As we continue our look at Boston Terrier mixes, today we are exploring the Boston Malterrier.
The Boston Malterrier, also known as a Bostese, is a designer dog breed, a cross between a Boston Terrier and a Maltese. This breed combines the qualities of its parent breeds into a small, manageable size.
The Boston Terrier Maltese mix inherits the energetic and social nature of the Boston Terrier and the friendly and affectionate disposition of the Maltese.
This combination makes the Boston Malterrier a suitable choice for individuals and families seeking a sociable and dedicated pet.
In this article, we will explore the origin and key traits of this designer breed and compare it with the parent breeds.
- Origin and History
- Size and Appearance
- Personality and Temperament
- Health and Lifespan
- Exercise Needs
- Grooming Needs
- Suitability as a Family Pet
Origin and History
The Boston Malterrier, a unique and lovable blend of the Boston Terrier and the Maltese, doesn’t have a long, well-documented history.
As a designer breed, its origins are shrouded in the recent past, likely linked to the surge of hybrid breeding in the late 20th century.
The goal behind this combination was simple: to merge the best attributes of the Boston Terrier and Maltese, in terms of both physical attributes and personality traits.
To truly understand the Boston Malterrier, we must step back and explore the histories of its parent breeds.
The Boston Terrier’s roots extend back to the 19th century United States, where it was first developed in Boston, Massachusetts.
Affectionately referred to as the “American Gentleman,” the breed is a result of crossbreeding between the English Bulldog and the now-extinct White English Terrier.
Initially bred for dog fighting, Boston Terriers evolved into a more companionable breed as their aggressive traits were selectively bred out.
Over time, selective breeding transformed this breed into a gentler, more intelligent companion suitable for family life. This breed gained recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) as early as 1893.
On the other side, the Maltese boasts an ancient history dating back to 3500 BC. This small toy breed originates from the Mediterranean, specifically Malta, which gives the breed its name.
These dogs held a special place as lap dogs among nobles and aristocrats throughout history, often referred to as “the jewels of women.”
As the Maltese breed made its way to Europe in the 15th century, it grew in popularity and was eventually recognized by the AKC in 1888.
Together, these rich histories create the backdrop for the Boston Malterrier, a designer breed embodying the best of two exceptional breeds.
Its emergence shows the dedication to refining and developing dog breeds for specific qualities and companionship.
Size and Appearance
Standing tall at 10 to 16 inches and weighing between 9 to 20 pounds, the Boston Malterrier is a petite but robust dog. Its looks can vary significantly due to the mix of the parent breeds, both of which have unique, distinct appearances.
The coat of a Boston Malterrier can be diverse, influenced by both parent breeds. It might take after the Boston Terrier with a shorter, smoother coat or it could mirror the Maltese, exhibiting a longer, silkier coat.
A medley of colors can be expected in their coats, with possibilities ranging from white, black, brown or any typical shade found in the Boston Terrier or Maltese breeds.
The body shape of the Boston Malterrier might veer more towards the compact, muscular form of the Boston Terrier, or it could adopt the more refined, delicate structure of the Maltese. This blend results in a robust, yet delicate dog that’s small in size but big in personality.
The head and face of the Boston Malterrier, too, are a testament to its dual heritage. The breed could inherit the Boston Terrier’s shorter, squarer muzzle, or the round, expressive eyes of the Maltese.
However, one might expect the eyes to be more expressive, akin to a Maltese, without the bulging characteristic seen in Boston Terriers.
The face might exhibit a bit of flatness, potentially showcasing a classic black and white mask reminiscent of the Boston Terrier.
Ears and tail of this breed can also be a mix of both parents. The ears might stand erect, like those of a Boston Terrier, or they could be droopier, akin to the Maltese.
Similarly, the tail could be a blend of the corkscrew tail seen in Boston Terriers or the naturally long, upright tail of the Maltese.
In summary, the Boston Malterrier is a unique blend of two remarkable breeds. While its size is compact, the mix of the Boston Terrier and Maltese traits make it a versatile, adaptable, and attractive companion.
Personality and Temperament
The Boston Terrier Maltese mix is known to exhibit a personality that is both playful and energetic, drawing from the best of its parent breeds. This dog is intelligent and amiable, making it an ideal family pet.
However, it can also display certain behavioral traits akin to both parents, such as the territorial behavior of the Maltese and the separation anxiety-related behaviors of the Boston Terrier, which can manifest as barking and chewing.
The friendliness and sociability of both Boston Terriers and Maltese dogs can be seen in the Boston Malterrier. These dogs are likely to be affectionate, relishing in the company of their family members and fellow pets.
This sociability extends to their adaptability, able to adjust well to different living environments and situations, which is a trait inherited from both parent breeds.
Boston Malterriers can be quite lively and energetic. They love playtime and exercise, reflecting the vivacious nature of both parent breeds.
Their zest for life and high energy levels make them fun and engaging pets that won’t shy away from a game of fetch or a brisk walk.
With intelligence inherited from both the Boston Terrier and the Maltese, the Boston Malterrier is likely to be quick on the uptake when it comes to training.
They’re able to grasp new commands and tricks swiftly, which can make training sessions a pleasure.
Loyalty is another trait that the Boston Malterrier proudly wears on its sleeve. These dogs are known to form strong bonds with their families and can be quite protective, showcasing the loyalty inherent in both the Boston Terrier and the Maltese.
Alertness is a key feature of the Boston Malterrier. This vigilance, inherited from the Boston Terrier, ensures that they’re always attentive and ready to alert their family of anything unusual.
This characteristic can make them good watchdogs, although their small size might limit them in this role.
Lastly, the affectionate nature of the Maltese shines through in the Boston Malterrier. These dogs enjoy giving and receiving affection, often turning into loveable lap dogs that crave attention from their owners.
With proper socialization, they can also get along well with other pets in the household.
In conclusion, the Boston Malterrier, with its mix of energy, intelligence, loyalty, and affection, proves to be an excellent companion for a wide range of households.
Health and Lifespan
When it comes to the health and lifespan of the Boston Malterrier, the Boston Terrier Maltese mix enjoys an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
However, these numbers can improve with regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, ample exercise, and proper care. These factors can contribute significantly to a longer and healthier life for your Boston Malterrier.
However, as with any breed, the Boston Malterrier is prone to certain health issues. Some of the common conditions seen in this hybrid breed include eye problems like Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Dry Eye.
Other health issues may include congenital heart problems like Patent Ductus Arteriosus, Heart murmurs, and orthopedic issues like Patellar luxation.
In conclusion, although the Boston Malterrier is a generally healthy breed, being aware of these potential health issues allows for early detection and intervention, ensuring your furry companion leads a long, healthy life.
Exercise Needs
The exercise requirements for a Boston Terrier Maltese mix, or Boston Malterrier, may vary depending on the individual dog’s age, health, and energy level.
However, the following general guidelines can help maintain your Boston Malterrier’s physical and mental health:
- Moderate Exercise: Boston Malterriers are typically small to medium-sized breeds requiring a moderate amount of exercise. While they aren’t as high-energy as some breeds, they still need regular physical activity to stay healthy and mentally stimulated.
- Daily Walks: Walking is an essential exercise for your Boston Malterrier. Plan for at least one or two daily walks, each lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. These walks serve dual purposes – they help burn off energy and give your dog a chance to explore the outdoors.
- Interactive Playtime: Keeping your Boston Malterrier mentally engaged is as crucial as keeping them physically active. Involve them in interactive play sessions throughout the day using toys like fetch balls, tug ropes, or puzzle toys.
- Indoor Activities: Boston Malterriers can adapt well to indoor living or small spaces. Therefore, indoor play sessions or short training activities can be ideal for times when outdoor walks aren’t feasible.
- Mental Stimulation: Mental exercises are vital for Boston Malterriers. Consider incorporating training sessions, obedience exercises, or puzzle toys into their routine to keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom.
- Social Interaction: Boston Malterriers are generally sociable dogs. Socialization activities such as visits to the dog park or playdates with other friendly dogs can greatly benefit their mental and emotional well-being.
- Brachycephalic Traits: Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that Boston Terriers have brachycephalic (short-nosed) traits, and Maltese dogs have delicate respiratory systems. As a result, avoid strenuous exercise in extreme heat or humidity to prevent difficulties with body temperature regulation.
Providing a balanced mix of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction will help ensure your Boston Malterrier stays healthy and happy.
Grooming Needs
The grooming needs of a Boston Maltese Terrier, being a mixed breed, can differ significantly depending on the traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Their coat can closely resemble a Boston Terrier, a Maltese, or showcase a unique mix of both.
A Boston Terrier’s coat is short, smooth, and generally low-shedding, requiring minimal grooming for maintenance. Conversely, a Maltese boasts a long, silky, and straight coat, which necessitates regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
A Boston Maltese Terrier could possess any of these attributes or even a blend, impacting the coat’s length, texture, and shedding tendency.
For Boston Maltese Terriers with a short coat akin to a Boston Terrier, grooming can be less frequent. An occasional brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to eliminate loose hairs and dirt is typically sufficient. This variant of coat tends to shed moderately.
On the other hand, Boston Maltese Terriers with a coat resembling that of a Maltese require a more meticulous grooming routine.
Their long, silky coat can easily get tangled and matted, making daily brushing a must. Utilizing a slicker brush or a comb can gently remove tangles and prevent knot formation.
If the Boston Maltese Terrier has a mixed coat, comprising both short and long hairs, grooming must be personalized to accommodate the coat’s specific characteristics.
Regardless, regular brushing remains crucial to avoid matting and uphold a healthy coat.
Apart from coat care, other grooming practices for a Boston Maltese Terrier include routine ear cleaning to prevent wax buildup and ear infections, and regular eye cleaning, especially focusing on tear stains.
Nail trimming is another essential aspect of grooming, preventing overgrowth that could cause discomfort or injury.
Bathing your Boston Maltese Terrier, ideally every 4 to 8 weeks or when dirty or smelly, helps maintain a clean coat and skin. It’s advisable to use a mild dog shampoo to prevent skin dryness.
Dental care, including regular teeth brushing, is also an integral part of the grooming routine to ensure good oral hygiene and ward off dental issues.
Suitability as a Family Pet
The Boston Terrier Maltese mixed breed boasts a myriad of traits that make them an ideal choice for a family pet.
Characterized by their friendly, loyal, playful, and polite demeanor, Boston Malterriers gel well with children and are tolerant towards other household pets. If they are properly socialized from an early age, they mature into well-rounded, sociable dogs who love bonding with people.
Their compact stature, reminiscent of a toy breed, makes them particularly manageable, even in smaller apartments with or without yards.
However, despite their small size, they still require regular moderate exercise for both physical and mental stimulation.
Boston Malterriers are also great lap dogs. Much like the Boston Terrier, they show a lot of affection towards children.
However, it’s important for owners to educate their children on proper ways to interact and approach the dog to ensure a harmonious relationship.
In summary, Boston Malterriers are a fantastic choice for families or individuals seeking a low-maintenance, adorable pet that can adapt to various living situations.
Their winning personality and manageable size combined with their sociability and tolerance make them an excellent addition to any home.
Is a Boston Malterrier Right for You?
In conclusion, the Boston Malterrier, a designer breed crafted from a blend of the Boston Terrier and the Maltese, is a mixed canine companion with much to offer.
With their small stature and medium-length coat that can range from smooth to silky, this mixed breed has a friendly demeanor and affectionate personality, fitting the role of a lap dog perfectly.
Boasting an energetic and playful nature, Boston Malterriers are also protective of their family, demonstrating their loyalty.
However, like any breed, this hybrid does have a predisposition to certain health issues, including eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts, as well as patellar luxation and heart problems.
These potential health issues necessitate a balanced lifestyle, a healthy diet, and regular vet check-ups to ensure the wellbeing of this adorable breed.
The Boston Malterrier proves to be an ideal choice for a small family unit residing in an apartment setting.
Being a loving family dog, this breed does have a tendency towards separation anxiety, so potential owners should be prepared to provide plenty of time and attention.
Ultimately, if you are seeking a small, affectionate, and playful pet that thrives on companionship, the Boston Malterrier could be the perfect addition to your home.
Similar Mixed Breeds
- Jack Russell Terrier Maltese Mix (Jacktese): The Jack Russell Terrier Maltese mix, or Jacktese, is a small, energetic, and affectionate hybrid breed known for its spirited personality, white or tri-colored coat, and an appearance that blends the rough-and-ready terrier traits with the delicate elegance of the Maltese.
- Boston Terrier Pomeranian Mix (Pomston): The Pomston, a Boston Terrier Pomeranian mix, is a compact, lively designer breed with a captivating personality reflecting both breeds’ friendly and spunky attributes.