Maltipoo Breed Information, Pictures, Sizes, Colors

The Maltipoo is one of the cutest crossbreeds and a popular choice for all types of owners – young, old, single, or large families and first-time dog owners.

A cross between purebred Miniature or Toy Poodle and Maltese parent, the Maltipoo is a small-sized, charming and affectionate pup.

But these small mixed breed dogs are highly sensitive and thrive in human company, making them prone to separation anxiety. This makes them suitable companions for owners who spend more time alone and are ready to provide their pups with all the attention and cuddling possible.

Please, check your local rescue centers and shelters for Maltipoos looking for a new home before buying one!

Read on to learn everything you need about the adorable Maltipoos.

The Characteristics Of The Maltipoo Crossbreed

Adaptability

Adaptability To Apartment Living

Maltipoos adapt very easily to apartment living, as they are small-sized, thrive on spending time with their humans, and don’t mind playing indoors or outside.

Suitability For Newbie Dog Owners

They are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a perfect choice for new dog owners and timid owners.

Sensitivity

Maltipoos are highly sensible, so you should use only positive reinforcement and kindness when training them. They are also prone to separation anxiety.

Tolerating Being Left Alone

They are unsuitable for people who are gone for long hours from home, as they want to spend as much time with their humans and can develop separation anxiety, barking, howling, and destructive behavior.

Tolerating Cold Weather

Like most other miniature and small dog breeds, Maltipoos are not too good with cold weather conditions. You will need to use a dog coat or limit their time outdoors when the temperatures fall.

Tolerating Hot Weather

They are slightly more tolerant of hot weather, but you should ensure that your pet has access to fresh and clean water and a shade available for it when the temperatures are scorching hot. Limiting the time spent outdoors in the sun during the hottest hours of the day is also recommended.

Friendliness

Attachment To Family

The Maltipoo is an amiable and affectionate dog that will happily sit on your lap and follow you everywhere all day long.

Children Friendliness

They are friendly and gentle pups suitable for families with children old enough to understand how to safely and gently handle and interact with the dog. It is not a recommended pet for homes with children under the age of 6.

Dog Friendliness

Maltipoo pups are friendly with everyone, given that they have been properly socialized from an early age.

Stranger Friendliness

They are excellent alert dogs and will bark when someone is at the door, but they are not aggressive and will not protect you. They are friendly to all people if appropriately socialized.

Overall Health And Grooming Requirements

Shedding

Maltipoos were purposely bred for their none or low shedding qualities, inherited by the Poodle and the Maltese.

Drooling

These dogs do not drool, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up wet stains of slobber.

Grooming

They require daily brushing, monthly trimming of the hair on the head, and overall coat clipping 1-2 times a year. The other grooming includes monthly baths, ear cleaning, brushing of the teeth, nail trimming, and regular checkups.

Overall Health

The Maltipoo can be a very healthy pup with the proper care, regular checkups, a well-balanced, healthy diet, and the necessary physical and mental exercises. Unfortunately, it is prone to some health problems, some of which are inherited and others that are typical for dogs of this small size.

Weight Gain Potential

If you feed your pup with the recommended amount of good quality dog food, take it on walks, and spend time playing with it, it is unlikely that it will become overweight or obese. Remember to feed the dog following its weight, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Size

Maltipoos are small-sized dogs, which can reach a height of up to only 14 inches and a weight of 3 to 20 lbs.

Training

Ease Of Training

They are highly intelligent dogs, which learn easily and quickly with positive reinforcement training.

Intelligence

Maltipoos are very smart dogs.

Mouthiness

Although they may nip you playfully when they are young puppies, Maltipoos are not mouthy and will usually not bite or nip when they mature.

Prey Drive

They have a low prey drive, but you should still keep your pup on a leash or confined by a secure fence outdoors to prevent it from running off and chasing after something.

Barking

Maltipoos love barking. They will alert you when danger is detected, but unfortunately, some dogs will bark more often than needed, which can become a nuisance if left unmanaged.

The Impulse To Roam And Wander Off

Since they are playful and curious, Maltipoos can run after anyone or anything that is interesting to them. This is why you should keep your dog on a leash or in a yard that has a secure fence with no holes.

Physical And Exercise Needs

Energy Levels

Maltipoos are energetic and playful pups but do not require hours of vigorous exercise. They can run and play indoors happily, so you don’t need to be an athlete, hiker, or runner to adopt a dog from this hybrid breed.

Intensity

In order to keep it physically and mentally stimulated, it is recommended that you take your Maltipoo on two short walks and play with it intensively for about 10-15 minutes per day.

Exercise Requirements

As mentioned, Maltipoos are not high-energy dogs, so they are suitable pets for people who prefer leading more sedentary lives as well as for active people.

Playfulness

They are playful pups who will love spending time interacting with you and playing with the whole family indoors and outside.

Highlights:

Temperament: loving, affectionate, intelligent

Height at the shoulder: 7 to 14 inches

Weight: 5 to 20 lbs.

Life expectancy: 10-13 years

Breed Group: Hybrid companion dog

About The Breed

The Maltipoo is one of the most popular crossbreeds with one Poodle parent. It is a cross of a Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Maltese. Like both of its parents, the Maltipoo is a gentle, small-sized, and affectionate pup. The dogs from this hybrid breed are loving companions for all kinds of owners and are also superb therapy dogs.

These pups adapt easily to different homes, small apartments included, as long as they receive the attention they need and are not left alone for long hours.

Since both Poodles and Maltese are non-shedding dogs, most Maltipoos are also non-shedding hypoallergenic dogs.

The Maltipoo pups are playful and feisty little dogs, which will happily go on walks and play with you both indoors and outside.

Since they are very intelligent dogs, Maltipoos learn quickly and are easy to train. This trait makes these hybrid dogs suitable for new or timid dog owners as well.

The dogs from this cute crossbreed are perfect pets for elderly owners and can be great family dogs for families with children who are old enough to know how to handle and interact with the dog safely.

These small-sized pups are prone to barking and will alert you when someone approaches the door. You may need to train your dog to limit excessive barking, which can occur for no reason.

Interesting Facts

• Since they are deliberately created from a cross between purebred Poodles and Maltese dogs, the Maltipoos are often referred to as a “designer breed.”
• They may be small, but they are energetic, feisty, and active pups
• They do enjoy barking, but lots of times, instead of barking only to alert you of a detected threat, they can just bark whenever they feel like it, which makes them unsuitable for people who are sensitive to noise or live in a home with noise restrictions
• They shed little and sometimes do not shed at all, which makes them a good choice for some people with pet allergies and for people who don’t want dog hair all over their homes and clothing
• They require daily brushing and frequent baths, as well as clipping of their coats to keep them in pristine condition and to prevent matting and tangling
• They are naturally intelligent, which makes them easy to train even by timid or first-time owners
• They are friendly with other dogs and family pets when they have been socialized properly
• Although they have high energy levels, they can happily live in apartments, given that they are provided space to run and play inside
• Maltipoos are prone to separation anxiety, so they are not a suitable choice for people who spend long hours away from home or for those who travel a lot and can’t take their pets with them
• As with any other dog, you should never buy a puppy from a puppy mill, pet store, or an irresponsible breeder
• Maltipoos generally get along with other dogs and pets.
• Maltipoos can do well in apartments and homes alike. They have high energy levels indoors.

History

The Maltipoo was intentionally created by crossing purebred Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodles with the idea to create a hypoallergenic companion dog for people with allergies. But even though some dogs are considered hypoallergenic because they shed very little or do not shed at all, they too can cause allergic reactions among some pet allergy sufferers due to the pet dander and saliva.

Nevertheless, the Maltipoo has gained popularity throughout the years, and more people are becoming fanciers of this crossbreed.

Since they are relatively new, Maltipoos are usually first-generation pups with purebred Poodles and Maltese as parents. But some breeders are already breeding Maltipoos Maltipoos creating second and third-generation dogs of this hybrid breed.

Although the Maltipoo is not recognized as a breed by the AKC, a North American Maltipoo and Malterpoo Club and a Registry have already been created.

Related – Red Maltipoo Dog Breed

Size

The Maltipoos can vary in size, depending on whether one of their parents is a Miniature or a Toy Poodle. But overall, you can expect a Maltipoo to grow to a height of 8 to 14 inches at the shoulder and to weigh 5-20 lbs.

Personality

Maltipoos are loving and smart dogs that are friendly to other people and dogs. Most Maltipoos are perfect lap dogs and will love spending all day long cuddled by or on top of their humans. But this does not mean that they are couch potatoes. In fact, they are highly active and playful dogs that love playing both indoors and outside.

Maltipoos are also great alarm dogs and will notify you whenever someone is approaching your door or when a potential threat is detected. They will alert you but are not guard dogs, so don’t expect them to protect you.

As with all other dogs, the Maltipoos need to be socialized and trained if you expect them to grow up as well-balanced and behaved dogs. It is a good idea to start introducing your Maltipoo to other people, dogs, and other pets from a young age and expose them to diverse sounds and environments.

Health

While not all Maltipoos will even be affected by any of the following health issues, the dogs from this crossbreed are more prone to certain health conditions and diseases than other dogs. Here are the most common health problems which can affect Maltipoos:

• Little White Shaker Syndrome – as its name suggests, this condition mainly affects small and white pups like the Maltese, Poodle, West Highland White Terrier, and other dogs weighing under 30 lbs. it includes tremors of the body and head, especially when the dog gets excited or is stressed. It is not painful for the dog, but it can become severe and affect their quality of life. The condition can be managed with the proper medication prescribed by your vet.
• Epilepsy – like in humans, epilepsy in dogs causes seizures. It can be hereditary or due to other health issues, and while it is not curable, epilepsy can be managed successfully with the proper medication.
• Patellar Luxation – this condition is often referred to as “slipped stifles” and is common among small-sized pups. It is caused by a misalignment of the patella’s three bones forming, which can cause a skip-like walk and lameness. The condition can lead to more problems with joint degeneration and arthritis as the dog ages. In some severe cases, surgical repair may be required to align the bones correctly.
• Portosystemic Shunt – this condition causes an abnormal blood flow between the liver and the rest of the body and usually occurs before the dog is 2 years old. Some symptoms can include a loss of appetite, stunted growth, low blood sugar, seizures, and gastrointestinal or balance issues. It can be managed and treated with a suitable diet with easily digestible, high-quality proteins, medication, and in more severe cases- surgery.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy – this is a hereditary degenerative disease of the eyes that starts with the dog becoming night blind and then can lead to a complete loss of eyesight. Reputable breeders test their dogs for PRA and do not breed those with the genetic mutation. The good news is that canines cope pretty well with blindness and can still be happy and healthy dogs even if completely blind.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – this is a condition that is common among toy dog breeds. It is caused by a decreased blood supply through the femur bone to the head and pelvis, causing the disintegration of that part of the bone. It is repairable through surgery, and usually, the prognosis for a full recovery is very good.

You should research the common health issues affecting Poodles and Maltese before adopting a Maltipoo to keep an eye on any early symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.

When buying a Maltipoo, you should ask the breeder for certificates and health clearances for both parents for hereditary issues like PRA eye, patella, and thyroid testing.

Responsible breeders do not breed dogs that carry those genes or are diagnosed with any of these conditions, and dogs under the age of 2-3 when most of the diseases start displaying symptoms and can be diagnosed.

Exercise And Care

They are active and playful pups but will gladly play and run indoors too. Although they are small and suitable for apartments, keep in mind that they can bark a lot, especially when bored or left alone. So, make sure to walk your dog and keep it physically and mentally stimulated, and if possible, do not leave it alone for long hours.

Maltipoos are intelligent dogs that are easy to train with positive reinforcement (treats, praises, and games), even by first-time or timid owners.

Your Maltipoo dog will be happy if you take it on several short walks and ensure it has at least 10-15 minutes more physical playtime per day. Boredom can lead to destructive or unwanted behavior such as chewing and incessant barking.

Since Maltipoos will bark every time they want to alert you and sometimes will bark without a particular reason, you should carefully consider whether it is a good idea to add a dog from this hybrid breed to your family, especially if you are sensitive to noise, or have noise restrictions in the building.

Nutrition

Your Maltipoo dog needs to eat good quality dog food that is age-appropriate and suitable for a toy or small-sized dogs. The recommended amount of food per day is from 5/8 to 1 ½ cups of food per day. Still, the exact amount of food you should give to your pup depends on its weight, age, activity level, metabolism, and the digestibility and quality of the food. Older and less active dogs need more calories than young and active pups.

It is best to feed the pup twice a day rather than leave bowls of food out at all times.

It is essential to keep your pup in shape and prevent it from becoming overweight or obese because obesity can lead to serious health issues and shorten your pet’s lifespan.

Grooming

Maltipoos are considered low shedding and low dander hypoallergenic dogs. Their coats are soft, wool-like and fluffy, and can vary in length and type. It can be curly or just slightly wavy and can differ in color, depending on the Poodle parent, with the most common coat colors being white, cream or silver.

The dogs from this hybrid breed require daily brushing and, in many cases, clipping the coats once or more times a year to keep the coat clean and free of matting.

The hair on the dog’s head may require more frequent trimming to keep the hair out of the pup’s eyes.

Your pup will require a nice bath at least once a month to keep the coat nice and clean.

You should also inspect your dog’s ears for any signs of infection, such as redness, a foul smell, and increased secretion of wax.

The dog will also need to have its nails trimmed once or twice per month to keep its paws comfortable and healthy and to prevent it from scratching you.

You should brush your pup’s teeth and gums every day or every other day to keep them healthy and the dog’s breath fresh.

Living With Other Pets And Children

Maltipoos are friendly and sociable dogs that can get along with other dogs and pets and with children who are old enough to handle the pup safely (aged six or more).

It is recommended that you teach your kids how to handle the dog carefully and when not to approach it in order to keep both the dog and the children safe. You should also always supervise the interactions between your young children and the dog.

Rescue Groups

Although it is a relatively new crossbreed, some Maltipoos are available for adoption in rescue centers and shelters.

Before buying a dog, you can check the local rescue shelters, as well as the specific rescue groups for Maltipoos and other Poodle mixes.