Havamalt

5-12 lbs
9-12"
United States
Havanese
Maltese

The Havamalt is a hybrid mix of two small-sized breeds, the Havanese, and the toy-sized Maltese.  The resulting hybrid is an excellent companion for your home who is affectionate, alert, and cheerful.  Both parent breeds are Bichon-types and share close ancestry but diverged before the 15th Century.  The Havamalt is a sweet-tempered dog recognized by five registries, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Designer Breed Registry, and Dog Registry of America, and the International Designer Canine Registry.                  

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Havanese and Maltese

Havamalt Health

Average Size
Male Havamalt size stats
Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 5-12 lbs
Female Havamalt size stats
Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 5-12 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Liver Shunts
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Collapsed Trachea
  • Reverse Sneezing
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Radiographs

Havamalt Breed History

The Havamalt is a hybrid mix of the Havanese and the Maltese.  The hybrid is a modern designer breed with little to no documentation outside of the parent breeds.  Since there is no hybrid standard, your Havamalt may have the appearance or characteristics of either parent breed.  However, being closely related, many of the traits of both parents align together and owners can review the respective histories of the parents to get a better understanding of the possible dispositions and characteristics of their Havamalt. The Havanese is a direct descendant of the Maltese but left Europe and developed further in Cuba after a migration during the 15th century.  They travelled aboard Spanish vessels and this predecessor of the Havanese enjoyed isolation for hundreds of years on the Cuban Isles. This canine almost became extinct during the Cuban Revolution, with only 11 dogs left after this tumultuous period in history. Survival was in the cards though, and today, all Havanese living outside of Cuba can trace their ancestry back to the original eleven.  The American Kennel Club first recognized the Bichon-type Havanese in 1996. The Maltese developed as a companion breed in Italy and Malta, the latter country lending its name to the breed.  Documentation on Maltese dogs is found in ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greek, and Romans and eventually, the Maltese found its way west towards France in the 15th Century and was brought to England during the rule of King Henry VIII.  The Maltese became a favorite of noble and royal women alike including Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Mary of Scots, and Queen Victoria.  The Maltese is considered the oldest and a base breed of other Bichon dogs, such as the Bichon-Frise, the Bolognese, and the Havanese.

Havamalt Breed Appearance

The Havamalt is a toy-sized hybrid between the Havanese and the Maltese.  The Havamalt is usually white and resembled the Maltese but may also resemble the Havanese with added coat color.  Both parent breeds are small dogs and have an uncanny resemblance due to their close kinship.  The eyes on a Havamalt are large and set wide apart, and the ears are set low with feathering.  The nose on a Havamalt is black and large and set in a medium-length, tapered muzzle.  The tail on a Havamalt curls over the back and has a moderate sized plume while the legs are shorter than the body is long.            

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Havamalt eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Havamalt nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
red Havamalt coat
Red
black Havamalt coat
Black
white Havamalt coat
White
cream Havamalt coat
Cream
gray Havamalt coat
Gray
silver Havamalt coat
Silver
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Havamalt wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Havamalt Breed Maintenance

The Havamalt is hypoallergenic with low shedding levels.  Despite their hypoallergenic qualities, the Havamalt requires weekly grooming to maintain its long, silky hair.  The Maltese parent has trouble with tear staining, and lighter colored Havamalts may need their eyes cleaned to prevent staining as well.  The long hair on and around the ears may attract and trap dirt, debris, and moisture.  You can avoid ear infections and foul-smelling ears with regular ear cleaning with a veterinarian approved solution.  Otherwise, your Havamalt is not known to have a doggy odor.  Havamalts are known for their playful and attentive natures, which make them easy to train.  Their energy and intensity levels are moderate, and though they require daily exercise, they can get away with a light run around the house. 

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Brushes for Havamalt
Comb
Comb
Hemostat
Hemostat
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Havamalt requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Havamalt Temperament

The Havamalt is always smiling and has the spritely, happy disposition that both parents are known for. A dog who appears to bounce wherever he goes, the Havamalt is in general, a very loving dog. Not as tolerant of younger children as he is of the rest of the family, he can learn through socialization to accept the little members of the household, but in turn, they must be taught to respect and take care with the Havamalt as well. Your Havamalt may be hesitant around people he does not know. Taking him for walks to meet and greet the neighbors and enrolling him in obedience classes so that he can get used to unfamiliar people and other dogs will allow him to feel comfortable in every situation.

Havamalt Activity Requirements

The Havamalt has moderate energy and needs daily exercise, but does not need high-intensity workouts.  The Havamalt is capable of meeting enough exercise requirement indoors and does not require prolonged, purposeful exercise outside; however, a small yard is excellent for a quick run.  If adequately exercised, your Havamalt will be easy to keep inside and is well suited for urban and small-space living.  When on a walk in either inclement weather or in the heat, make sure your hybrid is not minding the elements.

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

Havamalt Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $25.00
food bag monthly cost

Havamalt Owner Experiences

Pouchy
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Love the other dog
Play
Explore the city
sleep
Explore the woods
He is a very joyful dog. He always wags his fluffy tail. He hates stranger (both humans and dogs). However he is the most affectionate dog within the family. He loves his dog sister too! Always full of energy, enjoys new tastes, and spends a lot of time in his garden.
2 months, 2 weeks ago
Parker
11 Months
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Parker is a very sweet puppy and well behaved. I got him when I moved to “work from home” and he is SO attached to me. When I work at home, he has to be sitting on my chair next to me or behind me. He doesn’t really chew anything up in the house but he does like to drag out my shoes when I’m gone and lay on them. 🥴. He is a cuddler at night, slights right up against my back! I love him so much!
3 months, 3 weeks ago
beau
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddles
Bath time
hes a sweet boy. he does well with the other dog and loves meeting new people. i would do anything to make him live forever. his hair does get tangled easily and it needs to be brushed a lot. he loves his little sister (whos bigger than him lol) but is very picky with food and only eats from my hands
1 year, 3 months ago
Prince
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Prince is definitely a velcro dog. He was adopted right before the pandemic but adjusted to me and my daughter pretty quickly. He's generally sweet, but will sometimes growl at my daughter. My biggest concern is while he follows me everywhere, he still stays at a distance. He doesn't seem to want to cuddle with me, but with strangers, he's all hugs. He is super spoiled and definitely loved, so I really don't get it. Any insight?
1 year, 8 months ago
Mokie
15 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is a joy. She shows her favoritism to her Daddy. She is like a child when their parent comes home. Well behaved and quiet all day. The minute Daddy walks in the door, she goes crazy, playing, running and getting all her toys and bones out!
3 years, 5 months ago
paco
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Spa day
Bath time
Bike ride
Tug-of-war
Playing in the snow
he is cool. i would clone him if i could.
4 years, 10 months ago
Muffin
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She’s very cute but eats and barks a lot.
4 years, 9 months ago
Diamond
11 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Lovable dog very enthusiastic
3 years, 10 months ago
Charlie
6 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walks
swimming
I have had my Havamalt for a few months and he is such a good boy! He’s a little naughty sometimes and gets in to things, as most puppies tend to do, but overall is great! He’s playful, but will also snuggle, is easy to train, and is a fun member of the house!
3 years, 8 months ago
Bear
8 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This is our first one. Our son wanted a dog & we searched for one that was hypoallergenic & didn’t shed much. Bear was the runt. He could fit in our pockets. He brought a lot of joy to our household. He is funny & entertaining. We tried getting him a companion. A brother from another litter. It didn’t work out. We are happy with him & he is happy with being the only dog. Great traveler & companion. Very intelligent.🙏🏾❤️
1 year, 9 months ago
Sebastian
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My havamalt Sebastian is a dream come true! He is such a good boy with lots of energy but loves to cuddle as well. He loves people and brings so much love into our house. I can't imagine life without him. He loves short walks by the water and is just as happy sitting on my lap looking out at the water. Such a lovable pup!!
3 years, 1 month ago
Kitty
11 Years
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Hide & Seek
Shake
Tag
Snuggle
Tv
My little baby is almost 12 years old now. I got her as a little pup and she has always been the most affectionate and loving doggie ever. Best companion, loves to cuddle and snuggle Very picky eater though. And sometimes described as velcro dog because she's attached to me everywhere I go. The whole house loves her. She used to take care of my late Granny. Very sensitive dog, loves to play and makes people all around her happy. Scared of loud noises, especially thunder. Doesnt sleep alone, but very obedient and quiet.
2 years, 10 months ago
toby
9 Years
7 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Tug-of-war
Walk
Our havamalt is very grumpy and annoying especially when he sees strangers, but of course, we still love him. He is cutest when he's still half asleep and usually plays hard to get with everyone except with grandma (he loves grandma). It could be because of his age but he has been less and less fun to play with over the years and whenever we would call him, he either came really slow or would just never come. It is sad seeing him age, but we still love having him as our companion. Hopefully he stays with us long.
2 years, 8 months ago
Skyffr (s-ki-fer)
10 Months
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Play
Snuggle
My fur baby is so sweet, he always follows me wherever I go inside my place. He also wants he's belly to rub most of the time and he loves more when I'm rubbing his ear and hug him. He's so obedient. He's my best friend!I love him so much!☺
2 years, 8 months ago
Giovanni
15 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Adventures
Fetch
treats
Nature walks
Beaching
soapy weekly baths
Evening cuddles
puppachino at Starbucks
fluffed coat
Netflix and chill
Quality time
Paw power
Play ball
Kisses
Belly rubs
Trips
In love he’s such a good sweet doggy
2 years, 7 months ago
Morty
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got Morty at the Humane Society. He is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever seen. He likes to snuggle but can also be very energetic and funny. I highly recommend this precious and adorable breed!!
2 years, 6 months ago
Cosmo
7 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Lovable, stubborn, loves to be petted, does not play with toys, a rescue.
2 years, 2 months ago
Roxy
5 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Play ball
Look out the window
Car rides
Swim
Friendly
Happy
She's one of the best dogs I've ever had she loves to cuddle go on adventures. Super hyper and energetic Always wants to play She gets along with everyone
2 years ago
Zoe
4 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Tricks
Play
Tug-of-war
Her genetics are outstanding! Even the vet (Dr at a large animal hospital) is amazed at her quality, her vision/alertness is outstanding, she is extremely loving/friendly of ALL people! Even a complete stranger will get their face licked off by her! (LoL). She learned: sit, lay-down, speak (bark on command), shake & sit-up-pretty all before she was 3mo old! Her desire to please is never ending. She does have separation anxiety, which is very common in this mixed breed! She goes “crazy” with excitement & love when daddy (myself) comes home after being away for several hours…mommy too, to a slight lesser level. She does VERY well with our kids (12 & 14) and also with younger kids that understand to be gentile. We owned two purebred Maltese before Zoe & they too were amazing dogs! Zoe is an integral part of our family for sure!
1 year, 9 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

My mokie had four puppies and they died why is that and she has one left that looks healthy the one that died to had to be baby feed she was small

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

Hello, I have a havamalt named Eli. He is 9 months old. He has been hard to train. Barks a lot, knows to potty and poop outside, but he is always marking stuff. He also tear up stuff around the house. I never had an issue training any of my old dogs I’ve had.

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
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