which can only be a positive. Most have white fur with cream, brown and black markings. Tricolour dogs are not unusual.

Character & Temperament

Maltibeags form close relationships with people of all ages and can dote on the youngest in the household. They have a naturally frisky demeanour and gravitate towards those that enjoy playing games with them. Sweet and calm, they are easy to get on with and make very pleasant companions indeed.

Sociable and a big lover of people, they detest being left alone for too long and separation anxiety can be problematic for many. This can be tackled by introducing crate training from puppyhood and by ensuring these dogs are not left alone for prolonged periods. They are a good choice for retired people or those that work from home.

Alert and highly tuned to their surroundings, the Maltibeag will be the first to know when someone has arrived at the home and will be quick to bark if they are unsure of this new arrival. Most will bark loudly but can be quickly calmed with a word or two of reassurance.

Trainability

The Maltibeag is clever and determined but may not always be on the same page as their owner when it comes to training. Thanks to their Beagle genes, they are very distracted by attractive smells and it can be tough going trying to keep their attention. The silver lining is that they tend to be very good at scent work of any kind!

Failing to train these dogs from a young age can be a recipe for disaster as they may have issues with constant barking, attention-seeking and separation anxiety. This is especially the case if they are left alone for long periods at a time.

Health

It’s a good idea to monitor the health of any new crossbreed closely, to watch for any emerging health conditions. In the Maltibeag, we may expect to see:

Heart Disease

Pulmonic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease are three cardiac conditions that are known to affect the Maltibeag more often than the average dog. Heart disease is usually diagnosed with a combination of tests, such as an echocardiogram, (heart ultrasound), ECG and thoracic x-rays. There are also blood biomarkers that can be measured to determine if the heart is under stress.

Epilepsy

For most epileptic dogs, they will experience their first seizure between the ages of six month to six years. Some may go on to suffer frequent and severe fits, while others might only ever have one or two a year. Whether or not we medicate epileptics depends on how often they are experiencing seizures and how long they last.

The majority will be managed with daily medication. Seizures that last for a prolonged amount of time can cause permanent brain damage and even death, which is why it is so important to keep them to a minimum. Some owners will notice their dog has a ‘trigger’, such as a certain food, smell or sound.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Those dogs with a longer back will be more prone to IVDD. Owners can minimise their risk by preventing obesity, having ramps in the home and avoiding jumps and stairs whenever possible. A diagnosis of IVDD is usually achieved with contrast x-rays, a CT scan or an MRI. When orthopaedic surgery is required, the sooner it is performed, the better the prognosis.

Exercise and Activity Levels

Despite their diminutive frame, the Maltibeag loves to keep fit and will require at least an hour of fun and varied exercise every day. They thoroughly enjoy being allowed to explore off lead, though owners must ensure their recall is solid before allowing this because of their strong prey drive.

Due to their size, it is perfectly acceptable for a Maltibeag to be kept within a small home or flat once their basic exercise needs are met. Owners can help keep their minds busy within the home by providing lots of interactive toys, scenting games and by feeding from food puzzles rather than boring bowls.

Grooming

The medium length coat of the Maltibeag sheds moderately and does not need regular professional grooming. For most, a good brush a couple of times a week is all they need to stay looking good.

As they have ears that hang close to their face, the airflow within the ear canal is poor and they will benefit from ear cleaning about twice a month. Owners should be prepared to brush teeth several times a week, preventing calculus from building up and gingivitis from developing.