How long does a Border Collie Maltese Mix live?

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

Is a Border Collie 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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Border Collie Maltese Mix

A Border Collie Maltese mix is a cross between a Border Collie and a Maltese. Most grow into small dogs of 15–30 lb and live 12–15 years.

Border Collie, a purebred dog — Border ColliePhoto: Horacio Cambeiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.

Weight15–30 lbcan be 4–55 lb

Height12–16 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–15 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Border Collie Maltese Mix get?

Border Collie30–55 lb

The mix15–30 lb

Maltese4–7 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Border Collie 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 18–22 in for the Border Collie 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

Moderate to very 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 Border Collie rates very high and the Maltese moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

High

Expect regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks.

Temperament

The Border Collie is usually described as affectionate, smart, energetic. 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.

Border Collie vs Maltese vs the mix

Trait	Border Collie	Border Collie Maltese Mix	Maltese
Weight	30–55 lb	15–30 lb	4–7 lb
Height	18–22 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	very high	moderate to very high	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Border Collie Maltese Mix

How big does a Border Collie Maltese Mix get?: Most grow to 15–30 pounds and 12–16 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–55 pounds.
How long does a Border Collie Maltese Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Border Collie (12–15 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).
Does a Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie mixes

Other Maltese mixes

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