How long does a Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).

Is a Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix

A Australian Shepherd Maltese mix is a cross between a Australian Shepherd and a Maltese. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 20–35 lb and live 12–15 years.

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Maltese, a purebred dog — MaltesePhoto: Maltezervereniging, Public domain, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight20–35 lbcan be 4–65 lb

Height12–16 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–15 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix get?

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

The mix20–35 lb

Maltese4–7 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 12–16 inches at the shoulder, against 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd and 7–9 in for the Maltese. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low to moderate

Maltese has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The Australian Shepherd rates very high and the Maltese moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is usually described as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. The Maltese as gentle, playful, charming. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Australian Shepherd vs Maltese vs the mix

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix	Maltese
Weight	40–65 lb	20–35 lb	4–7 lb
Height	18–23 in	12–16 in	7–9 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	12–15 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	moderate	very low to moderate	very low
Energy	high	high	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix

How big does a Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix get?: Most grow to 20–35 pounds and 12–16 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–65 pounds.
How long does a Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).
Does a Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to moderate. Maltese has a low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Australian Shepherd Maltese Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Other Maltese mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.