Papitese

6-10 lbs
8-10"
United States
Maltese
Papillon
Maltillon
The Papitese is a designer hybrid of two companion purebred dogs, the Maltese and the Papillon.  The mix is a highly social and affectionate dog that loves spending time with its family.  As a designer companion, the Papitese, which sometimes goes by Maltillon, is a popular choice and is recognized by five competitive associations and breed registries.  The Papitese has a cheerful face and playful manner that's eager to please and be loved.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Maltese and Papillon

Papitese Health

Average Size
Male Papitese size stats
Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 6-10 lbs
Female Papitese size stats
Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 6-10 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Portosystemic Shunt
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Food Allergies
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Canine Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Radiographs
  • Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
  • Complete Physical Examination

Papitese Breed History

The Papitese, despite its popularity as a designer dog, does not have a well-documented history.  Most designer dogs are thought to be developed in the United States, but the exact origins of the Papitese are unknown.  Instead, owners wishing to have a better understanding of their Papitese or whether adopting one is right for their family can review the respective histories and character traits of the parent breeds for more information. The Maltese first appeared in the Mediterranean and most likely in Malta, where it draws its name, though Italy is also a debated origin for the Maltese.  The small companion dog has also given rise to other favored breeds, such as the Bichon Frise of France and the Havanese of Cuba.  The affectionate little dog graced many courts in Europe since the 15th Century and faced a near disastrous end when breeders attempted to further reduce its size to that of a squirrel.  After realizing the error of their ways, several other breeds were introduced into the Maltese bloodline, which gave rise to new breed cousins.  The modern Maltese developed in England and was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888. The Papillon is another companion dog of Europe that first developed from the Toy Spaniel lines in Spain.  The toy-sized breed was particularly popular in France during the 16th Century, where it first gained its name, Papillon.  Papillon, which is French for butterfly, refers to the winged ears of the breed.  A dropped-ear variation of the Papillon, dubbed the Phalene, also draws its name from the French court.  Phalene is French for moth and refers to the dropped ears as wings at rest, like that of the moth.  The Papillon continues to be a favorite companion dog in Europe and in the United States, where is first arrived during the early 20th Century.  The American Kennel Club recognized the Papillon as a companion in 1915.          

Papitese Breed Appearance

The Papitese is a hybrid of two toy-sized dogs and is just as small.  The hardier Maltese helps strengthen the delicate bones of the Papillon, and the mostly white-colored hair of the Papitese is medium in length and silky with a slight wave.   The Maltese parentage is usually evident in the Papitese's looks, but the ears may also take on the butterfly look of the Papillon.  The coat color also resembles the Papillon with its parti-color or tri-colored patches and tones.  The muzzle is medium in length and broad for the head with a medium-sized black nose that sits under large, round, dark eyes.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Papitese eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Papitese nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Papitese coat
White
silver Papitese coat
Silver
black Papitese coat
Black
brown Papitese coat
Brown
fawn Papitese coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Papitese wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Papitese Breed Maintenance

The Papitese may have some hypoallergenic qualities thanks to the Maltese, but this hybrid still occasionally sheds and requires daily brushing to help remove loose and dead hair that gets caught in the double coat.  Regular brushing with a pin or bristle brush also helps remove any dirt from the coat and keeps it free of tangles and mats.  Dirt is removed very easy because it does not adhere to the silky hair as easily other porous coats.  Regular bathing is not necessary since most dirt is removed by brushing and over-bathing your dog is not suggested as excessive water and shampoos may stripe the skin of its natural oils and lead to skin conditions and dermatitis.  As with any white coated dogs, the Papitese may develop tear staining at the corner of its eyes.  Owners can prevent tear staining by cleaning the face and eyes often with a pet-safe wipe or a washcloth.  Tear staining, once it occurs, is permanent.

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Brushes for Papitese
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Papitese requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Papitese Temperament

The Papitese is a social dog that is sensitive to separation and harsh tones.  It loves its family but needs consistent and positive interactions with people to prevent anxiety from developing.  The Papitese is affectionate toward children and makes for an excellent indoor companion.  However, it is a small dog so it is not well suited to young children who may accidentally hurt or drop the dog.  Their size and disposition do not make them well-suited for guarding either, but they are faithful watchdogs that will sound the alarm on strangers.  However, they are curious and will inspect a new person after accessing the threat.  The Papitese loves the company of other cats and dogs and needs little socialization to live in harmony with other pets.  However, their high energy may make them vulnerable to getting hurt if they play with larger breeds.  The Papitese is always eager to please, and training is a breeze, but housetraining can be a slight challenge with Maltese bloodlines.  Crate training is the best way to help housebreak the Papitese, but don't leave them alone all day.

Papitese Activity Requirements

The Papitese has high energy for a toy-size dog, but unlike other Papillon mixes, this hybrid's intensity of activities doesn't have to be very high.  The Papitese is capable of getting most of its daily exercise indoors by following its people around the house and occasionally playing ball.  Outdoor adventures for the Papitese should always be supervised, and this mix should not be left outside.  It's activity levels and exercise needs make the Papitese a perfect companion for apartment and urban living.  Additionally, the Papitese does not tolerate cold weather well, and winter sweaters or jackets may be appropriate if the hybrid lives in cold winter 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
30 minutes
activity minutes

Papitese 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 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Papitese Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Papitese size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
Female Papitese size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Papitese size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
Female Papitese size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Papitese size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
Female Papitese size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs

Papitese Owner Experiences

Gizmo
5 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love him so much he is such a good boy
2 years, 8 months ago
T-Bone
17 Weeks
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
I purchased him from a pet shop and I am utterly amazed at how fast he has adapted to being in our home. He quickly learned his name and simple instructions such as stop and sit. Crate training is going well however potty training is ongoing. T-bone is happy playing alone or with my girls (age 4 & 10). But most of all he enjoys laying on the couch with me!
3 years ago
Alfie
3 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We have enjoyed our fur baby and love teaching her tricks.
6 years, 10 months ago
Minkie
6 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
very energetic, highly excitable. Bored very easy then gets int to trouble.
6 years, 9 months ago
Tucker
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He needed a new home with a family that had more time for him. We are that family. So far he has been great with our other dog, our kids, and our cats.
6 years, 9 months ago
Cookie
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I enjoy running in the yard or playing with the ba
I always had Maltese as I was growing up but with the papitese is different there more energetic love kids fast learner and hipper lol I love my dog I wish I could clone her she’s just perfect and she’s perfect for a therapy dog as well
6 years, 6 months ago
Pollux
2 Years
6 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love Pollux. Very smart, sweet, and affectionate. He is the fur baby!
6 years, 3 months ago
Chiclet and Jiggs
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The two of them are inseparable she is dominate and watches after her brother. I smile every time I see them
5 years, 11 months ago
WILLOW GIRL.
9 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
WILLOW is PAPITESE. White with Carmel blond butterfly EARS. I RESCUED and adopted her last Christmas. All I can say is what a sweetheart. And really...She RESCUED me too.
5 years, 5 months ago
Samson
12 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
They are very loving sweet dogs.
5 years, 2 months ago
Willow
3 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love our Papitese. She’s very smart, playful and loves to cuddle. She gets bored easy and then gets into trouble.
4 years, 6 months ago
Juno
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking, throwing the squeeky toy, lap petting, t
He's mostly a joy, but being a male dog he tries to dominate my wife. He's usually very obedient with me and when he's not it's usually because he doesn't understand. The only real concern is if he's not on a leash to fetch the toy he will immediately bolt after another dog, usually just to meet and greet, but there are many pitbull owners here obviously don't have control of their dogs and an Alpha Pit might hurt him or worse if he misu stands Juno's intentions. Other than that he's a great little buddy for me and a great companion dog for my wife especially while I'm at work.
4 years, 6 months ago
Bella
6 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Everythimg
I loved my Papitese that I adopted from Muttville in San Francisco. My Maltese also loved her! We had such fun with her. I lost her last week on the way to her vet. She was coughing and I could not stop it! She died on the way to the vet hospital. No one had discovered her heart problem until it was too late and she died on the way to the hospital! My maltese and I miss her so much and I would like to find another healthy Papillon/Maltese. I will check her health very carefully and conduct in-depth research about heart problems with this breed.
4 years, 5 months ago
Lucy
9 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Lucy was a rescue. She hates every person she meets. Her previous owner didn’t take care of her so she has very few teeth. If she had teeth I’m afraid she’d bite. She does love to go to doggie day care but doesn’t interact with the other dogs. She just follows the people around. Despite her quirks, I wouldn’t trade her for the world.
3 years, 12 months ago
Gunner
8 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
I would have never imagine to own a puppy but Gunner has changed my life. He’s my little fur companion, follows me around everywhere I go. Super energetic and mischievous. Get into loads of trouble everyday but I wouldn’t trade him for anything ! He’s my baby
3 years, 10 months ago
Wally
12 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Wally is extremely friendly, very loving, very intelligent. Wants everyone to play. Lost his best friend last year and wouldn't sleep in his bed until we got a Shitzu (rescued from puppy mill) he's bossy but now happy again and sleeping with his new companion
3 years, 6 months ago
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