Crested Malt

5-10 lbs
10-12"
United States
Chinese Crested
Maltese
Chinese Maltese

The Crested Malt is a toy hybrid that can inherit any combination of personality and physical traits from its parent breeds - the charming Maltese and vivacious Chinese Crested. On the whole, however, Crested Malts are pleasant and playful lapdogs with a deep sense of loyalty for their owners. Additionally, they tend to inherit the Maltese’s fine-boned frame and Chinese Crested facial features. Their coats are long and silky and requires regular grooming because of its length. Beyond this, Crested Malts require light daily exercise and regular affection from those around them. Because Crested Malts are not yet stabilized as a breed, they are currently unable to join the American Kennel Club roster of purebred dogs.  

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Post 1900s
ancestry Ancestry
Chinese Crested, Maltese

Crested Malt Health

Average Size
Male Crested Malt size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 5-10 lbs
Female Crested Malt size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 5-10 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Eyes
  • Skeletal/Joint Conditions
Minor Concerns
  • Eyes
  • Neurological Conditions
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Entropion
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Distichiasis
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Lens Luxation
  • Open Fontanel
Occasional Tests
  • Physical Examination
  • Ophthalmic Exam
  • Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
  • Blood Glucose Tests
  • Orthopedic Exam

Crested Malt Breed History

The Crested Malt’s name comes from its two parent breeds: the Chinese Crested and Maltese, also known as the Bichon Maltese. Both Crested Malt parent breeds have different, but ancient origins. Many believe that the Chinese Crested originated in current day Mexico where it was kept as a pet by the ancient Aztecs. Others, however, insist that it descended from African hairless dogs and was brought to Asia on trading ships in the 13th century. Regardless, explorers found these dogs throughout Central and South America as well as African and Asian ports as early as the 1500s. In the 1800s, depictions of the Chinese Crested started to emerge in European art and architecture. Eventually, the breed developed a following in the United States in the early 20th century. Public figures, including Gypsy Rose Lee - infamous stage personality and Chinese Crested superfan - bolstered the breed’s reputation in the mid-century. Gypsy Rose Lee’s and others efforts eventually paid off and the Chinese Crested was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1991. The Crested Malt’s other parent, the Maltese, hails from the island of Malta as far back as the 5th century. In fact, these pups were highly prized by royal and wealthy families in the Mediterranean region for centuries. Eventually, the breed spread further west due to inter-mingling of populations during periods of war, particularly the Crusades of 14th century. Afterwards, the Maltese grew in popularity more widely across the continent of Europe. In the 1800s, Americans started to import the breed and it was recognized by the AKC in 1888. The Maltese has been beloved and popular pet in the United States ever since. Chinese Crested and the Maltese may have been bred haphazardly together for decades throughout the 20th century; however, Crested Malts remains an unusual hybrid that is overshadowed by today’s more popular Maltese mixes.

Crested Malt Breed Appearance

A Crested Malt typically looks like a lankier Maltese with some Chinese Crested features, including its slender legs. It is a toy breed whose build is somewhere between the Maltese’s compact body and the Chinese Crested fine-boned figure. Crested Malts have an average weight of 5 to 10 pounds and typically grow to be 10 to 12 inches tall. Their coat, which is medium to long in length, is silky and soft. It can be relatively shorter around the torso and legs and come in combinations of white, apricot, black, blue, chocolate, cream, palomino, slate with spotted or white markings. Crested Malts have well-coated, medium length tails, dark noses and eyes, as well as a medium length, tapered muzzle. They have sweet and curious expressions, as well as small and round feet with black toe pads.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Crested Malt eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Crested Malt nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Crested Malt coat
White
black Crested Malt coat
Black
blue Crested Malt coat
Blue
cream Crested Malt coat
Cream
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Crested Malt straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Crested Malt Breed Maintenance

Crested Malts are hypoallergenic and well-suited for dog lovers with allergies. Though they are minimal shedders, they do need their long coat to be brushed regularly. Because Crested Malts have longer hair in some areas, owners should clip around their pets’ ears, face, and feet to avoid infection or hindrance to the dogs’ mobility. Crested Malts should also be bathed monthly, and – like all dog breeds – have their teeth brushed daily and nails trimmed once to twice a month. Though it is not common in this hybrid, some Crested Malts may have hairless areas if they take after their Chinese Created parent. If this is the case, owners should take every precaution to protect hairless areas of their dog with clothing or skin treatments to avoid topical irritation or infections.

Brushes for Crested Malt
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Clipper
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Crested Malt requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Crested Malt Temperament

Crested Malts are sensitive animals that are known to be playful and cuddly companions. They do very well in family environments where they have daily structure and lots of human attention. Since this intelligent breed is eager to please, it responds well to human direction and obedience training. Generally, Crested Malts also get along well with children and other animals. In fact, this breed enjoys vigorous play session with other dogs – as long as they are not significantly larger. Though Crested Malts are relatively mouthy and may nip while playing, they are not known for being aggressive. Additionally, and consistent with the “toy” breed reputation, Crested Malts are vocal and can be frequent barkers. Despite their energy and personality, however, Crested Malts are most content when they are laying low and snuggling with family members. This trait makes Crested Malts great for owners who live in cities and apartment environments.

Crested Malt Activity Requirements

Because of their small size, Crested Malts only need a short walk, play session at the dog park, or romp indoors, making them a great pet for apartment or urban dwelling dog owners. Beyond this, Crested Malts are well suited for all types of climates; however, owners should ensure that their pet is not exposed to significant amounts of sun or cold if it has hairless areas on its body. Also note that this breed has a tendency to chase small animals and should always be monitored in off-leash areas. Crested Malts are also quite intelligent and enjoy playing games and learning commands as a part of their daily entertainment.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Crested Malt Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Crested Malt Owner Experiences

Izzi
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She wonderful. We got her because she was a small dog, turns out she has the heart of a bigger dog and has easily made herself part of the family. Couldn't hope for a better dog.
2 years, 6 months ago
Tassen
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Walk
Playing in the snow
Loveable and playfull
5 years, 8 months ago
Missy
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is very affectionate, but she doesn’t respond to commands.
3 years, 4 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

What is the moon average weight of a Crested Malt adult dog?

Answer
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