Havamalt
The Havamalt is a cross between the Havanese and the Maltese. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Havamalt. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm, standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder with an ideal height of 9 to 10.5 inches. These compact companions typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds, with their body length slightly exceeding their height at the withers, creating a rectangular silhouette that is characteristic of the breed. The breed possesses a distinctive structure featuring a short upper arm with moderate shoulder layback and a straight topline that rises slightly from the withers to the croup. This unique construction produces their characteristic springy gait, a lively and energetic movement that reflects their playful personality and distinguishes them from other toy breeds. The hallmark of the Havanese is their long, abundant coat that is silky to the touch and remarkably light in texture despite its profuse appearance. The coat stands off the body slightly but flows beautifully with movement, ranging from straight to wavy with wavy being preferred for conformation showing. Unlike many other longhaired breeds, the Havanese coat does not mat easily and has no undercoat or bi-annual shed, making them a popular choice for those seeking a lower-shedding companion. All colors and marking patterns are acceptable in the breed, including white, black, cream, gold, silver, blue, champagne, chocolate, and various combinations including tricolor and parti-color patterns. The coat may also be corded in mature dogs, forming distinctive tassel-like sections. The head is well-proportioned to the body with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate stop. Drop ears are set high and covered with long, silky hair that frames the face beautifully. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes convey an alert and intelligent expression that captures the breed's curious nature. The plumed tail is carried arched forward over the back, adding to their elegant appearance and serving as a hallmark of proper breed type. Head furnishings are long and untrimmed, often falling forward over the eyes or secured in two small braids using plain elastic bands. The coat may reach six to eight inches in length on mature dogs and feels like raw silk floss, providing excellent insulation from both heat and cold while maintaining its beautiful flowing appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Havanese are exceptionally good with children and other pets, displaying patience and gentleness in their interactions that makes them ideal family companions. They enjoy socializing with both dogs and cats, approaching other animals with friendly curiosity that makes them well-suited for multi-pet households. Their playful nature persists well into adulthood, and they maintain a puppy-like enthusiasm and energy throughout their relatively long lives of 12 to 16 years. The breed does not require a large yard and adapts remarkably well to apartment living, though they benefit from regular walks and interactive play sessions to satisfy their moderate exercise needs and keep them mentally stimulated.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Heart issues, particularly mitral valve disease where the valve between the left atrium and ventricle degenerates over time, affect approximately 11% of the breed and require regular cardiac monitoring as dogs age. Chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy are genetic conditions affecting bone and cartilage development that responsible breeders now test for through DNA screening. Sebaceous adenitis, an inflammatory skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands and can cause hair loss and scaling, has been documented in the breed. Additional concerns include canine multifocal retinopathy and von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder. Reputable breeders conduct comprehensive health testing including BAER hearing tests, cardiac evaluations, patella examinations, and hip assessments to minimize the risk of hereditary conditions in their breeding programs.
Maltese
The Maltese is a tiny, elegant toy breed standing between 7 and 9 inches at the shoulder and typically weighing under 7 pounds, with most individuals falling comfortably in the 4 to 7 pound range. Despite their diminutive and delicate appearance, these ancient dogs possess a compact, well-proportioned body with surprisingly sturdy bone structure for their size. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, with sloping shoulder blades, a level back, and well-sprung ribs that give them a solid foundation. The breed moves with a buoyant, smooth, and flowing gait that showcases their elegant carriage and demonstrates their lively, animated personality. The most striking and defining feature of the Maltese is their long, silky, pure white coat that sweeps or hangs close to the ground, giving them an almost ornamental appearance that has captivated admirers for millennia. The coat consists of a single layer with no undercoat, which contributes significantly to their reputation as a low-shedding breed suitable for some allergy sufferers. The hair is perfectly straight and silky in texture, hanging flat against the body and requiring regular, dedicated grooming to maintain its lustrous, flowing appearance and prevent the formation of mats and tangles. Many pet owners choose to keep their Maltese in a shorter puppy clip for easier daily maintenance, while show dogs wear their magnificent coats at full length, often sweeping the floor as they move. The head is well-proportioned to the body with a slightly rounded skull, a moderate stop, and a medium-length muzzle that tapers slightly toward the nose. The drop ears are set low and heavily feathered with long hair that blends seamlessly with the coat on the neck. Dark, round eyes are set well apart and convey a gentle, alert, and intelligent expression, while the black nose and eye rims provide a striking and beautiful contrast against the pure white coat. The neck is elegantly structured and of sufficient length to promote a proud, high head carriage that adds to the breed's refined and aristocratic appearance. The plumed tail is carried gracefully arched over the back, with the long silky hair falling to one side and completing the picture of this ancient and dignified companion breed.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Maltese thrive on human companionship and genuinely do not do well when left alone for extended periods, often developing separation anxiety that manifests as excessive barking, destructive behavior, or house soiling. They are generally good with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently and respectfully, though they may become snappy or defensive with very young children who play too roughly or handle them carelessly. The breed typically gets along well with other pets when properly socialized from a young age, often bonding closely with other dogs in the household. While they are active, playful, and entertaining indoors, their small size means their exercise needs can be fully met with short walks and interactive indoor play sessions, making them exceptionally well-suited to apartment living and ideal companions for seniors or those with limited mobility.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Heart problems, including patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease, affect approximately 10% of Maltese and require regular cardiac monitoring throughout the dog's life. Patent ductus arteriosus is a serious congenital defect where a blood vessel that should close before birth remains open, potentially leading to heart failure in young dogs if not surgically corrected promptly. Liver shunts, where abnormal blood vessels allow blood to bypass the liver rather than being filtered through it, occur in approximately 4% of the breed and may require surgical intervention or lifelong dietary management depending on severity and location. White dog shaker syndrome, which causes full-body tremors in white-coated breeds, can affect Maltese and typically responds well to corticosteroid treatment. Hypoglycemia in puppies is a concern during the first few months of life, requiring frequent small meals to maintain blood sugar levels. Eye issues including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and tear staining are common, with the latter being primarily cosmetic but potentially indicating underlying eye health issues requiring veterinary evaluation.
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 Havamalt 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 Havanese and Maltese to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.