5-12 lbs
9-12"
United States
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.
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.
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.
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.
Havamalts can suffer from a number of potentially costly health conditions. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
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.
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.
Written by Kathleen Egger
Published: 11/12/2017, edited: 12/09/2021
More articles by Kathleen Egger
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
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.
