Crested Malt
The Crested Malt is a cross between the Chinese Crested and the Maltese. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Crested Malt. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a fine-boned, elegant toy breed that stands between 11 and 13 inches at the shoulder and weighs 8 to 12 pounds. This breed has a distinctively graceful appearance with a rectangular body shape, being slightly longer than tall. The head is wedge-shaped with a cleanly tapered muzzle, and the almond-shaped eyes are set wide apart on the skull. Two distinct varieties can be born in the same litter, distinguished primarily by their coat type. The breed displays either prick or drop ears depending on the variety, and their overall silhouette projects an air of delicate refinement. The hairless variety features smooth, soft skin over most of the body with characteristic hair only on specific areas: a crest of soft, flowing hair on the head, a plume on the lower two-thirds of the tail, and socks of hair on the feet extending to the pasterns and hocks. The amount of body hair on hairless dogs can vary from completely bare to having a fine down similar to that found on a human arm. The Powderpuff variety has a complete double coat consisting of a soft, silky undercoat and a longer outer coat that covers the entire body. Both varieties come in an impressive range of colors, with over 20 different color combinations possible, including spotted patterns and white markings on both skin and fur. The Chinese Crested has two distinct body types within the breed: the fine-boned, elegant deer type and the heavier-boned cobby type. Both types share the characteristic graceful movement and alert expression that define this breed. The hairless variety's exposed skin can range from pink to black or spotted, and requires special care including sun protection and moisturizing. Their unique appearance, sometimes described as exotic or even alien-like, has made them popular in both the show ring and as devoted companion animals.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Chinese Cresteds are generally compatible with families including children and other pets, though their small size and delicate bone structure mean interactions with young children should always be supervised to prevent accidental injury. They adapt remarkably well to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, and are portable enough to accompany their owners on adventures. The breed does not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety if isolated. Their strong desire for companionship makes them ideal for owners who can provide plenty of attention and interaction throughout the day.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations The hairless variety faces unique health challenges related to their exposed skin. Without protective fur, these dogs require regular application of dog-safe sunscreen when outdoors to prevent sunburn, and moisturizers to maintain skin health. They are prone to developing comedones, which are blocked pores similar to blackheads, and may develop acne that requires regular bathing and skin care. Dental issues are particularly prevalent in hairless Chinese Cresteds, as the gene responsible for hairlessness is linked to dental abnormalities including missing teeth and tusked canines. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining oral health in this breed.
Maltese
The Maltese is a diminutive toy breed that stands between 7 and 9 inches at the shoulder, with the ideal show specimen measuring 8 to 9 inches. These dogs weigh under 7 pounds, with show dogs preferring 4 to 6 pounds, making them one of the smallest breeds in the toy group. Despite their tiny size, the Maltese presents a compact, square body with a level topline and moderate bone structure that gives them a surprisingly sturdy feel for their size. The head is slightly rounded with a moderately defined stop, and the muzzle is fine and tapered but not snipey. The large, dark, round eyes are set relatively far apart and convey an expression of gentle alertness that is characteristic of the breed. The Maltese coat is arguably the breed's most distinguishing feature, consisting of a single layer of long, flat, silky white hair that can grow to floor length when left untrimmed. Unlike many toy breeds, the Maltese lacks an undercoat, which contributes to its minimal shedding and the silky texture of the hair. The coat parts naturally down the center of the back and flows gracefully on either side of the body. The hair should be straight without any curl or wave, hanging evenly from both sides. The color is pure white throughout, though slight lemon or tan shadings on the ears are acceptable in the show ring. The ears are drop ears set low and heavily feathered with long hair that blends into the coat. The Maltese moves with a smooth, flowing gait that has been described as almost appearing to float, created by the way their long coat obscures their feet in motion. The tail is long-haired and carried gracefully over the back with the tip lying to one side. The overall appearance is one of refined elegance, combining a gentle, aristocratic bearing with the practical sturdiness needed in a small companion dog. The breed's appearance reflects thousands of years of selective breeding as a companion animal, valued for its beauty and charming demeanor by nobility across ancient civilizations from the Mediterranean to the royal courts of Europe.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Maltese's social nature requires careful management, particularly regarding separation anxiety, which is common in the breed. These dogs do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may exhibit destructive behaviors or excessive barking when isolated. They generally do well with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently, but may be less tolerant of rough handling by very young children. Socialization from an early age helps prevent shyness or excessive barking toward strangers. With appropriate training and socialization, the Maltese makes an exceptional companion known for unwavering devotion to their families.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Collapsed trachea is a condition where the cartilage rings supporting the windpipe weaken, causing respiratory difficulty particularly during excitement or when wearing collars. Using a harness instead of a collar and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage this condition. White Dog Shaker Syndrome, also known as idiopathic cerebellitis, is a neurological condition that causes tremors in small white dogs including Maltese, though it typically responds well to treatment with corticosteroids. Dental disease is extremely common in Maltese due to their small mouths and crowded teeth, making regular dental care essential. Eye problems including tear staining and progressive retinal atrophy can affect the breed, requiring regular monitoring.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Crested Malt may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Chinese Crested and Maltese to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.