(Maltese X Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

Other names:

Maltaleer, Cavamalt, Cav-a-malt,

Introducing the Maltalier:

The Maltalier is a cross between the Maltese and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This mix makes a loving pet and can adapt to life in a home with or without a yard.

Description of the Maltalier:

The Maltalier is a family friendly, low maintenance designer breed. They grow to about 25cm in height at the shoulder. Maltaliers have a similar temperament to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel but are a little more feisty and brave. Maltaliers are friendly and happy dogs which, when they aren’t playing, are happy to lie around quietly and unobtrusively. Being small and low energy, the Maltalier is appropriate for apartments, first dog owners and the elderly.

Temperament of the Maltalier:

Outgoing, playful and affectionate, Maltaliers make fabulous family companions. Maltaliers can be a little snappy at times if they are allowed to get away with it when young, so discouraging this behaviour is a must when ever shown. Maltaliers generally get along well with children and other pets when they are raised together.

Maltalier activity level:

Maltaliers are a low activity breed and are suitable for homes with a small to large yards or even apartments. They love regular exercise and benefit even from a walk, especially Maltaliers living in apartments. As they get older, Maltaliers spend more of their time sleeping but still love to get out for a walk

Maltalier colours:

Maltaliers come in a range of colours from tan to red with white markings on the face, chest and feet to tri coloured with the majority of the coat black. Gold with white markings is the most common colour for Maltaliers.

Grooming your Maltalier:

The Maltese does not shed its coat, however the King Charles Cavalier does, so the Maltalier may be suitable for some mild allergy sufferers. Most Maltaliers will need regular grooming at least once a week to keep their coats looking their best. Maltaliers can also be clipped for easier maintenance of their coats. Maltaliers, like all breeds with floppy ears, need to have their ears properly dried after their bath to avoid infections.

Training your Maltalier:

Maltaliers can be a little snappy at times if they are allowed to get away with it when young, so discouraging this behaviour is a must when ever shown. This results from the influence of the Maltese which can be quite feisty at times. Maltaliers generally get along well with children and other pets when they are raised together, so early socialisation is a must. Maltaliers do not require harsh or heavy-handed training methods and learn much quicker with positive reinforcement. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. Maltaliers tend to have shorter attention spans than other designer breeds, so make training times short and fun and they learn quickly.

Maltalier size:

Maltaliers grow to between 22cm to 30cm at the shoulder as adults and weigh between 4 – 8kg

Maltalier Life Span:

13 – 15 years

Finding Maltalier puppies for sale from Maltalier breeders

Maltaliers are fairly rare at this stage and locating a Maltalier breeder can be a little difficult but one of the best ways is to go through a breeders agent. They will have contact with many different breeders and will usually be informed first of when litters are planned or available. A reputable breeders agent will also be able to provide you with further information on the care of your Maltalier puppy as well as ensuring that the puppy has had the appropriate vaccinations, worming etc and is the right age to go to their new home. We have found Chevromist Kennels to be exemplary in their level of knowledge and service both before and after adopting a puppy and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone wishing to adopt a Designer breed puppy. You can visit their website with photos of their beautiful puppies at www.chevromist.com