Maltese Doxie Mix: The Complete Dachshund Maltese Cross Guide

If you've been searching for a small companion dog with a big personality, the Maltese Doxie mix (sometimes called a "Doxtese" or "Malchshund") may have crossed your radar. This designer cross pairs the silky-coated, gentle Maltese with the bold, low-slung Dachshund — and the result can be a charming, affectionate dog that fits well in apartments and smaller homes.

But here's what many breeder websites won't tell you: mixed-breed dogs are genetic lotteries. A Maltese Doxie mix can inherit any combination of traits from either parent, and predicting exactly what your puppy will look like, act like, or weigh at adulthood is impossible. This guide breaks down what we can reasonably expect based on the parent breeds, the health conditions you should screen for, and who this cross genuinely suits best.

What Two Breeds Make Up the Maltese Doxie Mix?

The Maltese Doxie mix is a first-generation or multigenerational cross between two AKC-recognized purebreds: the Maltese and the Dachshund. Let's look at what each parent brings to the table.

The Maltese Parent

One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese has been a lap companion for over 2,000 years. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed standard calls for a dog under 7 pounds with a long, straight, white coat and a gentle, playful temperament. Maltese dogs are known for being alert, responsive, and deeply bonded to their people. They tend to be less yappy than some toy breeds but will announce visitors with enthusiasm.

The Dachshund Parent

The Dachshund — "badger dog" in German — was originally bred to hunt burrowing animals. The AKC breed standard describes a bold, curious dog with a long body, short legs, and a confident bark. Dachshunds come in three coat varieties (smooth, longhaired, wirehaired) and two sizes: standard (16–32 lb) and miniature (11 lb and under). They're famously stubborn, loyal, and prone to digging and burrowing under blankets.

Parent Breed Comparison

Trait	Maltese	Dachshund (Miniature)
Weight	Under 7 lb (3.2 kg)	11 lb and under (5 kg)
Height	7–9 in (18–23 cm)	5–6 in (13–15 cm)
Coat	Long, silky, single coat	Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired; double coat
Shedding	Very low	Low to moderate (varies by coat type)
Energy Level	Moderate; playful but not high-drive	Moderate; bursts of energy, loves sniffing
Trainability	Moderate; responds to positive methods	Low to moderate; independent, food-motivated
Barking	Moderate; alert barker	High; vocal and territorial
Lifespan	12–15 years	12–16 years

Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, and Multigen Maltese Doxie Mixes

How Big Will a Maltese Doxie Mix Get?

Size prediction is one of the trickiest aspects of this cross, because it depends entirely on which size Dachshund was used as the parent. Most responsible breeders use miniature Dachshunds (11 lb and under) to keep the size compatible with the tiny Maltese. However, some may use standard Dachshunds, which dramatically changes the expected outcome.

Maltese Doxie Mix Size Range

Scenario	Weight Range	Height at Shoulder
Miniature Dachshund parent (most common)	6–12 lb (2.7–5.4 kg)	6–10 in (15–25 cm)
Standard Dachshund parent (less common)	10–20 lb (4.5–9 kg)	8–12 in (20–30 cm)
F1B backcrossed to Maltese	5–9 lb (2.3–4 kg)	6–9 in (15–23 cm)

The body shape is equally unpredictable. Some Maltese Doxie mixes inherit the Dachshund's elongated spine and short legs, while others have the Maltese's more proportional, slightly longer-legged build. Many land somewhere in between — a moderately low-slung dog that isn't as extreme as a pure Dachshund.

Coat Types, Colors, and Shedding: What to Expect

Coat inheritance in this cross is genuinely a roll of the dice. The Maltese carries genes for a long, single-layered, silky coat. The Dachshund can carry genes for three completely different coat types. Here are the most common outcomes:

• Long and silky (Maltese-dominant): Soft, flowing hair that may have a slight wave. Low shedding but requires daily brushing to prevent mats. This is the coat most breeders aim for.
• Short and smooth (Dachshund-dominant): Sleek, close-lying hair similar to a smooth-coat Dachshund. Minimal grooming needed but moderate seasonal shedding.
• Wavy or wire-textured (mixed expression): A medium-length coat with some coarseness or wave. Moderate maintenance; may need professional stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks.

Colors: While Maltese are always white, Dachshunds come in a wide range — red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, dapple, brindle, and sable. A Maltese Doxie mix may be white, cream, black and white, red and white, chocolate, or even dapple (merle-patterned). Dapple coats are striking but come with additional health considerations (see the health section below).

Is the Maltese Doxie Mix Hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but a Maltese Doxie mix that inherits the Maltese's single-layered, hair-like coat will be very low shedding and may be better tolerated by people with mild dog allergies. However, if the puppy inherits the Dachshund's double coat, expect moderate shedding — especially during seasonal coat blows in spring and fall. Allergy sufferers should spend time with the specific puppy before committing, as individual coat types vary even within a litter.

Temperament: Best-Case and Challenging Scenarios

Temperament is where the Maltese Doxie mix can be either a dream or a challenge, depending on which parent's personality genes dominate and — critically — how the dog is socialized during the 3-to-14-week critical period.

Best-Case Temperament

A well-socialized Maltese Doxie mix combines the Maltese's gentle affection with the Dachshund's playful curiosity. You get a dog that:

• Forms deep bonds with family members and enjoys lap time
• Is alert and aware without being excessively barky
• Shows moderate energy — happy with a 20–30 minute walk plus indoor play
• Gets along with respectful children and other pets when properly introduced
• Displays charming "big dog" confidence despite small stature

Challenging Temperament Scenarios

Less ideally, a Maltese Doxie mix may inherit:

• Dachshund stubbornness + Maltese sensitivity: A dog that's both difficult to train and easily stressed by harsh corrections. Force-free, positive reinforcement training is essential — never use prong collars, shock collars, or alpha rolls on any dog, but especially not on a small, sensitive cross like this.
• High prey drive: Dachshunds were bred to chase and kill small animals. A Maltese Doxie mix with strong hunting instincts may chase cats, rabbits, or small dogs and may not be reliable off-leash in unfenced areas.
• Resource guarding or territorial barking: Both breeds can be possessive of their people and belongings. Early counter-conditioning and desensitization work is important.
• Separation anxiety: Both parent breeds are companion-oriented and prone to distress when left alone for long periods. This mix does best with owners who work from home or can arrange midday company.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor Myth vs. Reality

Let's address a common misconception head-on: hybrid vigor does not eliminate health risks. The concept of heterosis (hybrid vigor) suggests that crossbred dogs may have reduced risk of recessive genetic conditions that are common within a single breed. However, a crossbreed can still inherit dominant or polygenic conditions from either parent, and some health risks — like the Dachshund's susceptibility to spinal disease — are structural, not purely genetic.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, responsible breeding requires health screening of both parent breeds. Here's what Maltese Doxie mix owners should know:

Conditions Inherited From the Dachshund Side

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is the single biggest health concern. Dachshunds have a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of developing IVDD, where the discs between vertebrae degenerate or herniate, potentially causing pain, nerve damage, or paralysis. A Maltese Doxie mix with the Dachshund's elongated spine is at elevated risk. Preventive measures include maintaining a lean body condition score (BCS of 4-5 out of 9), using ramps instead of allowing jumping on/off furniture, and avoiding activities that put spinal stress (like navigating steep stairs repeatedly).
• Patellar Luxation: The kneecap can slip out of place, causing intermittent lameness. Common in small breeds of all types.
• Obesity: Dachshunds are food-motivated and prone to weight gain, which directly worsens spinal stress. Measured feeding and calorie tracking are essential.

Conditions Inherited From the Maltese Side

• Luxating Patella: Also common in Maltese; this condition overlaps with the Dachshund risk.
• Dental Disease: Small mouths crowd teeth, leading to plaque buildup, gingivitis, and early tooth loss. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste is strongly recommended from puppyhood.
• White Shaker Syndrome (idiopathic cerebellitis): A neurological condition causing tremors, seen primarily in small white dogs. The cause is unknown (idiopathic), but it responds well to corticosteroid treatment.
• Hypoglycemia: Very small Maltese Doxie mixes (under 5 lb as adults) may be prone to low blood sugar episodes, especially as puppies. Frequent small meals help prevent this.

Conditions From Either Parent

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Both breeds can carry PRA genes.
• Collapsed Trachea: Common in toy and small breeds; causes a honking cough, especially when pulling on a collar. A harness (never a neck collar for walking) is essential for this mix.
• Mitral Valve Disease: A heart condition common in aging small breeds; regular veterinary cardiac auscultation after age 7 is recommended.

Recommended Health Screenings

If you're purchasing from a breeder, ask for documentation that both parent dogs have been screened for:

• Patella evaluation (OFA certification)
• Cardiac exam (OFA or board-certified cardiologist)
• Ophthalmologist evaluation (CERF/OFA eye exam)
• Dachshund parent: Lafora disease DNA test (if miniature) and PRA DNA panel

Grooming and Daily Care Requirements

Your Maltese Doxie mix's grooming needs depend entirely on which coat type they inherit. Here's a practical breakdown:

Grooming Schedule by Coat Type

Coat Type	Brushing	Bathing	Professional Grooming	Additional Needs
Long/silky (Maltese-type)	Daily, 10–15 min	Every 2–3 weeks	Every 6–8 weeks ($50–$80 per session)	Daily eye wiping to prevent tear staining; ear hair plucking
Short/smooth (Dachshund-type)	Weekly, 5 min	Every 4–6 weeks	Rarely needed	Nail trims every 2–3 weeks; ear cleaning weekly
Wavy/wire (mixed)	2–3 times per week	Every 3–4 weeks	Every 8–10 weeks ($45–$70)	Hand-stripping may be needed for wire coats; regular mat checks behind ears

Universal care needs regardless of coat type:

• Daily tooth brushing with enzymatic dog toothpaste (e.g., Virbac C.E.T. or Sentry Petrodex)
• Nail trims every 2–3 weeks — long nails alter gait and put additional stress on an already vulnerable spine
• Ear cleaning weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser, especially for floppy-eared individuals
• Anal gland expression as needed (some small breeds require monthly manual expression; your vet or groomer can assess)

Exercise, Training, and Mental Stimulation

Despite their small size, Maltese Doxie mixes need regular physical and mental exercise. A bored, under-stimulated dog of this cross is likely to develop nuisance barking, destructive chewing, or digging behaviors.

Daily exercise target: 30–45 minutes total, which can include:

• Two 15–20 minute leash walks (use a well-fitted harness, not a neck collar, to protect the trachea and spine)
• Indoor sniffing games or food puzzles (a snuffle mat or Kong frozen with peanut butter provides excellent mental stimulation)
• Short training sessions (5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily) using positive reinforcement — small, soft training treats work best

Training priorities for this mix:

1. Housetraining: Small dogs have small bladders and both parent breeds can be notoriously difficult to housetrain. Expect 4–6 months of consistent crate training and scheduled potty breaks (every 1–2 hours for young puppies).
2. Handling desensitization: Gently handle paws, ears, mouth, and body daily from puppyhood. This mix may be sensitive to being picked up or restrained.
3. Recall training: Start early, but never rely on recall in unfenced areas — the Dachshund prey drive can override training when a squirrel appears.
4. Bark management: Teach a "quiet" cue using counter-conditioning. Reward silence, redirect barking with an incompatible behavior (like "go to your mat").

Cost Breakdown: Purchase Price and Annual Expenses

The Maltese Doxie mix is a moderately priced designer cross, though costs vary significantly by breeder reputation, location, and whether health testing has been performed on parent dogs.

Cost Breakdown for a Maltese Doxie Mix

Expense Category	Estimated Cost
Puppy purchase (responsible breeder with health testing)	$800–$2,000
Puppy purchase (backyard breeder or accidental litter)	$300–$700
Adoption/rescue fee	$150–$400
First-year veterinary costs (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip)	$500–$1,000
Annual veterinary care (wellness exams, preventives)	$400–$700/year
Food (high-quality small-breed formula)	$200–$400/year
Grooming (if long coat)	$300–$600/year
Pet insurance (recommended for IVDD coverage)	$30–$60/month
Supplies (harness, crate, ramp, bed, toys)	$200–$400 initial

A note on pet insurance: Given the Dachshund's high IVDD risk, pet insurance is strongly recommended for this mix. IVDD surgery typically costs $3,000–$8,000 per episode. Look for policies that cover hereditary and congenital conditions without breed-specific exclusions. Companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Nationwide offer plans that cover IVDD — but you must enroll before any symptoms appear, as pre-existing conditions are universally excluded.

Breeder vs. Rescue Availability

The Maltese Doxie mix is not among the most common designer crosses (unlike Cavapoos or Goldendoodles), so finding a puppy may require patience. Reputable breeders will:

• Provide OFA or equivalent health clearances for both parent dogs
• Allow you to meet at least the dam (mother) on-site
• Offer a written health guarantee and take-back clause
• Ask you questions about your home and lifestyle
• Raise puppies in their home with early neurological stimulation (ENS) protocols

For those open to adoption, check Dachshund-specific rescues (like Dachshund Rescue of North America) and Maltese rescues — mixed-breed dogs from these breeds occasionally end up in breed-specific programs. Small-breed mixes are also common in general shelters, particularly in southern U.S. states.

Who Is the Maltese Doxie Mix Best Suited For?

After working with many small-breed owners, I've found that the Maltese Doxie mix tends to thrive in specific living situations — and struggles in others.

Ideal Homes

• Apartment or condo dwellers who want a small, moderate-energy companion
• Work-from-home owners or retirees who can provide consistent companionship (this mix does poorly with 8+ hours alone daily)
• Families with older, gentle children (ages 8+) who understand how to handle a small, potentially fragile dog — toddlers and preschoolers can accidentally injure a dog with a long spine
• First-time dog owners willing to invest in puppy socialization classes and positive reinforcement training
• Multi-pet households with other small dogs or calm cats (introductions should be gradual and supervised)

Less Ideal Homes

• Homes with very young children who may pick up, drop, or step on a small dog
• Owners who work long hours away from home without pet care arrangements
• Households with pet rodents, birds, or rabbits (prey drive risk)
• Anyone seeking a reliably obedient, off-leash hiking companion
• Homes with many stairs and no ramp alternatives (spinal stress concern)

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up the Maltese Doxie mix?

The Maltese Doxie mix is a cross between the Maltese (a toy breed known for its long white coat and gentle temperament) and the Dachshund (a short-legged hound breed originally used for badger hunting). Most breeders use the miniature Dachshund variety to keep sizes compatible.

How big will a Maltese Doxie mix get?

Most Maltese Doxie mixes weigh between 6 and 12 pounds (2.7–5.4 kg) and stand 6 to 10 inches (15–25 cm) at the shoulder when a miniature Dachshund parent is used. If a standard Dachshund was the parent, expect up to 20 pounds (9 kg) and 12 inches (30 cm). There is no way to guarantee a specific adult size with a crossbreed.

What will the temperament be like?

Expect an affectionate, alert companion with moderate energy. The exact temperament varies — some lean toward the Maltese's gentle sweetness, while others show more Dachshund independence, stubbornness, and vocal tendencies. Early socialization (exposure to diverse people, sounds, surfaces, and environments between 3–14 weeks) is the single most impactful thing you can do to shape a well-adjusted adult dog.

Is the Maltese Doxie mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. A Maltese Doxie mix that inherits the Maltese parent's single-layered coat will be very low shedding and may suit people with mild allergies. However, puppies inheriting the Dachshund's double coat will shed moderately. Always spend time with the specific puppy before committing if allergies are a concern.

What health issues might a Maltese Doxie mix inherit?

The most significant concern is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), inherited from the Dachshund side — particularly if the mix has an elongated body. Other risks include patellar luxation, dental disease, collapsed trachea, progressive retinal atrophy, and mitral valve disease in older age. Maintaining a healthy weight, using ramps, and walking on a harness (not a collar) are key preventive strategies.

How much does a Maltese Doxie mix cost?

Expect to pay $800–$2,000 from a responsible breeder who health-tests both parent dogs. Backyard breeders may charge $300–$700 but typically don't perform health screenings. Adoption through a rescue costs $150–$400. First-year expenses (vet care, supplies, food) typically add another $1,000–$2,000 on top of the purchase price.

How long do Maltese Doxie mixes live?

Both parent breeds are long-lived, and a healthy Maltese Doxie mix can reasonably be expected to live 12–16 years, with some individuals reaching 17 or 18 years with excellent care. Regular veterinary checkups, weight management, dental care, and spinal protection all contribute to longevity.