The crossbreed between a Border Collie and a Maltese inherit traits from both parent breeds, resulting in a variety of characteristics such as intelligence, energy, and friendliness. They may have a curly or wavy coat that is typically white or black and white in color.
The Maltese Border Collie mix is a highly trainable and active dog that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. We will get to know more about this rare crossbreed as we go along.
Characteristics of Maltese Border Collies
The Border Collie is a highly valued working dog breed known for its energy and stamina. They thrive in active families and form strong bonds with their owners. The Maltese is a popular small dog breed that is adaptable and makes a great family pet. They are loving, intelligent, and good with children but require respect to prevent any nipping. They are also a light shedder and considered hypoallergenic, suitable for many people.
As a result, a mix of these breeds is likely to be energetic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be smart and quick to learn, making them trainable and responsive to commands.
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Size | Small - Medium |
| Coat | Long and smooth |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Trainability | High |
| Children Friendly | Yes |
| Temperament | Affectionate intelligent friendly independent energetic Loyal Playful Outgoing Protective |
| Litter Size | 2-5 |
| Lifespan | 12-17 years |
History of Maltese Border Collie Hybrid
Most pet owners, even the breeders, will find it challenging to predict which parent breed’s characteristics will be transferred to the mixed breed’s offspring. It is by having a deep understanding of the parent breed’s background that will help someone get to know the characteristics of the Maltese Border Collie Hybrid.
The Border Collie dog is a working dog that is smart and packed with boundless enthusiasm. Their development happened in Scotland and England with the breeding purpose of herding sheep. Initially, the word “collie” describes Scotland’s sheepdog. Hence, the name “Border Collie” comes from the fact that these dogs were always guarding the frontiers between England, Scotland, and Wales.
The American Kennel Club officially included the Border Collie in the Herding Dog Group in 1995. Moreover, Border Collies are famous for their determination to do their work assignments. They also have an exceptionally focused gaze and respond well to any commands from their master.
On the other hand, Maltese toy dogs are a far more relaxed, friendly, and compact breed. Malta, a small island off the coast of Sicily, is said to be the place of origin of the Maltese dog. Evidence shows that this dog became a symbol of social prestige during the Greco-Roman times.
In 1300, the Maltese went to England because of Norman ties in Sicily. These toy dogs gained popularity, especially with affluent women. Thanks to their diminutive stature.
The Westminster Kennel Club hosted an American dog show in 1877, where the Maltese debuted. The year after that, in 1888, the American Kennel Club officially registered them as a dog breed.
Appearance of Border Collie Maltese Mix
Cross-mixing two different dog breeds will give you a furry friend whose characteristics will depend primarily on one species or the other. In cases like the Border Colltese, the pups will most likely display a small to medium-sized body.
One of its parent breeds, the Border Collie, has a medium-framed body that is slightly longer. Their build is somewhat athletic, yet they look so charming. Border Collies are either smooth-coated or rough-coated.
Regarding their tails, the Border Collie boasts a fluffy one usually seen in a downward direction. Known for their fierce gaze, the eyes of the Border Collie show off a brown color. Yet, you can also see some Border Collies with grey and deep blue eyes.
On the other hand, the Maltese are small dog with compact body structure. The most notable physical trait of a Maltese dog is its fluffy coat that comes in white color. Their face and head are round and broad, respectively. The silky fur that the Maltese have generally covered their entire body, including their face and legs.
Knowing that, we will already have an idea of the possible looks of the Border Colltese to think that this mix breed may inherit any of its parent breed’s stunning appearance.
Size, Height & Weight
The Border Collie Maltese mix may stand and weigh between the middle of their parent’s size range. Border Collie has a height of 18 to 22 inches and a weight of 26 to 44 pounds. Meanwhile, the height and weight of the Maltese are from 7 to 9 inches and 6 to 8 pounds, respectively. That means the mixed pups from these two parent breeds may come in that size value.
Coats & Colors
Usually, Border Collie’s coats exhibit white color with black markings. However, when breeders tend to combine it with the solid white coat of the Maltese, it will result in variations of the black and white coat pattern of the Border Collie Maltese Mix. Other coat colors available for Border Collies are bluish-gray, chocolate, lilac, slate, tan, and any color patterns this hybrid can also inherit.
Variations are generally available regarding the coat texture and length. For instance, the Border Colltese will have a double coat if this dog mix inherits the medium coat gene of the Border Collie. If the Maltese gene runs in their blood, this mix will likely have a single-layer coat.
Personality & Temperament of Border Collie Maltese Mix
Affectionate, intelligent, and highly active – three words that best describe the Border Collie dog breed. However, when it comes to any of its mixes, one cannot guarantee that all of those traits can be passed to its offspring. In general, lots of Border Collie mixes will mostly be like that. Yet, regarding Maltese mixes, one may expect to bring home an easy-going dog breed that loves to be cuddled.
With the excellent characteristics of the Maltese and the Border Collie, one will always go right bringing this crossbreed home.
Intelligence of Border Collie Maltese Mix
Regarding intelligence, Border Collies are on top of the list. They are quick to learn and excel best in problem-solving and training. This breed always wants to keep its mind and body stimulated. That’s why they require a lot of exercise.
On the other hand, the intelligence of the Maltese is more evident in their socialization skills and emotional aspect. They are quick learners in reading human emotions and body language, making them excellent therapy dogs. However, they may not excel in tasks that require problem-solving skills or complex obedience training.
It is challenging to predict when it comes to the intelligence of a Border Collie and Maltese mix. The offspring may inherit the intelligence of both parents or lean more towards one breed. However, it’s safe to say that this hybrid breed will be intelligent and trainable but may have a more balanced temperament regarding energy levels and socialization skills compared to the high-energy border collie and the gentle Maltese.
Energy
The energy level of a Border Collie Maltese mix can vary depending on the individual dog and the genetic traits of each parent breed. High-energy dogs like Border Collies require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Pet owners should not disregard this for the Border Collies to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Meanwhile, Maltese dogs are low-energy canines that quickly get satisfied with only short walks and indoor playtime.
Family & Kids
A Border Collie Maltese mix can make a great family pet if they are adequately trained and socialized from a young age. Border Collies are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families, while Maltese dogs are gentle and loving. This mix may inherit these traits and make a great companion for adults and children.
Moreover, early socialization with kids is crucial to ensure that both the dog and the kids are comfortable with each other. As a result, adequate training and socialization of the Border Collie Maltese mix will make a great family pet and fur buddy.
Other Animals
A well-socialized Colltese Mix is a hybrid known for its intelligence and herding abilities. It is expected to have positive interactions and get along well with other dogs. Although they tend to have a preference for human companionship, they can still be sociable with other dogs if they have been exposed to positive experiences with them from an early age.
It’s important to note that individual personalities and temperaments can still vary among this mixed breed even with proper socialization. Some of them may naturally be more reserved or cautious around other dogs, regardless of their socialization experiences. However, a well-socialized one should generally be comfortable and have the ability to interact positively with other dogs, provided that the introductions and interactions are conducted in a safe and controlled manner.
Strangers
Even though your Border Collie Maltese mix is shy at first, with little patience and time, you can teach them to welcome new people. While Border Collies may be shy of new people, Maltese are known for their outgoing personalities. This hybrid might take like its parents and be wary of strangers initially, but with the proper upbringing, it can learn to open up.
Do Maltese Border Collies Bark A Lot
The barking tendencies of Maltese dogs and Border Collies differ. Maltese dogs are sometimes labeled as excessive barkers, but this can be addressed through training and proper owner reactions. Toy-sized dogs, including Maltese, generally bark more frequently.
On the other hand, Border Collies are naturally inclined to bark, especially when visually stimulated by fast-moving objects like bikes or skateboards. Their barking serves as a means of alerting and communicating. With that, the Maltese Border Collie may bark a lot.
Are Border Collie Maltese Mix Good for Newbie Dog Owners?
When considering the suitability for first-time owners, Maltese dogs are often recommended due to their friendly and sociable nature.
On the other hand, Border Collies, while highly intelligent and trainable, may not be the best choice for first-time owners. Their high energy levels and intelligence require experienced owners who can provide sufficient mental stimulation and physical exercise.
So, a mix from this breed may or may not be suitable for first-timers, depending on what parent breed dominates the most.
Training & Exercise of Maltese Border Collie
Collies require a minimum of two hours of daily exercise, which should be spread throughout the day and include walks and off-lead activities in secure areas. Mental stimulation is also important for Collies to keep their brains active. On the other hand, Maltese dogs, despite being small, are energetic and benefit from around 30 minutes of daily walks to maintain a healthy lifestyle and burn off energy.
Both breeds require exercise for their well-being. Meaning, the crossbreed of the two must have at least an hour of exercise.
Taking Care & Maintenance of Border Collie Maltese Mix
To take care of a Border Collie Maltese mix, you need to brush their coat daily and give them a bath once a month. Don’t forget to take care of any specific coat needs as they have a Border Collie lineage in their blood. Clean their eyes and ears regularly too. Feed them a balanced diet and take them for daily walks.
Train and socialize them from a young age, and make sure you provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Make sure that they receive routine veterinary care as well as providing a loving and stimulating environment.
Health of Maltese Border Collie
The Maltese dog is generally a healthy breed with few health issues and has a relatively long lifespan. Consequently, individual dogs can still be susceptible to other health problems or genetic conditions.
Meanwhile, the BorderCollies are generally healthy and hardy dogs but can be prone to certain health conditions that affect all large dogs, as well as a few diseases they are genetically predisposed to. However, it’s important to note that not all individuals of the breed will necessarily develop these conditions, as genetics are only one factor among many that contribute to a dog’s health.
Since the Maltese and Border Collie blood run in this crossbreed’s lineage, pet owners may expect to see these conditions in their dogs.
Diet & Nutrition
A balanced diet consisting of a combination of good quality dry food, meat, and vegetables is beneficial for a Border Collie’s nutritional needs. To provide a well-rounded diet for a Border Collie, it is recommended to offer a mix of dry food, which often contains balanced nutrition and dental benefits, along with meat and vegetables.
The Maltese dog diet primarily consists of cereals, specifically pasta and traditional Maltese bread, dairy products, eggs, and sugar, particularly from soft drinks.
It’s important to emphasize that a well-balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for a dog’s overall health and well-being. A healthy diet for a Maltese Border Collie dog mix should consist of high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. This should include appropriate amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Life Span
The life expectancy of Border Collies is relatively longer than other dogs. If you have a Border Collie, expect them to live from 12 to 17 years. Meanwhile, the Maltese dog can live from 12 to 15 years. With that, it is good to conclude that the mix breed’s life years may also fall within this range.
However, physical problems may still exist in all dog breeds. That’s why it is a crucial responsibility for any pet owner to understand their predispositions.
Health Issues
The Border Collie-Maltese hybrid could inherit characteristics from either parent. The breeding process is a significant factor in the offspring’s characteristics and health.
In case the dog is a designer hybrid, chances are some genetic health may be reduced. However, there will be an increased risk of developing a specific disease, and there is a predisposition to the illness of both parents.
Both parent breeds are prone to specific diseases. But, the Border Collie Maltese Mix may suffer from the following health issues as both of the parent dogs may carry these diseases:
Patent Ductus Arteriosus – a heart condition that results from cardiac failure to
maintain the arteries open. This organ failure and cardiac overload may come from the imbalance of the resultant blood flow. The crossbreed of Border Collie Maltese has an increased risk of inheriting this disease. This is due to the prevalence of the disease in toy breeds like the Maltese.
Hip Dysplasia – a common condition of the bone in canines in which heredity and
environmental factors may be one of the potential causes. The bones get distorted and tend to rub against each other because of the wear and tear on the ball and socket joint of the dog’s leg. Compared to medium-sized or small-sized dogs, their larger counterparts are more prone to this disease.
Grooming a Maltese Border Collie
When it comes to grooming a Border Collie Maltese mix, brushing is particularly important. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair, prevents matting, and promotes a healthy coat. The specific brushing technique may vary based on the dog’s coat condition and length. Grooming involves various tasks such as bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Regular grooming sessions help maintain the cleanliness and health of the dog’s coat and skin, as well as prevent matting and tangles. It’s important to note that grooming needs may differ between individual Border Collies and Maltese mixes. Factors such as coat length, lifestyle, and environmental conditions can influence the frequency and extent of grooming required. Consulting with a professional groomer or veterinarian can provide tailored advice on the most suitable grooming routine for a specific Border Collie Maltese mix.
Does a Border Collie Maltese Mix Shed a Lot?
Maltese dogs are considered a non-shedding breed, indicating that they shed less compared to other dog breeds. This is attributed to the fact that Maltese dogs have hair rather than fur. It further suggests that their shedding is similar to that of humans, where strands of hair may be found occasionally, but not clumps.
Border Collies experience seasonal shedding during the spring and fall. During these periods, they go through a coat change to prepare for the upcoming seasons.
Since the above breeds are the parent breed of the Mix, shedding may be present, with an increased amount of loose hair being released. Therefore, more frequent grooming during the shedding seasons to manage the excess hair and keep the coat in good condition.
Male vs Female Maltese Border Collie Mix
In general, males of this particular mix breed tend to form strong bonds with their human family, while females may exhibit a slightly more independent nature but are still affectionate. If you desire a loyal companion who stays by your side, a male dog is a good choice. However, females are typically less anxious when left alone and easier to leave alone than males.
Moreover, male dogs are more likely to engage in sex-specific behaviors such as urine marking, where they may urinate to establish territory or communicate with other dogs. On the other hand, females are generally less prone to exhibiting these behaviors, making them easier to manage in terms of preventing urine marking.
Cost of Getting a Maltese Border Collie
The cost of a Maltese dog can vary depending on a number of factors, including the breeder, the dog’s lineage, and the dog’s age. In general, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for a Maltese puppy. They may have no champions in their bloodline and are bred to be companion animals – not show dogs.
On average, the price of a Border Collie dog is around $700, but it can vary depending on the source. Prices on the AKC marketplace, for example, can range from $1500 to $2000.
Maltese Border Collie Puppies
On average, a Maltese litter consists of 2 to 5 puppies, although it’s not uncommon to have just 1 puppy or occasionally 6 or more. Female dogs can become pregnant at any time during their heat cycle, but their most fertile period typically occurs around 10 to 15 days from the beginning of their heat.
Perhaps, to ensure the well-being of a female dog, it is recommended that she does not produce more than 4 to 5 liters in her lifetime, provided she remains in good health.
Knowing these values, it is good to conclude that the Border Collie Maltese mix may have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 puppies in her life years.
Breeders & Shelters
If you’re considering buying a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to follow responsible practices and ensure the well-being of the puppy. There are also guidelines to help potential Border Collie Maltese mix buyers make informed decisions.
Remember, adopting a puppy from a reputable rescue organization or considering a mixed breed or shelter dog is also a valuable option. Rescue dogs can make wonderful companions, and by adopting, you are giving them a second chance at a loving home.
Conclusion: Is Border Collie Maltese Mix Right For You?
A Border Collie Maltese mix is likely to inherit the energetic nature of the Border Collie parent breed. They will thrive in an active household that can provide regular exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities such as obedience training or agility can help meet their physical and mental needs. If you enjoy an active lifestyle and have the time to commit to these activities, a Border Collie Maltese mix can be an excellent companion.
Furthermore, previous experience with dogs can be beneficial when owning a Border Collie Maltese mix. Both parent breeds have unique characteristics and temperaments that may require a confident and knowledgeable owner. Understanding the needs, training requirements, and potential challenges associated with both Border Collies and Maltese can help ensure a positive and successful ownership experience.
In summary, owning a Border Collie Maltese mix can be a fulfilling experience for an owner with an active lifestyle, sufficient time for exercise and mental stimulation, and previous experience with dogs. By providing the necessary physical and mental stimulation, training, and a loving home, a Border Collie Maltese mix can become a cherished companion and a source of joy and fulfillment in your life.
