Havamalt
Designer Mixed Breed - Havanese x Maltese - Silky White Companion
6-12 lbsWeight
8-12 inHeight
12-15 yrsLifespan
White, Cream, MulticolorColors
Designer Mixed Breed - Havanese x Maltese - Silky White Companion
The Havamalt is a designer crossbreed that blends two distinct dogs: the Havanese, Cuba's silky national companion dog, and the Maltese, an ancient white lapdog of nobility. Breeders combine the two hoping to pair the Havanese's best traits — velvety, low-shedding coat and a friendly, clingy nature — with the Maltese's flowing, low-shedding coat and a devoted lap-dog nature, all in one companion.
As a first-generation mix, the Havamalt is not a standardized breed, so puppies — even littermates — can vary in size, coat, and personality depending on which parent they take after. Most are very small dogs, typically weighing around the range shown above. Thanks to the Havanese side, many — though not all — inherit a lower-shedding coat that some allergy sufferers tolerate better. The best way to picture an individual Havamalt is to get to know both parent breeds.
As a first-generation mix, the Havamalt is not a standardized breed, so puppies — even littermates — can vary in size, coat, and personality depending on which parent they take after. Most are very small dogs, typically weighing around the range shown above. Thanks to the Havanese side, many — though not all — inherit a lower-shedding coat that some allergy sufferers tolerate better. The best way to picture an individual Havamalt is to get to know both parent breeds.
Havamalts tend to be affectionate, playful, and sociable — and, from the Maltese side, gentle, affectionate, and playful. From its Havanese parent it often inherits a velvety, low-shedding coat and a friendly, clingy nature, while the Maltese contributes a flowing, low-shedding coat and a devoted lap-dog nature. The blend usually makes an affectionate, family-oriented companion, but because temperament can lean either way, early socialization and consistent, positive handling are important to bring out the best of both parents.
A moderately active mix, the Havamalt does well with around 45–60 minutes of daily exercise — a couple of walks plus some play. It enjoys activity but is also happy to relax at home once its needs are met.
Coat care depends on which parent a puppy favors. Those taking after the Havanese often have a wavy or curly, low-shedding coat that needs brushing several times a week and professional clipping every 6–8 weeks to prevent matting; others shed more and need only a weekly brush. Keep ears clean, nails trimmed, and teeth brushed regularly.
The Havamalt responds best to patient, consistent, reward-based training and early socialization. Short, upbeat sessions work better than repetition or heavy correction. Establishing clear, kind boundaries early helps it grow into a well-adjusted companion.
Mixed-breed dogs often enjoy some 'hybrid vigor,' but the Havamalt can still inherit any of the health conditions common to its parent breeds. Owners should be aware of patellar luxation, eye conditions, dental disease, and tear staining. Buying from a breeder who health-tests both the Havanese and the Maltese parents, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, and staying current with routine veterinary care are the best ways to support a long, healthy life.
| Stage | Daily Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 1-2.5 cups | 3 meals/day |
| Adult | 1.5-3 cups | 2 meals/day |
| Senior | Reduce 10-20% | Joint support |
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy | $700-$2,000 |
| Monthly Food | $20-$45 |
| Annual Vet | $280-$700 |
The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds, depicted in ancient Greek art over 2,500 years ago. The Havamalt carries this remarkable ancient heritage in its genes.
Both parent breeds have Mediterranean and tropical heritage - Maltese from Malta and Havanese from Cuba (descended from Mediterranean imports). The Havamalt unites these island traditions.