The Corgi Maltese mix is the ultimate small mixed-breed dog. As a mixture between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Maltese, the “Cortese,” as it is otherwise known, is an active, energetic breed perfect for almost anyone! Coming from two active (but not hyper) parent breeds, this silky coat companion fits seamlessly into family units and single-person households.
Image credit: lucerokobe
As a designer dog breed, there’s not much history concerning the “Cortese.” Designed in the early 2000s by mating a female Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a male Maltese, this adorable family pet could well be your next four-legged friend.
Corgi Maltese Mix: At a glance
| Weight: | 6–25 pounds |
| Height: | 8–12 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Coat Colours: | cream, tan, black, grey, white. |
| Temperament: | Friendly, energetic, loyal, loving, spry. |
| Suitable for: | Families, single individuals and the elderly. |
What does a Corgi Maltese mix look like?
Like most hybrid breeds, the Corgi Maltese will take parts of it’s physical appearance from both parent breeds. The Maltese Corgi will likely have a long coat with a silky texture. They may also have a double coat, as Pembroke Welsh Corgis have double coats, although this is less common.
Maltese are usually hypoallergenic dogs, this means that your Corgi Maltese is likely to adopt the Maltese’s hypoallergenic coat – which is great news for dog allergy sufferers!
Image credit: ocithecortese
Like their Maltese parent, your Corgi Maltese will have a small, black nose and a small snout. However, it will likely adopt the long, upright ears of the Welsh Corgi – although they will be pointed rather than rounded at the top.
As with most Corgi mixes, your Corgi Maltese have an elongated body, and as both parent breeds have short legs, your Maltese Corgi will also have short legs. The small, furry nature of the Maltese Corgi makes it one of the most physically adorable breeds you’re likely to come across.
The history of the Corgi Maltese Mix
The Corgi Maltese mix hasn’t been around for that long. They were likely bred sometimes in the 1990s or early 2000s, as the crossbreeding craze began to take over the dog breeding landscape of the United States.
Both of their parent breeds, however, have a long history in Europe – one in Wales, the other in Italy – we’ll explore the history of their parent breeds to discover more about this adorable mix.
The history of the Maltese
The Maltese dog has a rich European history, stretching back centuries. They have both an ancient history and a modern one, with the ancient history stretching as far back as Ancient Greece, where Maltese dogs were mentioned in Greek and Roman literature, mostly relating to the island of Malta.
There is some suspicion among modern cynologists that the Maltese are closely related to the Bichon Frise, Havanese and Bolognese dogs, all through a common ancestor. This is due to their bleach white coat and physical similarities. There are other instances during the 17th and 18th centuries where Maltese dogs were kept by British nobility, such as the Marlborough family.
Over time, Maltese dogs became increasingly popular among families in the United Kingdom, due to their small size and ‘cute’ factor. They’re often used as parent breeds for smaller designer dogs as a result of this popularity.
How Popular Are Maltese?
Maltese, just like many other British dogs in the late 19th century, were imported to the United States along with their owners. In 1888, the American Kennel Club recognized the Maltese as a breed, and this adorable breed’s popularity soared. Known only as a toy and companion pet.
In 2021, Maltese were the 39th most popular dog in the United States.
Who Are Maltese a Good Dog For?
Maltese is the perfect small family pet. Known for their friendly personality and loyalty, Maltese make wonderful pets for first-time dog owners. Their size also makes them great options for elderly owners. Because they have hypoallergenic coats, Maltese are preferred by those who suffer from allergies but are looking for a smaller dog.
How Did Maltese Come About?
The exact origins of the Maltese are slightly obscure. heir ancient history stretches all the way back to Greece and Rome, though they are thought to have a common ancestor with the Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Bolognese dog, although all three of these dogs originate from different parts of the world, their white fur coat and small size is unquestionably similar.
Unless they’re a mixed-breed, Maltese do not usually come in any other color than white – some may have a slight tan tinge, but Maltese are often signified by their snow white fur.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Maltese?
As an ancient breed, Maltese have likely been crossbred many times throughout their history, although any records have likely been destroyed or simply lost to the sands of time.
Modern history of crossbreeding of the Maltese is relatively short, although as a toy breed, they are most commonly crossed with other smaller dogs, such as various terriers.
These include:
- Maltese Cairn Terrier Mix (Cairn Maltese)
- Maltese Scottish Terrier Mix (Scottish Maltese)
- Maltese Shih Tzu Mix (Malt-Shih)
- Maltese Cocker Spaniel Mix (Maltese Spaniel)
The History of the Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first transported to Britain by Flemish weavers, who came from Flanders and originally settled in the town of Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally used as a herding breed by the weavers, used to herd sheep and other cattle.
Over the centuries, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was replaced by other, more capable breeds, such as the Border Collie, and became beloved family pets. Welsh Corgis are renowned for their affectionate nature, moderate energy levels and laissez-faire approach to life.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis also obtained the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, who kept more than thirty Corgis during her reign.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi does have a cousin – the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Cardigan Welsh was developed in Cardigan, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Up until the mid-1930s, the Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were classified as the same breed by the American Kennel Club. They were only recognized as separate breeds in 1935.
How Popular Are Corgis?
Welsh Corgis are some of America’s most popular family pets. First brought to the United States at the end of the 19th century, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi almost immediately resumed the role of popular family pet that it had played in England so well.
For their cousin, the Cardigan Welsh, that was not so easy. In 2021, the Cardigan Welsh was the 67th most popular dog in the United States.
Meanwhile, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi ranked as the 11th most popular dog in 2021, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Corgis a Good Dog For?
Corgis are well-liked by everyone, hence their enormous popularity in the United States and Europe. These small to medium-sized dogs are often favored by the elderly for their manageable size and lack of need for intense physical exercise.
Corgis are fiercely loyal family dogs. Small dogs with a ‘big dog’ bark might be well-suited for guardianship. Beware, however, that if you have small children, there’s a possibility that your Corgi might try to ‘herd’ your children. Keep an eye on this and take corrective action as necessary.
How Did Corgis Come About?
Corgis were first brought to the British Isles by Flemish weavers, who migrated from Flanders (modern-day Belgium) to Wales and brought with them herding dogs. These became the original Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, although they were developed in different parts of Wales.
Over the centuries, the Welsh Corgi was replaced as a herding breed and became loyal companion pets of everyone from the common folk to royalty.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Corgi?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a very popular parent breed of many mixed breed dogs due to their size and enamoring temperament. There are a few popular Pembroke Welsh Corgi mixes.
These include:
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shiba Inu Mix (Corgi Inus)
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu Mix (Shorgi)
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Cocker Spaniel Mix (Cocker Corgi)
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Pitbull Mix (Bull Corgi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of owning a dog is understanding how it will fit into your family lifestyle. Are you an active family unit that’s always on-the-go? Or are you more of a homebody that’s going to be going out occasionally, but doesn’t spend their weekends climbing mountains?
Finding a dog that matches your life’s pace, habits, and overall family environment is critical to fostering a successful relationship between your family and your new pet. It is very important that you do adequate research on the temperament of the dog you’re looking to adopt.
Finding a good temperamental match for your family will save you a lot of time and money in training, or even the possibility of needing to re-home your new pet – which will mean unnecessary trauma for you, your family, and your dog.
What is the Temperament of the Corgi Maltese Mix?
Most people are already enamored with the Corgi’s temperament, as they’re known for being friendly, loving, and loyal pets. They, like the Maltese, have a beautiful personality that make them both excellent family dogs.
This Welsh Corgi mix has enough to partake in family activities, including the Saturday morning stroll to the market, but is unlikely to be able to handle anything too strenuous. The Corgi Maltese mix is a gentle and loving dog and, as a moderately active breed, fits well in almost any family unit or a single-individual household.
Is The Corgi Maltese Mix Friendly?
Yes! You can expect your Corgi Maltese to be a very friendly pet!
Is The Corgi Maltese Mix Easy to Train?
Like many Welsh Corgi mixes, you may experience a stubborn streak in your Corgi Maltese. Positive reinforcement techniques in training can mitigate this. In general, however, you can expect your Corgi Maltese to be very easy to train.
How Much Can A Corgi Maltese Mix Weigh?
The average of a Corgi Maltese mix is between 6 and 25 pounds.
How Tall Can A Corgi Maltese Mix Get?
The average height of a Corgi Maltese mix is between 8 and 12 inches.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Corgi Maltese. These include some of the smallest dogs!
- King Charles Spaniel
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Boston Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Bichon Frise
Does the Corgi Maltese Mix Shed?
Your Corgi Maltese may inherit the double coat of the Corgi or the single coat of the Maltese. If it inherits the double of the Welsh Corgi, you may experience a moderate amount of shedding year-round. If it inherits the singular coat of the Maltese, expect light shedding throughout the year.
In any case, they will require regular brushing.
How Much Exercise Does A Corgi Maltese Mix Require?
As a smaller dog, the Corgi Maltese doesn’t have huge exercise levels. They will require between 30 and 45 minutes of daily exercise.
How Long Can a Corgi Maltese Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Corgi Maltese mix is between 12 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Corgi Maltese Mix Have?
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (Blood disorder)
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap dislocation)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Cataracts (Eye condition)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Eye condition)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (Spinal cord disease)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (Spinal cord disease)
How Can You Find a Corgi Maltese Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you try to buy a Corgi Maltese mix, first consider adopting one! While buying through a mixed-dog breeder may seem like an attractive option, adoption is always the cheapest and easiest route to go first.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs languish in animal shelters and vet clinics across the country. They were placed there by owners who either didn’t want them or were accidentally bred. Either way, you’re likely to encounter unwanted mixes which could use a home.
If you strike out in person, consider online adoption options – using websites such as AdoptAPet.com, which allows you to search out adoptable dogs in your area.
How Much Does a Corgi Maltese Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a “Cortese” puppy is between $600 and $800. Adoption costs are easily less-than-half of the average cost of purchasing a Cortese.
If you decide to purchase a Corgi Maltese puppy, we highly recommend that you read our guide to finding and working with a reputable breeder.
Is the Corgi Maltese Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been looking for a smaller dog breed with a moderate activity levels, that’s the perfect size for an elderly person or people living in a small space. Then, the Corgi Maltese might be the perfect mix for your family!
If you’ve decided that the Corgi Maltese mix is definitely not for you, then we have compiled many other breed guides to help you in your search for a mixed-breed companion!