Maltese Dachshund Mix: Fluffy and Long

A History Lesson

Because this cross-bred has emerged in the last 20 years, we still can’t claim to know precisely what they’ll turn out to be like. What we know is that people started crossing Dachshunds and Maltese dogs somewhere in the 2000s, probably in the USA first. For the rest, we’ll have to turn to the parents, both of which are among our choices for the best dog breeds to adopt.

Dachshunds are a centuries-old breed. They were bred in Germany to hunt badgers, so they had to be fearless and stubborn—traits that they still hold on to this day. Their short legs and long bodies have inspired plenty of Dachshund memes but were actually incredibly useful for them. Their job was to go into underground tunnels and pull the badgers out, so their shape had to make it easier for them. This incredible breed has been one of the constant American favorites since World War I. They were Picasso‘s great inspiration. So if you’d like to learn more, check out the ten facts you should know about Dachshunds with pictures and our list of Dachshund facts.

The Maltese is an ancient breed. No kidding, it’s literally ancient. There are records of this little fellow being a revered lap dog in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, so they’ve had a long history. During all this time, they were what they are today—lap dogs. In essence, it means that they have no prey drive, no tendency for aggression, and no temperament-related issues aside from curiosity. This dog is a dream come true for anyone living in a flat.

Best Dog Food for Maltese Dachshund Mix

Ensure your Maltese Dachshund Mix stays healthy and happy with our top picks for dog food. Our carefully selected options provide the nutrition your furry friend needs for optimal well-being and vitality.

Purina Beneful Dry Dog Food, Original With Real Beef, 3.5 Lb Bag

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9.7

• Features farm-raised beef as the number one ingredient and this naturally delicious premium food is made with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
• Made without artificial preservatives or flavors and with colors only from natural sources.

Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, 30 lb bag

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9.5

• Medium adult dry dog food formulated with precise nutrition specifically made for dogs 1–7 years old weighing 23–55 lb.
• Supports natural defenses for immune support with a blend of prebiotics and antioxidants for dogs.
• Maintains healthy skin and a healthy dog coat with optimal levels of EPA and DHA.
• Promotes dog digestive health with easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber.
• Palatable, medium breed adult dog food has an exclusive kibble design to encourage chewing.

Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Dog Kibble,

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9.1

• Complete and balanced nutrition has antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acid nourish the skin and help keep his coat shiny and healthy.
• Whole grains and a special fiber blend support healthy digestion with a delicious roasted chicken flavor.
• Unique, crunchy texture helps clean the teeth with every bite to support good oral health between brushings.
• Proudly made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients; contains no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or sugar.

Three Reasons to Avoid a Mauxie

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Regardless of their cute appearance, this breed might not be everyone’s choice. Here are three reasons not to get a Mauxie.

1. They will think they own you.
2. They will traumatize your guinea pig.
3. They will get in the way a lot.

They Will Think They Own You

Mauxies like to believe they’re in charge of things. They consider themselves to be much larger than they actually are, and often just assume that they’re the Alpha of your little pack. That means that they’ll expect you to do what you’re told, from “feed me now” to “move out of my chair.” You need to train them properly to stop them from forming what is known as “small dog syndrome.”

They Will Traumatize Your Guinea Pig

This is not always the case, but Mauxies can easily inherit the prey drive from their Doxie parent. In essence, that means that they’ll chase after your hamsters and guinea pigs, as well as anything smaller than them. They’ll probably even try to subdue your cat and have their tail-areas handed to them because cats are usually more vicious than a Moxie. In any case, all your small animals will suffer from a Mauxie around. You can try to train them out of their prey drive, but do you really want to risk it?

They Will Get in the Way a Lot

Their natural curiosity will have them in your way all the time. They need to know what you’re up to. Sure, they’ll take a nap, just let them take a peek into your bag first. If you knock over a shampoo bottle while in the shower, expect a meddlesome little snout to show up under your curtain. Whatever you do, wherever you go—they’ll be there.

Three Reasons to Adore a Mauxie

If you can deal with a troublesome meddler, don’t own any small beasts, and have the wits and the means to train them out of their small dog syndrome, the Mauxie is your destined breed. Here are three reasons to adopt one.

1. They don’t require a lot of space.
2. They make great travel companions.
3. They love people.

They Don’t Require a Lot of Space

Small as they are, and despite their diva-nature, Mauxies don’t need a castle to be happy. They’ll be just fine in a little flat, so if you’re hesitant to get a dog because you don’t believe you have enough room, fear no more—Mauxie is your guy (or girl!).

They Make Great Travel Companions

They’re easy to pack, and you can carry them almost everywhere. They are not likely to cause damage to hotel rooms, and they adapt well to the change in the environment. If you travel a lot and want to take your dog with you, Mauxie is a fantastic choice.

They Love People

If you like having friends over, Moxie is one one the breeds that put up with all the commotion just fine. They will thrive if they get attention from your guests, and won’t be aggressive unless severely provoked.

The Maltese Dachshund Mix: The Brains and Booty

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With the funny shape of a Dachshund and the adorable fluffiness of a Maltese, this mix is obviously an incredibly attractive one. There are no rules when it comes to mixed breeds, but this particular cross tends to inherit the Doxie’s elongated body, short legs, big and floppy ears, and the narrow snout. From the Maltese parent, they’ll usually get the fluffy coat and the stuffed toy-like eyes. Of course, your pup might be the complete opposite, so there are no guarantees.

When it comes to their personality, though, this is a strange little mix. A Mauxie can inherit the Doxies’ prey drive, which means that they’ll chase anything smaller than them, so it might not be a good idea to keep a Moxie in the same house as a hamster. They don’t bark as much as Doxies do, though, and when they do, it’s usually because they’re annoyed, want to seem scary, or are trying to get attention. They are not good watchdogs because they don’t normally bark at strangers.

They love people but can be a bit shy around strangers. They’ll happily play with children, but make sure the children know how to play with them too. Their small frame can easily fall victim to inconsiderate handling that kids can be prone to.

They do great in small apartments. Expect them to demand access to every room, though, because they have a curious nature and like to meddle in other people’s (and dogs’!) business. They’re incredibly stubborn about most things they care about, so don’t expect to be able to keep them out of a room they want to visit.

All in all, they are affectionate, playful, loyal, and make fantastic companions and family dogs.

Common Health Issues in a Dachshund Maltese Mix

Mixed breeds, in general, tend to be a bit healthier than the parent breeds due to a broader choice in genetic material. Still, this is far from a rule, so don’t expect your pooch to be perfectly healthy just because it’s a mix. When it comes to Mauxies, here are the most critical issues.

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease. This back problem affects basically all Doxie mixes. It happens when the cushioning discs between the bones of the spine press on the spinal nerve. This causes quite a bit of pain for your pup and can end in complete paralysis of their hind legs. Pay a visit to the vet as soon as you notice any signs of odd walking, unwillingness to leap, behavior that shows any discomfort in the legs or spine, and so on.
2. Patent Ductus Arteriosus. This is a hereditary disease that your Mauxie can get from their Maltese parent. It’s heart disease, and symptoms include exercise intolerance (i.e., your dog tires quickly), and a kind of buzzing you can feel if you place your hand over their heart. It requires surgery, and the procedure goes best with dogs that haven’t reached maturity yet.
3. Canine Glaucoma. This condition attacks the eyes of your dog. One of the eyes suffers too much pressure and starts tearing up. If it goes untreated, this disease destroys the optical nerve and causes blindness.

Less frequent health issues that this mix often takes from their Dachshund side are skin problems and seizures. This is why these pups require proper care which can lengthen their lifespan. Dachshund heritage is also prone to these conditions, so watch your pup closely. If you notice that your furry one suffers from dry skin, consult with your vet about changing their diet.

Many of these issues can be prevented or solved more easily if you spot them in time. Make sure you have some occasional tests done, just to make sure everything is fine.

Exercise Needs of a Mauxie

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Even though it’s so small, this breed has a lot of energy. Your little buddy will spend a lot of it on their own anyway. They have a curious streak that will have them go around butting into your business in the most inopportune moments. They’ll attack some poor beetles on the pavement, chase butterflies, or bark at leaves. Still, that doesn’t mean that you’re off the hook. You’ll need to dedicate an hour of each day to your pooch’s exercise regimen. Split this time into two walks and one playing session, and you and your Moxie should be just fine.

A Mauxie’s Diet

Mauxies then to get weight quickly, so make sure not to overfeed them. Low-quality food can cause all sorts of health issues, so make sure you steer clear of these worst dry dog food and worst dog treat brands. You should always strive to offer them the best dry dog food for small dogs from the beginning so they can grow into healthy individuals. Our favorites are:

• Wellness Core® Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This food helps keep the joints healthy, which makes it an excellent choice for all Dachshund mixes.
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Toy Breed Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe. Based on chicken, this dog food is great for your Maui’s teeth, because the kibble is shaped in a way that helps tartar removal from your dog’s mouth. It contains fatty acids and Omega-3, which help nourish your buddy’s coat.
• Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed. If your little fellow has a poultry allergy (which sounds unbelievable, but it does happen), this is a fantastic choice for them. This food is based on lamb and beef, and it is grain-free and gluten-free.

Dry food is a better choice in general, but some dogs won’t eat it. Because a Mauxie is among the more willful of the breeds, you should go along with it. Make sure you choose among the best canned dog food available on the market to keep your beloved little boy or girl happy and healthy. If your furry friend is aging, check out our list on the best senior dry dog food options. In case you own a little munchkin, scan through the best puppy food brands.

How Difficult Is It to Train a Mauxie?

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Make no mistake—this tiny, harmless-looking thing can turn into a furball from hell if not properly trained. Sure, this cross is minuscule and unlikely to cause any real damage, but you’ll see them trying incredibly hard. They’ll yap and nip and chew on your shoes, trying to assert dominance. They’ll pick fights with other dogs in the park. They’ll sit in your spot just to show you they can.

Their stubborn side mostly comes from the Dachshund parent, who is challenging to train. Here’s a little guideline on Dachshund potty training and the best ways to train a puppy, in case you’re dealing with a Mauxie munchkin.

To avoid this type of behavior, you’ll need to train and socialize them early. Mauxies tend to get a bit willful and have a short attention span, but it’s nothing a bit of positive reinforcement can’t fix. Use treats, gifts, praise, or anything you can think of your dog likes. In essence, your pooch wants to please you, so you just need to find a way to encourage them a bit. Start early, and don’t lose your patience with them. It might be a bit challenging at first, so don’t hesitate to get professional help if it seems like you’re losing your mind—just don’t give up and avoid making typical mistakes in dog training.

Are Mauxies Good Family Pets?

This little bundle of joy would be a perfect family pet if only it had a bit more patience with the youngest members. It’s never a good idea to leave a toddler alone with a dog. Even if you trust the dog completely, few breeds will sit down and take the abuse that young children are likely to inflict upon them. When threatened, the Doxie in your Mauxie will get a bit nippy, which can scare the child. If your child is not old enough to know how to play with a dog—especially a tiny one like a Mauxie that can get hurt easily—the two should never be left unsupervised.

Aside from this issue, Mauxies are fantastic family pets. They love children, have a lot of energy so they can play with everyone, and harbor enough love in their little hearts to love all members of their pack dearly.

Grooming a Mauxie

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Mauxies are the real divas of the dog world, and as such, require proper grooming to keep that fur all nice and shiny. It’s not an easy task, and you’ll need to brush your pooch daily to avoid tangles and potential mats. Use a comb to work out the looser and more visible knots, and go in with a pin brush to take care of the details. If you forgot or didn’t have the time to brush your dog the previous day, you may notice some mats forming already. Yes, they creep on you that fast. If there are any mats wannabes, arm yourself with a dematter and get down to business. Take your Mauxie to a professional groomer every two months to give them a fancy new haircut.

Bathe them as needed, and don’t forget to take care of their ears, nails, and teeth. Their ears are all cute and fluffy, but because they’re floppy, they are a perfect home to bacteria. You’ll need to inspect and clean them a couple of times a week. Trim their nails every few weeks, and never let them grow enough to start clicking on the floor. You’ll need to brush their teeth at least three times a week. Consider getting some high-quality dental chews to help maintain the health of your dog’s gums. If you’re not sure which to get, here’s our list for the top 10 best dog dental chews to make it a bit easier to decide.

Follow our best dog grooming tips to find everything you need to know!

Check Out These Other Cute Dachshund Mixes

If you really want a Doxie mix but don’t believe that a Mauxie is a right fit for your home, fear not—we’ve got your back. Check out these Dachshund mixes, and find the one that suits you best.

Maltese Dachshund Mix FAQ:

1. What is a Moxie dog?
A Moxie dog is not a recognized breed but is often used to describe a mixed-breed dog with a confident, spirited, and energetic personality. Moxie dogs can come from various breed combinations, showcasing a blend of traits from their diverse heritage.

2Is a Cane Corso Dachshund Mix a recognized breed?
No, the Cane Corso Dachshund Mix is not a recognized breed. It is a hybrid resulting from the crossbreeding of a Cane Corso, a large and powerful breed, with a Dachshund, a smaller and elongated breed. The mix can vary in size, temperament, and appearance.

3. What is a Dachshund Chow Mix?
A Dachshund Chow Mix, also known as a Chow Dachshund or Chowsund, is a hybrid dog resulting from the crossbreeding of a Dachshund and a Chow Chow. This mix may exhibit a blend of physical and temperamental traits from both parent breeds, including the Dachshund’s elongated body and the Chow Chow’s distinctive coat.

Q: What are the typical characteristics of a Dachshund Chow Mix?
Dachshund Chow Mixes can vary in size and appearance, often featuring a mix of the Dachshund’s body structure and the Chow Chow’s fluffy coat. Temperament-wise, they may inherit loyalty, independence, and alertness from both parent breeds.

Q: How do you care for a Dachshund Chow Mix?
Proper care for a Dachshund Chow Mix includes regular exercise, grooming, and mental stimulation. Understanding the specific needs of both Dachshunds and Chow Chows will help provide appropriate care for this unique mix. Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for their overall health and well-being.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltese_(dog)
3. https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-qualities-of-a-Maltese-dog
4. Sauvé, Christopher P., et al. “Oronasal and Oroantral Fistulas Secondary to Periodontal Disease: A Retrospective Study Comparing the Prevalence Within Dachshunds and a Control Group.” Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, vol. 36, no. 4, 2019, pp. 236–244., doi:10.1177/0898756420909657.
5. Beauchesne, Ryan. Crusoe, the Celebrity Dachshund: Adventures of the Wiener Dog Extraordinaire. St. Martins Griffin, 2015.

Fulda, Joe, and Betsy Siino. Maltese: a Complete Pet Owners Manual. Barrons Educational Series, Inc., 2015.