Malti-Pin -- Maltese X Miniature Pinscher

		Malti-Pin
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Central Mediterranean <> Germany -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Malti-Pin

The Malti-Pin is a hybrid mix produced by crossing a Maltese with a Miniature Pinscher. It's a fairly new hybrid and, as such, little 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 dog generally weighs between 3.5 and 4.5 kilos, requires minimal grooming for coat maintenance, is described as energetic, intelligent, friendly and social, and makes an excellent pet and companion. To find out more, we'll need to examine the parent breeds individually to determine which traits might be inherited.

History of the Malti-Pin

The Malti-Pin is a hybrid mix of the Maltese and the Miniature Pinscher, and, being a more recent hybrid on the scene, there isn't much information available on the hybrid itself. We don't know where or when the hybrid was developed, or the purpose of its development, so, for some background, let's take a look at the two parent breeds. 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 International Designer Canine Registry.

	A little of the Maltese
	The Maltese breed can be traced back to Malta, on the south coast of Italy, at least as far back as around 3500 BC, perhaps even earlier. The Maltese breed is very probably the oldest of the sitting dog breeds, and perhaps even the oldest of the European dog breeds. The breed seems to have been developed purely for companionship, a role it plays extremely well today. The breed made its way to Britain and soon became the pocket dog of the rich and famous, being described as “no bigger than common ferrets” and “about the size of squirrels” and “women's jewels” as they were worn in the chests and sleeves of women in those days. The breed has a long and rich history that eventually brought it to the show ring in England in 1859 and America in 1877. The American Kennel Club finally recognized the Maltese in 1963.

	Standard of the Maltese
	A little of the Miniature Pinscher
	The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany, where it was used to hunt rats, a task for which its small size was perfect. The Germans also used them for surveillance tasks and as companions for hundreds of years. Although the exact date of origin and ancestry is also unknown for the Miniature Pinscher, many believe the breed is 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 Dobermann blood in this breed, but it is thought to carry some of this resemblance due to the influence of the German Pinscher in the developments of both breeds. It is thought that the first real start of the Miniature Pinscher breed came in 1895, when the German Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub was formed. The Miniature Pinscher appeared in the show ring in 1900 in Germany, being virtually unknown outside Germany and Scandinavia at the time. Eventually, the breed came to America and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 under the name “Min Pin”, with an official name change in 1972 to Miniature Pinscher.

	Standard of the Miniature Pinscher

Appearance of the Malti-Pin

The Malti-Pin is a hybrid of the Maltese and the Miniature Pinscher. As such, the hybrid can take on the appearance characteristics of one or both parent breeds. Your Malti-Pin will probably measure between 23 and 33 centimeters, weigh between 3.5 and 4.5 kilos, have longer, silky hair or a short, smooth coat, with a robust, fine-boned or elegant, muscular body. The eyes will be round or oval, dark, and feature a lively, spirited look with a black nose, strong muzzle and scissor bite, the ears can be pendant-like or they can be cropped, the tail can be draped over the back or carried straight, and the paws will be small and feline. Available colors are white, red, black and tan or chocolate. The coat will be smooth and stiff and possibly hypoallergenic on the Maltese side, with minimal shedding, drooling and odor.

Temperament of the Malti-Pin

The Malti-Pin hybrid, a cross between the Maltese and the Miniature Pinscher, is an active, affectionate, loyal, intelligent and social dog. They are perfect with children and the family cat, although early socialization will help ensure this. They can be good with strangers, although early socialization is necessary. Expect them to be wary of strangers until they understand that it's safe for the stranger to be around. If you live in an apartment or noise-restricted area, be aware that, for both parent breeds, barking can be a problem. Your Malti-Pin has a strong desire to please to be sure, however, it is considered moderately difficult to train. When training your Malti-Pin, be sure to be firm but not hard on him and provide plenty of positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout. Above all, be patient as it may take some time for the finished product to appear, but it will be worth it. You'll have an incredible furry family member who loves everyone and will warm the hearts of everyone he comes into contact with.

Needs and activities of the Malti-Pin

With both parent breeds having the art of sitting on a science lap, don't be surprised if your hybrid pet isn't physically in your lap before you sit down. They're loving and eager to bond with their human families, not wanting to be separated from them. But, don't get me wrong, just because they're accomplished janitors, don't assume they're couch potatoes. They're active and will run and play at every opportunity. They'll jump at the chance to go for a walk or jog with you, play fetch or Frisbee in the backyard, or let off steam and play at the dog park. Since they also have a high level of intelligence, be sure to keep their minds exercised as well with agility training, obedience training and maybe even some earth dog activities. This will help avoid the annoying destructive behaviors that can accompany boredom. Your Malti-Pin family member will probably need about an hour a day of physical exercise in addition to the mental challenges. The Malti-Pin's small size makes it perfect for apartments or condos as well as homes with or without fenced yards, with the exception of noise-restricted areas where barking can be a problem. Malti-Pins can live in both urban and rural environments, and do much better in warmer climates than colder ones. Extra protection will be needed for these colder climates.

Maintenance of the Malti-Pin

The Malti-Pin hybrid is a low-maintenance dog, probably requiring weekly brushing, unless it has inherited a longer, thicker coat from the Maltese side. The Maltese is hypoallergenic and the shedding potential of the parent breeds ranges from minimal to moderate, making this dog perfect for people with respiratory difficulties or asthma. Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to reduce infection, teeth brushed several times a week, preferably daily, to avoid periodontal disease with accompanying tooth loss, and nails trimmed as necessary to keep them under control. Following eye, ear and dental check-ups with your professional veterinarian will keep your hybrid healthy and fit. Bathing your hybrid should only be done when necessary, as the level of drool and odor is also minimal.