Malchi -- Maltese X Chihuahua

		Malchi
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Central Mediterranean Basin <> Mexico -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Malachi Maltechi

A brief presentation of the Malchi

The Malchi is a hybrid dog, the result of crossing a Maltese with a Chihuahua. They are also known as Malachi or Maltechi. The resulting dog is small in stature, with an outsized personality and a loud bark. These dogs may look like teddy bears, but can be fiercer than their appearance suggests and intolerant with children. Malchi coats can be short or long, depending on which parent they take after. They are most often either white like the Maltese, or pale caramel in color. They bark loudly and aren't afraid to use their voice. This can make them a poor choice for a dog in an apartment, as they'll quickly become unpopular with the neighbors. So, who is the ideal Malchi owner? They're a pocket dog and don't need much exercise. As a result, they make excellent canine companions for the housebound or elderly with lots of love to give.

History of the Malchi

The Malchi hybrid is a newcomer to the scene and the result of deliberate mating between disparate dog breeders. Consequently, there's not much history to report. However, both parent breeds have a long history.

	A little of the Maltese
	Lively and affectionate, the Maltese is an ancient breed, recorded in the written history of Aristotle and Pliny almost 2,500 years ago. This is a small breed dog with a big personality that's playful and energetic. Maltese live very well in small spaces and are therefore ideal for indoor and apartment dogs. They thrive on human companionship, benefit from constant attention and can suffer from separation anxiety and boredom if left alone for long periods. They are considered a toy breed, although they are thought to share common ancestry with Spitz breeds. Although they appreciate physical contact and affection, Maltese can be prone to biting if overwhelmed and are therefore not considered ideal company for young children.

	Standard of the Maltese
	A little of the Chihuahua
	The Chihuahua has roots dating back to the 9th century and a close link with Mexico, although their exact origins are unclear. The fiery character of this little dog is undeniable. These bold little dogs were reputed to be spiritual guides for the souls of the departed, ready to protect their souls on their journey to the afterlife. The breed's name, Chihuahua, comes from the state of the same name, where American tourists discovered the breed in the 19th century.

	Standard of the Chihuahua

Appearance of the Malchi

Malchi weigh less than six kilos when fully grown. Their exact appearance varies enormously, depending on which side of the family tree they take. If they inherit the Maltese side, they'll have a long, flowing coat, while if the Chihuahua parent dominates, they may have a shorter, caramel-colored coat. Again, coat length can vary, depending on whether the Chihuahua parent is long or short. An interesting quirk is the Malchi's ears. These have the potential to take on the erect ear of the Chihuahua or the pretty flapping ear of the Maltese. One thing's for sure, the result will be adorable.

Temperament of the Malchi

Did we mention that Malchis vary in appearance depending on which parent they take after? Well, the same can be said of their personality. While the Maltese is a gentle, playful soul, the Chihuahua is altogether more independent and savvy. Consequently, the Malchi temperament has the potential to cover a wide range of characteristics. However, as a general rule, their character is described as playful yet protective. They can be sensitive, barking at the rustle of leaves. They are apt to defend their plot with ferocity, including their toys, food or sofa. This has unfortunately earned them a reputation for being lively. This is why proper socialization as a puppy and ongoing training are important. Another aspect is Malchi's lack of tolerance towards children. The dog's small size makes him vulnerable to injury from overly robust handling, and he won't hesitate to defend himself if he feels threatened. Unfortunately, they are not suitable for young families and must be constantly supervised around children.

Needs and activities of the Malchi

Chihuahuas and Maltese aren't interested in physical activity, but ultimately, they're pocket dogs. For this reason, you can expect the Malchi to consume relatively little energy. He'll still love to run and play, but a brisk walk or a good workout twice a day will be enough to keep him happy. This makes the Malchi an excellent pet for the elderly or those living in apartments. Bear in mind that training will be an excellent way of tiring out your dog, as well as teaching him good manners to avoid destroying your property and minimize barking to some extent.

Maintenance of the Malchi

Malchis are relatively low-maintenance dogs, due to the brilliant white variety of their coat. Even if you have a lighter bronze or cream-colored Malchi, it will take a lot of work to ensure that their beautiful coat remains spotless and as close to that light color as possible. To achieve this, frequent bathing will be necessary with a careful concentration applied to the face, specifically under the eyes and around the mouth where spotting can occur. Make sure that after bathing your dog, you thoroughly clean and dry his ears. Because Malchi tends to fold over the ears, the risk of extra moisture getting trapped inside is high and causing infection. By drying your ears well, you'll avoid ear infections and any irritation that may occur. Brushing should only be done about three times a week with a brush and ordinary comb, as hair loss is moderate and tangles will need to be removed if you have the long-haired version of this breed. Finally, trim your Malchi's nails every few weeks to promote excellent paw health and reduce the risk of scratching if the dog jumps on someone or something.