Malti-Pin

8-10 lbs
9-13"
Unknown
Maltese
Miniature Pinscher
Malti Pin, Maltipin, Maltese Pin

The Malti-Pin is a hybrid mix produced by breeding a Maltese with a Miniature Pinscher.  This is a fairly new hybrid and, as such, not much information is available as to its place and date of origin nor do we know for certain the purpose of its creation.  What we do know is that this same canine generally weighs between 8 and 10 pounds, requires minimal grooming for coat maintenance, is described as energetic, intelligent, friendly and social and makes a great family pet and companion. To learn more, we'll have to look at the parent breeds individually to ascertain the traits that could be inherited.

purpose Purpose
Companionship, agility, competitive obedience
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Maltese, Miniature Pinscher

Malti-Pin Health

Average Size
Male Malti-Pin size stats
Height: 9-13 inches Weight: 8-10 lbs
Female Malti-Pin size stats
Height: 9-13 inches Weight: 8-10 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
  • Color Dilution Alopecia
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
  • Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Portosystemic Shunt
  • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Cataracts
  • Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Biopsy
  • Eye Examinations
  • Neurological Examination
  • Complete Blood Profile
  • Cardiac Ultrasound
  • Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
  • Echocardiogram Tests
  • Ultrasonography and Blood Tests
  • Complete Physical Examination
  • Skin Biopsy

Malti-Pin Breed History

The Malti-Pin is a hybrid mix of the Maltese and the Miniature Pinscher, and, being a newer hybrid on the scene, there isn't a great deal of information available on the hybrid itself.  We don't know where and when the hybrid was developed or the purpose for its development, so, to find out more about the background, let's take a quick look at the two parent breeds.  The Maltese parent breed can be traced back to Malta, on the southern coast of Italy, at least as far back as about 3500 B.C. (yes, that's right...B.C.), perhaps earlier.  The Maltese breed is quite possibly the earliest of the lap sitting canines and may even be the most ancient of the European toy canine breeds.  It appears this breed was developed purely for companionship purposes, a role it plays exceedingly well today.  The breed made its way to Britain and quickly became the lapdog of the rich and famous, being referred to as "not bigger than common ferrets" and "about the size of squirrels" and "jewels of women" as they were carried in the bosoms and sleeves of the women of those days.  The breed has a long, rich history which eventually brought it to the show ring in England in 1859 and in America in 1877.  The American Kennel Club finally recognized the Maltese in 1963.  The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany where it was utilized for purposes of ratting, a task for which their small size was perfect.  The Germans also utilized them for watch-dogging tasks and as companions for hundreds of years.  While the exact date of origin and ancestry is also unknown for the Miniature Pinscher, many believe that the breed descended from its larger cousin, the German Pinscher as well as an assortment of terriers, the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound.  Contrary to popular belief, there is no Doberman blood in this breed but is believed to bear some of that resemblance due to the influence of the German Pinscher in both breed developments. The first real beginning for the Miniature Pinscher breed is believed to have been in 1895 when the German Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub (Club) was formed.  The Min Pin appeared in the show ring in 1900 in Germany, being virtually unknown outside Germany and Scandinavia at that time.  Eventually, the breed came to America and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as the "Min Pin", having an official name change in 1972 to Miniature Pinscher.  The Malti-Pin hybrid itself is recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dog Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Malti-Pin Breed Appearance

The Malti-Pin is a hybrid mix of the Maltese and the Miniature Pinscher.  As such, the hybrid can take on appearance characteristics from one or both parent breeds.  Your Malti-Pin will likely be 9 to 13 inches tall, weigh in from 8 to 10 pounds, have longer, silky hair or a short and smooth coat, with a body that is sturdy and fine boned or sleek and muscular. The eyes will be round or oval, dark, and present a bright and spirited look with a black nose, strong muzzle and scissors bite; the ears may be of pendant type or they may be docked, the tail may drape over the back or be carried erect and the feet will be small and catlike.  The colors which are available are  white, red, black and tan or chocolate.  The coat will be smooth and the hair straight and possibly hypoallergenic from the Maltese side with minimal shedding, drooling and smell ratings.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Malti-Pin eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Malti-Pin nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Malti-Pin coat
White
red Malti-Pin coat
Red
black Malti-Pin coat
Black
fawn Malti-Pin coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Malti-Pin straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Malti-Pin Breed Maintenance

The Malti-Pin hybrid is a low maintenance canine requiring most likely weekly brushing, unless it has inherited a longer, thicker coat from the Maltese side.  The Maltese side is hypoallergenic and the shedding possibilities from the parent breeds range from minimal to moderate, making this canine perfect for those with breathing difficulties or asthma.  The ears will need to be checked and cleaned weekly to reduce infection, the teeth brushed several times a week (daily is preferred) to avoid periodontal disease with its accompanying tooth loss and toenail trimming as needed to keep them under control.  Keeping up with the eye, ear and dental examinations with your veterinary professional will keep your hybrid healthy and fit.  Bathing your hybrid should only be done as needed as the drooling and smell level are also minimal.
Brushes for Malti-Pin
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Malti-Pin requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Malti-Pin Temperament

The Malti-Pin hybrid, being a mix of the Maltese and the Miniature Pinscher, is an active, loving, loyal, intelligent and social canine.  They are great with kids and the family cat, too, though early socialization will help to assure this. They can be good with strangers though early socialization will be necessary.  Expect them to be wary of strangers until they understand that it is safe for the stranger to be there.  If you live in an apartment or any area where noise is restricted, be aware that, for both parent breeds, barking can be an issue.  Your Malti-Pin has a strong desire to please to be sure, however, they are considered moderately difficult to train.  As you train your Malti-Pin, be sure to be firm but not harsh with them and provide lots of positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout the process.  Above all, be patient as it may take a while for the finished product to emerge, but it will be well worth it!  You will have an amazing furry family member who loves everyone and will warm the hearts of everyone with whom it comes into contact.

Malti-Pin Activity Requirements

With both parent breeds having the art of lap-sitting down to a science, don't be surprised if your hybrid pet isn't physically in your lap before you sit down.  They are loving and willing to bond with their human families, not wanting to be separated from them.  But, make no mistake, just because they're accomplished lap-sitters, don't assume that they're couch potatoes!  They are active and will run and play whenever the opportunity presents.  They will jump (pun intended) at the chance to go for walks or jogs with you, play fetch or Frisbee in the back yard or romp and play at the dog park.  Since they also have a high intelligence level, be sure to keep their minds exercised as well with agility training, obedience training and even perhaps some earth dog activities.  This will help to avoid the annoying destructive behaviors which can accompany boredom.  Your Malti-Pin family member will likely require about an hour a day of physical exercise in addition to mental challenges.  The  small size of the Malti-Pin makes it perfect for apartments or condo living as well as homes with or without fenced yards, with the exception being consideration given to areas which are noise restricted as barking can be an issue.  The Malti-Pin can live in urban as well as rural settings and they do much better in hotter climates than colder ones.  Extra protection will be required for those colder climates.
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
60 minutes
activity minutes

Malti-Pin Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Malti-Pin Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Malti-Pin size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
Female Malti-Pin size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Malti-Pin size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs
Female Malti-Pin size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Malti-Pin size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs
Female Malti-Pin size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs

Malti-Pin Owner Experiences

maple
10 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
she is not very trainable she can barely sit for 5 minutes and is very hyper she is very friendly tho i always bike with her for fun it seems to calm her down all the time :) also i cannot rate the thing as it is broken and i cannot click it
1 year, 11 months ago
Fred
12 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My fred was an amazing companion for 12 years. He died unexpectedly January 2021 and I’ve been searching for a breeder but have had no luck. If anyone can help me I’d really appreciate it. Clark.fa@yahoo.com
3 years, 3 months ago
Bella
11 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She sweet and very affectionate. A great companion
3 years, 3 months ago
Fritzi
11 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is a wonderful pet! She is 6 lbs of love and affection. My husband and I have raised her since she was a tiny puppy and now we are retired and she goes everywhere with us! We adore our little Fritzi-girl!
3 years, 4 months ago
Kenzo
1 Year
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He doesn’t shed, He’s very smart and gives love to everyone he meets.
6 years, 1 month ago
Bentley
3 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Treat training
Fetch
Tug-of-war
He is very intelligent and learned to go on his potty pads almost over night. Very loving, but must get his play time in or he turns into a gremlin
5 years, 11 months ago
Ovi (short for Ovechkin)
6 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
Ovi loves the family cat, and our chickens. He loves to trap them under his paw and lick and nuzzle the cats ears and chickens little red topper thing. He loves to sit on my lap and chew buttons off my shirt. I love my little pup so much. He is smart and is very mellow. I expected crazy dog, but he's perfect.
5 years, 10 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd