Quick, doodle lovers: What do you call a cross between a Maltese and a toy poodle? Answer: A Maltipoo.
Although it looks like a fluffball and the breed has thick fur, they shed very little. There’s no picking up fur tumbleweeds with this breed. That means that Maltipoos are great for allergy sufferers and for people who want a lower-maintenance dog.
There’s also no such thing as a single Maltipoo look. The poodle can bring over 11 different shades and hues to a Maltipoo’s fur tone. You may see Maltipoos that are solid white with straight hair (likely getting more genes from the Maltese), red and wiry hair, or black with a curly coat.
This delightful dog deserves a haircut with personality. Here’s what you need to know about grooming a Maltipoo.
Grooming Basics
Because a Maltipoo has silky and luxurious fur, you may be tempted to bathe them regularly to make them shine all the time. However, experts suggest not bathing a Maltipoo more than every two or three weeks, as too much bathing will dry out their hair and deplete natural oils—and those oils keep Maltipoo hair looking silky in the first place.
On the other side of the equation, you want to make sure you do bathe your Maltipoo regularly, otherwise, the oil build-up could lead to tangles or pore blockages in the skin.
When bathing, it’s important to note that the Maltipoo’s coat is partially water-resistant thanks to their poodle parentage, so lather in any shampoo and conditioner thoroughly. As with all dogs, avoid the eyes and ears.
Immediately after bathing, use a wide-toothed small comb for toy breeds to get out any unwanted tangles. Work section by section to ensure that each part of the Maltipoo is detangled. Maltipoos have the full spectrum of hair textures, so keep that in consideration as you work your way through.
Many owners prefer just air drying Maltipoos so their natural curl settles in, but if you’re looking for the blow-dried look, use a dog-specific hairdryer and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. High settings like those found on human hair dryers may accidentally burn a dog’s skin.
Ready for your pup to strut their stuff? Here are the best Maltipoo haircut styles.
Top Maltipoo Haircuts
Miami Cut
We know the above photo isn’t a Maltipoo, but it does illustrate the Miami cut nicely. A Miami cut is a traditional standard and toy poodle haircut, showcasing the hair on the head and hindquarters while nearly shaving the rest. Since the Maltipoo is half poodle, some owners love giving their dogs this poodle haircut.
For standard poodles, this cut traditionally keeps their joints warm while showcasing their athletic build. It’s also called the “bikini cut,” because, well, it sort of resembles a poodle wearing a bikini.
Town and Country
This “weekend in the Hamptons” cut means the Maltipoo’s head, face and legs are getting a trim, while the rest of the hair can be at whatever length you or the groomer decide. Longer for the winter, shorter for the summer? This Maltese style look makes your Maltipoo look like a million bucks.
Lamb Cut
Another poodle themed cut, the Lamb Cut is usually used for show poodles. Slightly trim the ears but leave them long and fluffed out for maximum appeal. Cut the length of the fur along the body steadily to mimic the contours of the body. Finish with a fluffy pom for the tail. Your Maltipoo will be ready for the runway in this look.
Continental Cut
The Continental cut is for the bold! In this haircut, you’ll mostly shave your Maltipoo, except for the exaggerated poms that which you’ll shape and form on their legs and head. This look is great for the summer as it will keep them cool and lead to excellent lion lookalike Instagram photos, too. The Continental cut also used for show poodles.
Your Maltipoo pup is truly a show-stopper and will look their best in these tried-and-true haircuts. If you’re looking for something a little more low maintenance, honorable mention goes to the “puppy cut” which is an all-around trim, popular with families who love the breed attributes but don’t want the extra maintenance in upkeep. Whatever you end up doing with grooming your Maltipoo, they will look fabulous.