How long does a German Shepherd Maltese Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).

Is a German 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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German Shepherd Maltese Mix

A German Shepherd Maltese mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Maltese. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 25–50 lb and live 10–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, 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.

Weight25–50 lbcan be 4–90 lb

Height14–18 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–12 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a German Shepherd Maltese Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix25–50 lb

Maltese4–7 lb

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

Height runs 14–18 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German 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 high

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

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The German 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 German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. 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.

German Shepherd vs Maltese vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Maltese Mix	Maltese
Weight	50–90 lb	25–50 lb	4–7 lb
Height	22–26 in	14–18 in	7–9 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	10–12 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	high	very low to high	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Toy

Questions about the German Shepherd Maltese Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Maltese Mix get?: Most grow to 25–50 pounds and 14–18 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Maltese Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Maltese (12–15 years).
Does a German Shepherd Maltese Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to high. 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 German 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 German Shepherd mixes

Other Maltese mixes

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