Dachshund Cross Maltese: The Complete Dachsund Maltese Mix Guide

What Is a Dachshund Cross Maltese?

The dachshund cross Maltese — sometimes called a "Dachsund Maltese" or "Maltese Dachshund mix" — is a designer mixed breed that combines the bold, curious nature of the Dachshund with the gentle, affectionate temperament of the Maltese. This small companion dog typically weighs between 8 and 20 pounds (3.6–9 kg) and stands 6 to 12 inches (15–30 cm) tall at the shoulder, though individual variation is significant because two very different parent breeds are involved.

Unlike purebred dogs governed by a written breed standard, designer mixes like the dachshund cross Maltese inherit traits unpredictably. One puppy in a litter might look almost entirely Dachshund-like with short legs and a long body, while a sibling might resemble a Maltese with a fluffier coat and more proportionate build. This variability is the defining feature of any first-generation cross, and prospective owners should be prepared for a range of possible outcomes.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Dachshund and Maltese

To understand what a dachshund cross Maltese might be like, you need to understand both parent breeds. Each contributes a distinct set of traits, and knowing these helps you anticipate — but not predict — what your dog may inherit.

Trait	Dachshund	Maltese
AKC Group	Hound	Toy
Weight	Standard: 16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg); Miniature: under 11 lb (5 kg)	Under 7 lb (3.2 kg)
Height	Standard: 8–9 in (20–23 cm); Miniature: 5–6 in (13–15 cm)	7–9 in (18–23 cm)
Coat Types	Smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired	Long, silky, single coat
Shedding	Low to moderate (varies by coat type)	Minimal — often considered low-shedding
Energy Level	Moderate — bred to hunt, needs daily activity	Low to moderate — companion dog
Temperament	Bold, curious, stubborn, vocal	Gentle, affectionate, alert, sometimes anxious
Trainability	Independent — can be challenging	Eager but sensitive — responds to gentle methods
Lifespan	12–16 years	12–15 years
Key Health Concerns	IVDD, obesity, dental disease	Luxating patella, dental disease, tear staining

The Dachshund was originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers — the name literally means "badger dog." This working heritage gives them a strong prey drive, a loud bark, and a determined streak that can make training a test of patience. The AKC Dachshund breed standard describes them as "clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness."

The Maltese, by contrast, is one of the oldest companion breeds, with origins tracing back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean island of Malta. They were bred purely for companionship, resulting in a dog that bonds closely with its people and thrives on attention. The AKC Maltese breed standard notes their "gentle, playful, and affectionate" nature.

Size, Build, and Physical Appearance

One of the most common questions about the dachshund cross Maltese is how big they'll get. The honest answer: it depends heavily on which parent the puppy favors and whether the Dachshund parent was a Standard or Miniature.

Size Category	Weight Range	Height at Shoulder	Typical Parent Combination
Small (Mini Dachshund parent)	8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg)	6–9 in (15–23 cm)	Miniature Dachshund × Maltese
Medium (Standard Dachshund parent)	12–20 lb (5.4–9 kg)	9–12 in (23–30 cm)	Standard Dachshund × Maltese

Body structure is equally variable. Some dachshund cross Maltese dogs inherit the Dachshund's characteristic long body and short legs (chondrodysplastic build), while others have a more proportionate, Maltese-like frame. This matters for health — dogs that inherit the elongated spine are at higher risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), so knowing your puppy's likely build helps you plan preventive care.

Coat Types and Grooming Needs

The dachshund cross Maltese can inherit a surprising range of coat types, since the Dachshund alone comes in three varieties (smooth, wirehaired, longhaired) and the Maltese has a distinctive long, single-layer silky coat. Here's what you might encounter:

• Smooth/Short coat: Inherited from a smooth-coated Dachshund parent. Low-maintenance — weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt, occasional baths. Moderate shedding.
• Wirehaired coat: Inherited from a wirehaired Dachshund parent. Requires hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks. Low shedding but needs professional grooming to maintain texture.
• Long/Silky coat: Inherited from either a longhaired Dachshund or the Maltese parent. Daily brushing required to prevent mats, professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. Minimal shedding but high maintenance.
• Mixed texture: A combination — perhaps wavy or slightly wiry with longer furnishings on ears, legs, and tail. Brushing 3–4 times per week with professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.

Is the dachshund cross Maltese hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic. While Maltese are often marketed as low-allergen dogs because they shed minimally, allergens are found in dander and saliva, not just fur. A dachshund cross Maltese with a Maltese-type coat will likely shed less, but if the puppy inherits a smooth or wirehaired Dachshund coat, shedding will be more noticeable. People with dog allergies should spend time with the specific puppy before committing — individual reaction varies far more than breed generalizations suggest.

Temperament: What to Expect

The dachshund cross Maltese temperament typically falls somewhere on a spectrum between the Dachshund's bold independence and the Maltese's gentle sociability. Most owners report a dog that is affectionate with family, alert to strangers, and moderately playful — but individual variation is the rule, not the exception.

Best-case scenario: You get a dog that combines the Maltese's eagerness to please with the Dachshund's spunky confidence. This dog is trainable using positive reinforcement methods, enjoys daily walks and play sessions, bonds deeply with family, and is friendly (if initially cautious) with visitors. They adapt well to apartment living and make excellent companions for adults and older children.

Challenging scenario: The puppy inherits the Dachshund's stubbornness and vocal tendencies combined with the Maltese's sensitivity and potential separation anxiety. This can result in a dog that barks excessively when left alone, resists training commands, and becomes stressed in busy households. Early socialization and consistent, force-free training from puppyhood are critical to prevent these patterns from solidifying.

With children: Due to their small size and potential for a long, fragile spine (if they inherit the Dachshund build), dachshund cross Maltese dogs are best suited to homes with children aged 8 and older who understand how to handle small dogs gently. Young children may accidentally injure a small dog by picking them up incorrectly or dropping them.

With other pets: The Dachshund's prey drive means some individuals will chase cats, small dogs, or pocket pets. Early introduction and supervised interactions are essential. Maltese tend to be more accepting of other animals, so the mix varies.

Health Considerations: Separating Myth from Reality

Let's address a common misconception directly: hybrid vigor does not eliminate health problems. While crossbreeding can reduce the risk of certain recessive genetic conditions that are common in one parent breed, it does not provide blanket immunity from disease. A dachshund cross Maltese can inherit health conditions from either parent, and some conditions are common to both breeds.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, here are the key health conditions to monitor:

Condition	Inherited From	Prevalence/Notes	Prevention/Management
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Dachshund (primarily)	Dachshunds are 10–12 times more likely to develop IVDD than other breeds. Risk increases if puppy inherits long-backed build.	Maintain lean body weight, avoid jumping on/off furniture, use ramps, no tug-of-war with neck strain. Consult your veterinarian about screening.
Luxating Patella	Both breeds (common in small dogs)	Grade I–IV severity. Common in toy and small breeds.	Weight management, avoid excessive jumping. Surgical correction available for severe cases.
Dental Disease	Both breeds	Small dogs are predisposed due to tooth crowding. Periodontal disease often begins by age 3.	Daily tooth brushing, veterinary dental cleanings every 1–2 years, dental chews as supplement (not replacement for brushing).
Obesity	Both breeds (Dachshunds especially prone)	Excess weight dramatically increases IVDD risk and joint stress.	Measured feeding, body condition score monitoring (target BCS 4–5/9), regular exercise.
Tracheal Collapse	Maltese (primarily)	Progressive weakening of tracheal cartilage. Causes honking cough.	Use a harness instead of a collar, avoid obesity, minimize exposure to smoke/irritants.
Eye Conditions	Both breeds	Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts reported in both breeds.	Annual veterinary eye exams, especially after age 7.

Recommended health screenings: Ask your breeder whether both parent dogs have been screened for IVDD risk (many responsible Dachshund breeders now test for the chondrodysplasia gene variant), patellar luxation, and eye conditions. The AKC DNA testing program offers panels that can identify carriers of certain inherited conditions.

For any health concerns with your dachshund cross Maltese, always consult your veterinarian rather than relying on online symptom checkers. Early intervention — especially for IVDD and dental disease — significantly improves outcomes.

Cost, Availability, and Finding Your Dog

The cost of a dachshund cross Maltese varies significantly depending on the source, breeder reputation, and your location.

Source	Typical Cost Range (2026)	What's Included	Availability
Reputable breeder	$800–$2,500	Health-tested parents, first vaccinations, deworming, health guarantee, take-back clause	Limited — may require waitlist
Backyard breeder/online listing	$300–$800	Usually minimal health screening, basic vaccinations only	Widely available — high risk of health/temperament issues
Rescue/shelter adoption	$150–$400	Spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, behavioral assessment	Occasional — check breed-specific rescues for both parent breeds

First-year total cost estimate: Beyond the purchase price, budget $1,200–$2,800 for first-year expenses including spay/neuter ($300–$600), initial veterinary exams and vaccinations ($200–$400), high-quality food ($250–$500/year for a small dog), grooming ($300–$800/year depending on coat type), supplies (crate, harness, bed, toys: $200–$400), and pet insurance ($300–$600/year).

Finding a responsible breeder: Look for breeders who health-test both parent dogs (not just "vet checked" — ask for OFA or PennHIP certifications for patellas, eye clearance from a veterinary ophthalmologist, and genetic testing results). A responsible breeder will ask you as many questions as you ask them, require a home visit or video tour, and include a take-back clause in their contract. Check the ASPCA adoption resources for rescue alternatives.

Rescue options: Check Dachshund-specific rescues (such as National Dachshund Rescue Foundation) and Maltese rescues (such as National Maltese Rescue). Mixed-breed dogs from these breeds frequently end up in rescue when owners underestimate the Dachshund's training needs or the Maltese's grooming requirements.

Who Is the Dachshund Cross Maltese Best Suited For?

This mix works best for:

• Adults or families with older children (8+) who can handle a small dog gently
• Apartment or condo dwellers — their moderate exercise needs and small size suit smaller living spaces, though barking may be an issue in close-quarters buildings
• People who want an affectionate companion rather than a working or sport dog
• Owners with some dog experience — the Dachshund's stubbornness can challenge first-time owners, though it's manageable with patience and positive reinforcement
• People who work from home or have flexible schedules — this mix tends to bond closely and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long hours

This mix may not be ideal for:

• Families with toddlers or very young children — small size and potential spinal fragility make injury risk significant
• People who are away from home 8+ hours daily — separation anxiety risk is real
• Households with cats or small pets — unless the puppy is socialized early and prey drive is assessed
• Those seeking a highly obedient, easily trained dog — this mix can be willful
• People who dislike barking — both parent breeds tend to be vocal

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up the dachshund cross Maltese?

A purebred Dachshund (either Standard or Miniature) and a purebred Maltese. The specific traits of the offspring depend heavily on which variety of Dachshund was used and which generation the cross represents (F1, F1B, F2, or multigen).

How big will a dachshund cross Maltese get?

Most fall between 8–20 lb (3.6–9 kg) and 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) at the shoulder. The size depends primarily on whether the Dachshund parent was a Miniature (under 11 lb) or Standard (16–32 lb). Ask the breeder for the exact weights of both parent dogs to estimate your puppy's adult size more accurately.

Is the dachshund cross Maltese hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. If your dog inherits a Maltese-type single coat, they will likely shed minimally. If they inherit a smooth or wirehaired Dachshund coat, shedding will be more noticeable. You cannot predict this reliably in F1 puppies — coat type often becomes clearer around 6–8 weeks of age but can still change as the dog matures.

What health issues might this mix inherit?

The most significant concern is IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), particularly if the dog inherits the Dachshund's long-backed build. Other conditions include luxating patella, dental disease, obesity, tracheal collapse, and eye conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups, weight management, and using a harness instead of a collar are key preventive measures.

How much does a dachshund cross Maltese cost?

From a reputable breeder, expect to pay $800–$2,500. Rescue adoption fees typically range from $150–$400. Avoid breeders offering puppies under $500 without health testing documentation — this often indicates minimal investment in the parents' health and welfare.

Are dachshund cross Maltese dogs good with children?

They can be excellent with respectful, gentle children aged 8 and older. Their small size and potential spinal vulnerability (if long-backed) make them unsuitable for households with toddlers who may pick them up roughly or accidentally drop them. Always supervise interactions between any dog and children.

How much exercise does a dachshund cross Maltese need?

Plan for 30–45 minutes of daily activity, split into two or three sessions. This can include leash walks, indoor play, and sniffing enrichment. If your dog has inherited the Dachshund's long back, avoid activities that involve jumping on and off furniture or running up and down stairs — use ramps and carry them when needed.

Do dachshund cross Maltese dogs bark a lot?

Both parent breeds are known for being vocal. Dachshunds were bred to alert hunters with their loud bark, and Maltese are naturally alert watchdogs. Expect some barking at doorbells, passersby, and unfamiliar sounds. Consistent positive reinforcement training can manage excessive barking, but a completely silent dachshund cross Maltese is unlikely.