The Complete Dachshund Maltese Mix Guide

What Two Breeds Make Up the Maltese Mixed With Wiener Dog?

The Maltese mixed with wiener dog — more commonly called the Dachshund Maltese mix or "Malshi-Dach" (though naming conventions vary by breeder) — is a small designer cross between a purebred Maltese and a purebred Dachshund. This mix combines the silky, low-shedding coat genetics of the Maltese with the elongated body and bold personality of the Dachshund.

Unlike established doodle mixes (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles), this cross doesn't have a universally recognized portmanteau name, which means you'll see it listed under various labels: Dachshund Maltese mix, Maltese Dachshund cross, Malwiener, or simply designer small breed mix. Regardless of the name, the parentage is the same.

Parent Breed Breakdown

Understanding each parent breed is essential because mixed-breed puppies can inherit traits from either side in unpredictable combinations. Here's what you're working with:

Trait	Maltese (Parent 1)	Dachshund (Parent 2)
AKC Group	Toy Group	Hound Group
Weight Range	Under 7 lb / under 3.2 kg	Miniature: under 11 lb (5 kg); Standard: 16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg)
Height	7–9 inches (18–23 cm)	Miniature: 5–6 in (13–15 cm); Standard: 8–9 in (20–23 cm)
Coat Type	Long, silky, single coat; hair (not fur)	Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired; double coat
Shedding	Very low	Low to moderate (varies by coat type)
Temperament	Gentle, playful, affectionate, alert	Bold, curious, stubborn, loyal, prey-driven
Lifespan	12–15 years	12–16 years
Original Purpose	Companion/lap dog (Mediterranean, ancient breed)	Burrow-hunting badger dog (Germany, 15th century+)

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, with origins tracing back over 2,000 years to the central Mediterranean. The AKC recognizes the Maltese as a devoted companion breed known for its floor-length white coat and surprisingly alert demeanor. The Dachshund, by contrast, was bred for tenacity — short legs and a long body allowed them to chase prey into underground burrows. That hunting heritage still shapes their personality today.

How Big Will a Maltese Dachshund Mix Get?

Size is one of the more predictable aspects of this mix because both parent breeds are small. However, the exact outcome depends heavily on whether the Dachshund parent is miniature or standard-sized.

Parent Combination	Expected Weight	Expected Height (at shoulder)	Body Length
Maltese × Miniature Dachshund	6–12 lb (2.7–5.4 kg)	6–9 inches (15–23 cm)	14–18 inches (36–46 cm)
Maltese × Standard Dachshund	10–20 lb (4.5–9 kg)	8–11 inches (20–28 cm)	16–22 inches (41–56 cm)

Most breeders intentionally use miniature Dachshunds for this cross to keep the size manageable and reduce birthing complications. The resulting puppies typically land in the 7–12 lb range as adults, making them squarely in the "small dog" category. Expect a moderately elongated body — not as extreme as a pure Dachshund, but noticeably longer than a Maltese.

Growth timeline: Small breeds mature faster than large breeds. Your Maltese-Dachshund mix will reach approximately 80% of adult weight by 6 months and full adult size by 10–12 months.

Generations Explained: F1, F1B, and Beyond

In practice, the vast majority of Maltese mixed with wiener dog puppies you'll encounter are F1 crosses. This mix hasn't developed the organized breeding infrastructure that doodle breeds have, so multigen lines are uncommon. If a breeder claims multigen status, ask for pedigree documentation spanning at least three generations of this specific cross.

Coat Types, Shedding, and the Hypoallergenic Question

Coat inheritance is where this mix gets genuinely unpredictable. The Maltese carries genes for a long, single-layered, continuously growing hair coat. The Dachshund comes in three distinct coat varieties — smooth (short double coat), longhaired (silky with feathering), and wirehaired (rough, dense double coat). Which coat genes your puppy inherits is essentially a genetic lottery in F1 litters.

Coat Possibilities

Coat Outcome	Description	Shedding Level	Likelihood (F1)
Long and silky (Maltese-dominant)	Single coat, soft texture, grows continuously, may be wavy	Very low	Moderate (~30–40%)
Short and smooth (Dachshund-dominant)	Double coat, sleek, close to body	Low to moderate	Moderate (~25–35%)
Mixed/intermediate	Medium length, slightly wavy, may have light undercoat	Low	Common (~30–40%)
Wirehaired influence	Coarser texture, possible facial furnishings ("beard")	Low	Uncommon (~5–10%)

Is This Mix Hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. The term is a marketing label, not a veterinary designation. However, Maltese-dominant coats produce less dander and shed minimally, making them better tolerated by some allergy sufferers. If allergies are a concern, seek an F1B backcross to the Maltese parent, which increases the likelihood of a low-shedding, hair-type coat. That said, individual allergic responses vary — always spend time with the specific puppy before committing.

Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)

This is where the Maltese mixed with wiener dog gets interesting — and where prospective owners need realistic expectations. You're blending a gentle companion breed with a bold, prey-driven hunting dog. The result can be charming, but it's not always predictable.

Best-Case Temperament Scenario

The ideal outcome is a dog that combines the Maltese's affectionate, people-oriented nature with the Dachshund's confidence and spunky personality. These dogs tend to be:

• Deeply bonded to their primary person (sometimes velcro-level attachment)
• Alert and vocal — excellent little watchdogs who announce visitors
• Playful and entertaining, with bursts of "zoomies" followed by long couch sessions
• Adaptable to apartment living as long as they get daily walks and mental stimulation
• Good with respectful older children who understand small-dog handling

Challenging Temperament Scenarios

Less ideal — but entirely possible — outcomes include:

• Stubbornness from the Dachshund side: Dachshunds rank low in obedience intelligence (not because they lack cognitive ability, but because they were bred to work independently underground). This can make recall training and off-leash reliability very difficult.
• Prey drive: If the Dachshund hunting instinct dominates, your mix may chase squirrels, rabbits, and even small cats. Off-leash time in unfenced areas becomes risky.
• Separation anxiety: Both parent breeds form intense bonds. Left alone for long periods, this mix is prone to distress barking and destructive behavior.
• Resource guarding or territorial behavior: Dachshunds can be possessive of food, toys, and their favorite person. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are essential.
• Wariness with strangers: While Maltese tend to be friendly with everyone, Dachshunds can be suspicious of unfamiliar people. Your mix may lean either direction.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor 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 crossbreeding increases genetic diversity and reduces the expression of recessive disorders. There is some scientific support for this — a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that mixed-breed dogs had slightly lower incidence of certain inherited conditions. However, this does not mean your designer mix is immune to health problems. It simply means the probability of certain recessive disorders may be reduced compared to heavily inbred purebred lines.

Here's what this specific mix may inherit from each parent:

Health Risks From the Dachshund Side

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is the single most important health concern. Dachshunds have a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of developing IVDD due to their chondrodysplastic (abnormal cartilage development) body structure. A Maltese-Dachshund mix with an elongated spine inherits this structural vulnerability. IVDD can cause pain, paralysis, and may require surgery costing $3,000–$8,000.
• Patellar luxation: Kneecap dislocation, common in small breeds. Grades I–II may be managed conservatively; Grades III–IV often need surgical correction ($1,500–$3,000 per knee).
• Obesity: Extra weight puts devastating stress on an already-vulnerable spine. Maintaining lean body condition (BCS 4–5 on a 9-point scale) is non-negotiable.

Health Risks From the Maltese Side

• Dental disease: Maltese are notorious for early and severe periodontal disease due to tooth crowding in a small jaw. Expect professional dental cleanings under anesthesia starting as early as age 2–3, with annual cleanings thereafter ($500–$1,200 per cleaning).
• Luxating patella: Shared risk with the Dachshund side — this one compounds.
• White shaker syndrome (idiopathic cerebellitis): A neurological condition causing tremors, primarily seen in small white dogs. Usually responsive to corticosteroid treatment.
• Hypoglycemia: Especially in puppies under 6 months. Small body size means limited glycogen reserves; missed meals can cause dangerous blood sugar drops.

Shared/Compounding Risks

• Tracheal collapse: Both breeds are predisposed. Use a harness (never a neck collar) for walks to avoid tracheal pressure.
• Eye conditions: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts can appear in both breeds. Ask breeders about CERF/OFA eye clearances.

Prevention strategy: Maintain lean body weight, use ramps for furniture access (never let them jump on/off beds or couches), provide joint-supportive nutrition, and discuss IVDD screening with your veterinarian at annual wellness exams. Always consult your veterinarian about an individualized health monitoring plan for your specific dog.

Grooming Needs Based on Coat Type

Grooming requirements vary substantially depending on which parent's coat your dog inherits. Here's a practical breakdown:

If the Coat Is Long/Silky (Maltese-Dominant)

• Brushing: Daily or every other day with a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent matting
• Bathing: Every 2–3 weeks using a gentle, dog-specific shampoo (human shampoo disrupts canine skin pH)
• Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks for a trim, especially around the eyes, paws, and sanitary areas. Budget $50–$85 per session depending on your region.
• Tear staining: Common in light-colored dogs. Wipe the eye area daily with a damp cloth; commercial tear stain removers (like Angels' Eyes or Eye Envy) can help.

If the Coat Is Short/Smooth (Dachshund-Dominant)

• Brushing: Weekly with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush
• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks or as needed
• Professional grooming: Generally unnecessary; occasional nail trims and ear cleaning suffice
• Shedding management: A de-shedding tool like the Furminator (small/short-hair model, ~$30–$40) used weekly during seasonal shedding periods

If the Coat Is Intermediate/Mixed

• Brushing: 3–4 times per week
• Professional grooming: Every 8–10 weeks for a tidy-up trim
• Watch for matting: Behind the ears, under the armpits, and around the collar area are common mat zones in wavy-coated mixes

Regardless of coat type, all Maltese-Dachshund mixes need:

• Daily tooth brushing with enzymatic dog toothpaste (e.g., CET Poultry Flavor, ~$10). This breed mix is at extreme risk for early dental disease.
• Nail trims every 2–3 weeks (overgrown nails alter gait and worsen spinal stress)
• Ear cleaning weekly with a veterinary ear cleaner if ears are floppy (Dachshund-inherited); every 2 weeks if erect

Cost Breakdown: Purchase Price, Annual Care, and Lifetime Budget

Designer mixes command premium prices, but this particular cross is less commercialized than doodle breeds, which actually works in your favor.

Acquisition Costs

Source	Price Range	What's Typically Included
Responsible breeder (health-tested parents)	$800–$2,000	First vaccines, deworming, microchip, health guarantee, spay/neuter contract, take-back clause
Casual/backyard breeder	$300–$800	Variable — often minimal health screening, no guarantee
Rescue/shelter adoption	$150–$400	Spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, basic vet exam

Rescue availability for this specific mix is limited because it's a newer designer cross. Check small-breed-specific rescues (like Dachshund rescue networks and Maltese rescue organizations) — mixed-breed dogs frequently end up in breed-specific rescues. Petfinder.com allows you to search by mix type.

First-Year Cost Estimate

Expense Category	Estimated Cost
Puppy acquisition	$800–$2,000
Initial veterinary (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip if not included)	$400–$900
Food (high-quality small-breed kibble or wet food, 12 months)	$250–$500
Supplies (crate, harness, bed, bowls, leash, toys, ramp)	$200–$450
Grooming (if long coat, 5–6 professional sessions)	$250–$500
Pet insurance (optional but recommended, annual premium)	$350–$700
Training (puppy class + basic manners, positive reinforcement)	$150–$400
Total first year	$2,400–$5,450

Ongoing annual costs after the first year typically run $1,200–$2,800, depending on grooming needs, insurance coverage, and any emerging health issues. Given the IVDD risk, pet insurance with a hereditary condition rider is worth serious consideration — companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Lemonade cover IVDD if enrolled before symptoms appear.

Who Is This Mix Best Suited For?

The Maltese mixed with wiener dog isn't the right fit for every household. Here's a practical suitability assessment:

Ideal Owner Profile

• Living situation: Apartment or condo dwellers, or homeowners with a securely fenced yard. This mix adapts well to smaller spaces but needs daily walks (20–40 minutes total, split into 2 sessions).
• Time at home: Someone who works from home or has a schedule that avoids leaving the dog alone for more than 4–5 hours at a stretch. Separation anxiety is a genuine risk.
• Experience level: Intermediate owners do best. First-time owners can succeed if they commit to puppy socialization classes and positive reinforcement training. The Dachshund's independence requires patience — this is not a "beginner-friendly" mix in the way a pure Maltese might be.
• Family composition: Adults, couples, or families with children aged 8+. Small children often handle small dogs roughly, and a long-backed dog is especially vulnerable to injury from being dropped or squeezed.
• Activity level: Moderate. This isn't a hiking companion, but they do need consistent daily exercise to maintain weight and mental health. Puzzle toys, scent games, and short sniff-walks satisfy both the companion and hunting instincts.

Less Suitable For

• Families with toddlers or very young children (injury risk to the dog)
• Owners who are away 8+ hours daily without pet care arrangements
• Households with pet rodents, birds, or small animals (prey drive risk)
• Anyone seeking a highly obedient, off-leash reliable dog
• Multi-cat households (possible, but requires careful introductions and management)

Training Approach

Use positive reinforcement methods exclusively — food rewards, clicker training, and reward-based shaping. This mix responds poorly to harsh corrections, which can trigger the Dachshund's defensive stubbornness or the Maltese's sensitivity. Key training priorities:

1. House training: Small bladders mean frequent outings. Expect 3–6 months for reliable house training. Crate training helps — use a crate sized for a 10–15 lb dog (approximately 24-inch crate, ~$35–$60).
2. Recall: Start early, practice in low-distraction environments, and accept that off-leash reliability may never be 100% due to prey drive.
3. Handling exercises: Gently handle paws, ears, and mouth daily from puppyhood to prepare for grooming and veterinary exams.
4. Socialization: Expose to diverse people, environments, sounds, and surfaces between 8–16 weeks (the critical socialization window identified by the AVMA).

Frequently Asked Questions