If you’re looking for a small, hypoallergenic dog with a sweet nature and a playful spirit, the Maltipoo might just be the perfect choice. This hybrid dog breed is a mix between the Maltese and the Poodle, combining the best of both worlds: the Maltese’s affectionate personality and the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Maltipoos, from their history and appearance to their personality and care requirements.
Maltipoo Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Details |
| Breed Group | Hybrid (Maltese + Poodle mix) |
| Breed Purpose | Companion dog |
| Size | Toy to Small |
| Height | 8 to 14 inches (20 to 36 cm) |
| Weight | 10 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kg) |
| Lifespan | 13 to 16 years |
| Coat Type | Long, soft, and silky, thick and curly, or wiry and wavy |
| Colors | White, cream, apricot, black, brown |
| Shedding | Low |
| Temperament | Sweet, loving, sociable |
| Exercise Level | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | At least 40 minutes daily |
| Average Price | Varies |
| Best For | Active families and individuals |
| Training Level | Highly trainable, intelligent |
Maltipoo Origin and History: Where Does the Breed Come From?
The Maltipoo is a relatively new breed, created by crossing the Maltese with the Poodle, a combination that aims to produce a friendly, energetic dog with a low-shedding coat. This mix first gained popularity in the early 1990s as more people sought out hypoallergenic dog breeds that could fit into apartment living while still offering companionship.
Since then, the Maltipoo has become a popular choice for families, singles, and seniors alike due to its gentle nature, small size, and ease of training. Their affectionate temperament makes them an ideal lap dog, and their intelligence ensures they can be trained quickly. With their hypoallergenic coat, they are often a top choice for those with allergies. Maltipoos are adaptable and can thrive in both small apartments and larger homes, making them a versatile option for many households. They are also known to be playful and enjoy engaging in activities with their family members.
Meet the Parent Breeds: Maltese and Poodle
To fully understand the Maltipoo, it’s helpful to look at its parent breeds: the Maltese and the Poodle. Both of these breeds have a rich history and unique characteristics that shape the Maltipoo’s appearance, temperament, and care needs.
The Maltese: A Toy Breed with a Big Heart
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, known for its affectionate, friendly, and outgoing personality. Originating from the Mediterranean island of Malta, this breed was adored by royalty and the aristocracy for centuries. The Maltese is a small dog with a long, flowing white coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
Despite their small size, Maltese dogs are active and energetic, and they make excellent companions. They thrive on human interaction and are known for forming strong bonds with their owners. However, they can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, so early socialization and positive reinforcement are essential.
The Poodle: A Highly Intelligent and Versatile Dog
The Poodle is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, known for its versatility and hypoallergenic coat. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard Poodle, miniature, and toy, but the Toy Poodle is most commonly used in Maltipoo breeding due to its small size. Originally bred as a water retriever in Germany, the Poodle has an incredible ability to learn commands and tricks quickly, making them a joy to train.
The Poodle’s coat is curly and low-shedding, which contributes to its hypoallergenic qualities. This breed is energetic, playful, and loves to stay active, which makes them excellent pets for active families or individuals. Their social nature and desire to please make them a perfect match for a crossbreed like the Maltipoo, which inherits these qualities. Poodles also thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy engaging in activities like dog sports or trick training. This makes them an ideal choice for families or owners who are looking for an intelligent, active, and affectionate dog breed.
The Maltipoo inherits the best traits of both parent breeds. From the Maltese, it gets its affectionate nature, love for attention, and smaller size. From the Poodle, the Maltipoo inherits intelligence, hypoallergenic fur, and a playful demeanor. The result is a dog that’s not only adorable but also friendly, highly trainable, and a great companion for families or individuals.
Both the Maltese and Poodle are known for their loyalty, and this trait is passed down to the Maltipoo, which bonds closely with its owners. The Maltipoo is also known for being adaptable and versatile, making it a great fit for various living situations. Whether you’re living in an apartment or a house with a yard, the Maltipoo will thrive as long as its physical and emotional needs are met.
What Does a Maltipoo Look Like?
Maltipoos typically inherit a combination of features from both parent breeds. Their appearance can vary depending on which parent’s traits they take after most.
- Coat: The Maltipoo’s coat can be long, soft, and silky, thick and curly, or wiry and wavy, often resembling the Poodle’s hypoallergenic fur. They shed very little, making them a great option for people with allergies. There is a need for regular grooming to prevent matting, and they may require professional grooming every few months.
- Face: They have a rounded, teddy bear-like face with big, dark eyes that radiate a friendly and affectionate expression. Their ears are typically long and floppy, and their tail is often carried high and curled over their back.
How Big Do Maltipoos Get, and What Colors Are They?
Maltipoos come in various colors, depending on the coat color of their parent breeds. Common Maltipoo colors include:
- White: The most common color, particularly in Maltese-influenced dogs.
- Cream: A soft, pale color.
- Apricot: A warm, light reddish-brown.
- Black: Less common but can occur in some mixed litters.
- Brown: A rich, deep chocolate color.
As for their size, they are toy to small dogs typically weigh between 10 to 20 pounds, with an average height of 8 to 14 inches. Smaller Maltipoos may come from the Toy or Miniature Poodle parent, while larger ones may inherit more traits from the Maltese.
Is a Maltipoo the Right Pet for Me?
One of the biggest draws of the Maltipoo is its sweet, loving, and sociable personality. These dogs are known for their affectionate nature and strong bonding with their families. They are very intelligent and easily trainable, too, often excelling in obedience and learning tricks quickly.
While they are typically friendly with children and other pets, Maltipoos can be prone to separation anxiety, especially if they are starved of companionship for long periods. This means they may be more suited for families or individuals who are home often. They are also known to be a bit barky, alerting you to the presence of strangers or unfamiliar noises.
How to Care for a Maltipoo’s Coat and Health
Maltipoos have a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. Depending on the texture of their coat (curly, wavy, or straight), they may need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and mats. Moreso, many Maltipoo owners take their pets to a professional groomer every few months for a trim.
In between professional grooming sessions, regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are also essential to maintain their health and comfort. Regular brushing with a high-quality brush helps reduce mats, tangles, and potential skin irritation. Be sure to check their eyes for any discharge or debris, as Maltipoos are prone to eye issues.
How Much Exercise Does a Maltipoo Need?
While Maltipoos are small, they still need regular exercise of at least 40 minutes daily to remain healthy and happy. A walk in the garden or some playtime in the yard will be enough to meet their exercise needs. They are energetic dogs but do well in apartment living as long as their exercise needs are met.
Creative exercises like puzzle toys or treat-dispensing games can keep their minds stimulated while also giving them some physical activity. You can also engage them in agility training or basic obstacle courses in your home or yard, which is great for mental and physical exercise. These types of activities will help keep your Maltipoo active, engaged, and happy while also preventing boredom.
How to Train a Maltipoo Effectively
Maltipoos are exceptional creatures and are always eager to please, and this trait makes them relatively easy to train. Start socializing them early to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs. You are likely to get a positive response when you reward good behaviors with praise and treats.
Consistent training and socialization from a young age can help prevent undesirable behaviors like excessive barking or separation anxiety. Maltipoos also enjoy interactive play, such as learning new tricks or commands during training sessions, which further strengthens their bond with their owners.
What Health Problems Do Maltipoos Have?
While Maltipoos are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions inherited from their parent breeds. These may include:
- Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates.
- Epilepsy: Seizures may occur, though this is not common.
- Dental Issues: Small breeds like Maltipoos can have dental problems, so regular teeth brushing is important.
- Allergies: As a hypoallergenic breed, Maltipoos can sometimes develop skin problems or sensitivities, so regular grooming and care are important.
What Should I Feed My Maltipoo?
Maltipoos have moderate dietary needs. Because they are small dogs, it’s important to feed them well-balanced, high-quality dog food that supports their energy levels and overall health. Smaller breeds can be prone to weight gain, so it’s important to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding.
Be sure to provide fresh water at all times and avoid giving them table scraps, as this can lead to digestive issues or obesity. It’s also important to avoid feeding them foods that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate or grapes. Regularly check their weight and adjust portions as needed to ensure they maintain a healthy body condition.
For expert recommendations on the best diet for your Maltipoo, explore our guide on Best Dog Food for Maltipoo.
Are Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?
A hypoallergenic dog breed is one that typically sheds very little, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies. Since Maltipoos are a mix of the Maltese and the Poodle, they inherit the hypoallergenic coat traits from the Poodle side. However, it’s important to note that no dog is entirely hypoallergenic.
While Maltipoos shed minimally, they can still cause allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals due to dander and saliva. Regular grooming routines and maintenance of their coat are key to reducing allergens. Always spend time with a Maltipoo before committing to ensure it’s the right fit for your allergy situation.
Where Can I Find a Maltipoo Puppy?
If you’re interested in finding a Maltipoo puppy, there are several options to consider. Many reputable breeders specialize in this popular hybrid, and you can find them through online directories or breed-specific organizations. It’s important to choose a breeder who prioritizes health testing and responsible breeding practices to ensure a healthy puppy.
You can also explore Maltipoo rescue organizations, which sometimes have puppies or young dogs available for adoption. Local pet shelters and rescue centers may occasionally have Maltipoos in need of loving homes, so be sure to check these resources as well. Moreover, attending dog shows or contacting local veterinarian offices can help you connect with trustworthy breeders and adoption programs.
Maltipoo Reputable Breeders and Rescue Programs
Finding a Maltipoo puppy can be a thrilling experience, but it’s essential to do your research. Reputable breeders can be found through online platforms such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or through specific Maltipoo breed organizations. These breeders should offer proof of health checks and provide transparent information about the lineage of their puppies.
If you are trying to adopt, rescue organizations and shelters often have Maltipoos in need of loving homes. Local rescues dedicated to mixed breeds, such as Poodle or Maltese rescues, may occasionally have Maltipoo pups available for adoption. It’s always important to visit the breeder or rescue organization in person, ask for references, and ensure the puppy has been raised in a healthy, loving environment.
Maltipoo: The Ideal Family Pet for All Ages and Lifestyles
Maltipoos make excellent family pets due to their gentle temperament, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat. They get along well with children, other pets, and adults alike. Their affectionate nature means they will be by your side through thick and thin, always ready to offer a wagging tail or cuddles when you need it.
These dogs are great companions for seniors and individuals who want a smaller breed with a loving personality. Maltipoos tend to form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being included in everyday activities. If you’re considering adding a Maltipoo to your family, be prepared for regular grooming sessions, consistent exercise, and a commitment to their well-being. This sweet dog will return your love tenfold with loyalty, affection, and endless joy.
If you’re looking for more adorable and affectionate small breeds, check out our list of the best small dogs for kids to find the perfect pint-sized companion!
Is the Maltipoo the Perfect Pet for Me?
The Maltipoo is an excellent choice for individuals or families looking for a loving, hypoallergenic, and small companion. If you want a dog that is highly trainable, affectionate, and playful, the Maltipoo could be a match. Their social and friendly nature makes them great pets for people of all ages, including seniors and children.
However, it’s important to consider that Maltipoos need regular grooming routines and care to maintain their coat. Additionally, they can develop separation anxiety if they are left on their own for extended periods, so they are best suited for those who are home often or can provide adequate companionship.