Appearance of the Malchi
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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. |
English (United Kingdom)