People often ask if a Maltese is a terrier. Whereas the purebred Maltese has nothing to do with terriers, the Maltese terrier mix is a half-Terrier half-Maltese dog.
That means the Maltese terrier is a dog whose parents are a Maltese and a Terrier. It could be a Maltese and a Yorkshire terrier or a Maltese and a Cairn terrier, but the resulting pup has the personality traits and the physical features of both parents.
We’ll tell you about the temperament inherited by the Maltese terriers from their parents later. But first, we tell you some of the physical features of the Maltese terrier that make them look like their parents.
Maltese Terriers Are Toy Dogs
Toy breeds are dogs with a height that does not exceed 12″ and weighs around 5-12 pounds. Considering their height and weight, Maltese terriers fit perfectly among the toy dogs just like the Maltese and some terrier breeds.
Average height of maltese terriers:
- Male: 7-10 inches
- Female: 6-8 inches
Average weight of maltese terriers:
- Male: 6-12 lbs
- Female: 4-8 lbs
Maltese Terriers Have Long Multicolor Coats
The Maltese terrier has long, soft, straight, and flowing hair covering their jacket. Whereas the typical purebred Maltese has white long hair covering their body to the ground, the Maltese terrier usually blends the Maltese and Terriers colors and can be found in white, brown, tan, black, or a mix of these colors.
Other Maltese Terrier Physical Features
Maltese terriers have floppy ears, dark round eyes, and a dark nose. These features stand out on their tiny face that is proportionate to their body.