Maltipoo Dog Breed Facts & Information

By Heather Logue

This sweet Maltese and Poodle mix is rapidly gaining popularity for good reason—they’re a little bundle of love and loyalty. Because of their sparkling personalities and eager-to-please smarts, Maltipoos make wonderful pets for families, older folks, and even novice dog owners. It also helps that they have a teddy bear-like quality that just makes you want to give them a cuddle!

Is a Maltipoo the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile. We consulted certified professional dog trainer and The Dog People panelist Nicole Ellis, who has long worked with Doodle breeds, breeders, and owners, for the essential facts about Maltipoos.

Breed Characteristics

Key

Low
Medium
High

Origin: United States
Size:
Weight: 4-20 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Breed group: Mixed
Activity level:
Barking/howling level:
Good with dogs: yes
Good with kids: yes
Good with cats:
Shedding:
Easy to groom:
Easy to train:
Protective:

Maltipoo Appearance

Since this is a mix of a Maltese and a toy or miniature Poodle, it’s fair to say that this is a tiny dog. These pups tend to weight anywhere from 3 to 20 pounds, and can be between 4 and 14 inches high.

Their lovely locks are usual medium to long in length, and generally curly (thanks to those wonderful Poodle genes) though no coat is ever completely hypoallergenic, theirs is pretty close, meaning that they don’t usually cause much of an allergic reaction in dog-lovers with sensitive allergies. The color of their hair can range from white, cream, and peach, to gray, brown and black—and everywhere in between. And those cute little noses? They tend to stick to being just pink or black.

Maltipoo Personality

Even though they’re tiny, these bundles of energy are packed with all of the personality of a Maltese and Poodle. These diminutive doodles are popular because they’re affectionate and loving toward their families, plus they have a light-hearted, goofy side that’ll keep you entertained for hours. They’re also excellent companion dogs, which means they crave the attention and affection of loved ones, and they dislike being left alone for long periods (or sometimes even short periods) of time.

Maltipoos are generally good with other dogs and kids, though you’ll need to explain to children that they need to be careful with the pup’s tiny frame. Plus, this mix can sometimes get a little nippy if they’re provoked, so understanding proper small dog-handling is essential before introducing them to young kids.

Along with high energy, they also have a high tendency to bark at anything suspicious—which though a great guard dog quality, will probably not make up for the fact they they’re too small to physically protect anyone.

Ideal Environment for a Maltipoo

Since these pups are so small, they’re more than happy to live in smaller spaces, and in fact can thrive in condos and apartments—no yard required! They’re wonderful urban pets since they don’t require extensive exercise, but are very content with a quick, daily stroll around the neighborhood that gives them the chance to sniff and stretch their legs. One concern? Their tendency to bark. If you’re too close to your neighbors you’ll need to consider the possibility that your Maltipoo might be disruptive. Just something to keep in mind!

Ideal Human for Maltipoo

Because of their amicable nature, almost anyone could be well-suited for a Maltipoo. But for this breed to truly thrive it is important that their human have plenty of time and attention to give them. Being physically present for this pup is essential, because they can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left too often alone.

Ideally, their human would be someone who works from home, or someone who has other pups that could keep them company during the day. As mentioned above, this dog is fairly low-maintenance (though they’re high energy), which means they’d even make a great dog for an inexperienced owner. As long as they’re provided with love and attention, they’ll be happy.

Great Maltipoo Dog Training

Everyone agrees that their eager-to-please mentality and high intelligence makes this breed easy to train. They’ll quickly impress if you challenge them with stimulating games and activities—just be sure to use positive reinforcement tactics when training since Maltipoos can be sensitive. Don’t raise your voice as this may cause them to shut down, and remember that patience (and treats and toys!) is key.

Another thing: you may encounter some separation anxiety with your Maltipoo because they want to be with their families constantly. To keep them mentally healthy and happy, it’s important to prepare them for being left alone. To avoid separation anxiety, start crate training early, and practice leaving your dog along for just a few minutes to start with – slowly working your way up to more time. It’s also essential that you don’t make a big deal when you’re leaving or coming home, as that can just cause your pet more stress.

Maltipoo Grooming

Though otherwise wonderful and low-maintenance, Maltipoos are not the easiest doodles to groom. Their medium to long hair requires daily brushing to keep it healthy and free of uncomfortable mats. This step is essential because neglecting their thick hair can lead to tangles which can cause sores and other uncomfortable skin issues.

You should also be sure to bath them monthly (using conditioner), and pay close attention to maintaining the hair around their face and eyes, cleaning their ears, clipping their nails, and bringing them into a professional every few months for a trim. You’ll also want to pay special attention to their teeth—brushing them a few times a week to maintain healthy oral hygiene since small dogs are prone to dental issues.

Maltipoo Dog Breed Health

Though generally very healthy, this breed does have a few health issues that can emerge, including retinal atrophy, luxating patellas, and various skin irritations and allergies. They’re also prone to dental issues, so keep their chompers clean is extra important. Some dog owners opt for pet health insurance, just in case.

Maltipoos generally live from 10 to 15 years, though proper exercise, food, and regular trips to the vet will help improve their chances of a long and happy life.

Maltipoo History

Though not much is known about this breed’s history, it’s likely that they were first bred in the United States in the early 1990’s. Their fluffy, cuddly looks have made them one of the Poodle hybrids that continue to gain popularity.

Getting a Maltipoo

Maltipoo Breeders

It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other, and this is especially important when choosing a crossbred dog, since you can see just what size the parents are. A good, trustworthy breeder (like this one, or this one) have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific mix of the litter.

Since Maltapoos aren’t officially recognized by the AKC, you’d need to start your search for a reputable breeder elsewhere, and luckily, due to the popularity of these dogs, they shouldn’t be too tricky to track down. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.

Adopting a Maltipoo

Maltipoos may find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills, but often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer, perhaps due to a change in lifestyle or health.

A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search.

A Maltipoo can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.

More on Maltipoo

If you’re simply in love with Maltipoos, then you’ll be craving what we’ve got for you next. From facts that only Maltipoo people will understand, to grooming tips and more:

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