The Maltipoo sounds like a pure breed if you haven’t been acquainted with it, but it is a designer breed.
This rather popular hybrid is a Maltese and Poodle mix.
Unlike some other crossbreeds of this nature, the Maltipoo was bred on purpose to be a companion for allergy sufferers.
The Maltese Poodle mix popularity is in the ranks of pure breeds, and it even has a club created after it.
It has also captured the attention of celebrities and fits in many environments.
With such a resume, you might be itching to get your hands on one of these dogs.
But before you pull out your wallet, know that it has its share of difficulties.
You might wound up frustrated if you haven’t learned how to work on the weaknesses of this hybrid.
This article will provide all you need about the Maltese Poodle mix, starting from its basic information down to suggestions on caring for it.
Maltipoo Dog Breed Information
| Height | 8 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 5 to 20 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 to 13 years |
| Coat | Soft, Medium, Long, Fluffy, Curly |
| Colors | Silver, Cream, White, Apricot |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Devoted, Fun |
| Ideal For | Elderly people, Apartment dwellers, Work from home individuals, Allergy sufferers, First-time pet parents |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Breed Recognition | Continental Kennel Club, American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, National Maltipoo Club, Maltipoo Club of America |
| Puppy Price | $600 – $4,000 |
Maltipoo Puppy Characteristics
| Health | High |
| Grooming | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | High |
The Parent Breeds
Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds and little is known about it. Even its origin is controversial.
While some experts suggested the Isle of Malta as the place of origin of this breed, others argued in favor of Italy.
There’s a third school of thought that placed this breed as Asian. One can’t be sure.
What we do know is that this breed soon found itself in the arms of French and English nobles.
Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria are some examples.
The Maltese came into the United States in the 19th century and got recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.
It is a small dog, weighing less than 7 pounds and peaking at 10 inches of height.
The hairs on its coat are long and the coat is silky to the touch.
The Maltese don’t have an undercoat so it doesn’t shed much, but its white color leaves it prone to dirt. The hair can easily mat too.
Maltese is a lively, cute, and friendly pooch that makes an excellent companion.
Eager to make friends, it has no reservations against strangers and usually gets spoilt.
Who can blame the owners?
Poodle (Toy)
The Poodle was bred into three recognized sizes, the smallest of which is the Toy Poodle.
Some people add the Teacup Poodle, but it isn’t recognized by any top Kennel Club as a size.
The standard variant originated in Germany, but the Miniature and Toy Poodles have their roots in France.
It is uncertain when the Poodle got into the United States, but it got recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.
It soon became very popular, and the Poodle found itself in many homes.
For a Poodle to be classified as a toy breed, it must not grow more than 10 inches tall.
Its weight range is between 6 and 9 pounds. The coat comes with curly hair that can be altered in many ways to give the breed a fanciful haircut. It doesn’t shed too.
Common colors include black, blue, white, gray, brown, silver, etc.
Just so you know, The Poodle is a high-maintenance breed.
It has some beautiful personality traits that account for its popularity. Regardless of size, the Poodle is highly intelligent in a way that surprises its owner.
It is also loyal and protective, letting out a bark if someone strange approaches.
Important Facts About the Maltipoo You Should Know
1. It is hypoallergenic
The doggy rule for being hypoallergenic remains the same. No dog is completely hypoallergenic.
However, some are more than others. These are the ones best recommended for allergy sufferers.
The Maltipoo is one such dog, and it was designed with allergy sufferers in mind.
There is a low chance of it triggering a reaction.
You should still show caution, however, and live with it for a period to ascertain whether you’re safe.
2. The Maltese Poodle mix is good for first-time owners
Coming from parents with easygoing personalities, this hybrid is good for new pet parents and even timid ones.
It is intelligent and loves to please, so it takes easily to training. That said, it shouldn’t be overindulged (regardless of that adorable face).
Train it with the same firmness and gentleness you will use on a bigger dog.
3. They suffer from separation anxiety
As a companion hybrid with companion parents, Maltipoos love being around people.
The worst thing to do to a Maltese and Poodle mix dog is to keep it secluded.
Busy people are not advised to get this breed unless they make provisions for a company while they’re gone.
Left alone, the Maltipoo can become very anxious and react accordingly.
4. The Maltese and Poodle mix is a good therapy dog
Therapy dogs help soothe people with anxiety or some other mental disorders.
It also serves as a support for those healing from a physical injury.
The Maltipoo is a good therapy dog because of its sensitive nature that makes it attune to the owner’s mood and react accordingly.
5. They are good apartment dogs
Though highly energetic, its size and trainability make it fit for an apartment.
You do have to train it not to bark excessively as this breed tends to be a barker.
What Does a Maltipoo Look Like?
General Appearance of the Maltese Poodle Mix
While the Maltipoo isn’t recognized by any major kennel clubs, its fan club has worked to establish some standards as they aim at getting it registered.
This means you should expect some uniformity in their appearance.
However, this doesn’t mean they would all look the same.
The differences in the parents’ appearance will manifest in the Maltese Poodle mix, but they are so subtle they can go unnoticed.
All Maltipoos are small, have puppy faces that extend into adulthood, and floppy ears.
Their tails curve up, and they tend to have a black nose.
Size
A full grown Maltipoo usually weighs between 5 to 20 pounds with a height range of 8 to 14 inches.
It is worth knowing that some breeders sell Teacup Maltipoos that look small and more portable, but they have more health risks due to the breeding style.
Colors and Coat Type
The Maltipoo coat takes its inspiration from both the Maltese and the Poodle. It usually is soft, medium to long with curls.
The colors vary, but you’d usually see a silver or grey Maltipoo, white Maltipoo, cream Maltipoo, or apricot Maltipoo.
A Typical Maltipoo Temperament & Intelligence
The Maltipoo’s personality should be award-winning in the category of companions as it is an ideal pet for different pet parents.
From novice to veteran pet parents, apartment dwellers to house owners, old and young, the Maltese Poodle mix is all accomodating.
It is gentle, affectionate, and devoted to its owner. It will want to be around you all the time and is an excellent lapdog.
However, it isn’t lazy. This active hybrid loves to play around too.
It is intelligent and makes a good watchdog that would alert you of danger, but that’s where its security services end.
Not one to be wary of strangers, the Maltipoo will want to be friends instead.
Its love for companionship comes with some downsides. One minor issue you might have is its velcro attitude.
The Maltese and Poodle mix is likely to play favorites, and the only way to avoid that is by making sure everyone in the family is involved in taking care of it.
It is also prone to separation anxiety which would be a problem if you live alone and have a demanding 9 to 5.
Also, overindulgence can make it develop ‘small dog syndrome‘ where it displays bad habits and even act dominant.
You can curb this with early training. Fortunately, training isn’t a drag.
Is Maltipoo a Good Family Dog?
The Maltipoo is an exceptional family dog, a factor that contributes to its rising popularity.
It is affectionate with adults and also good towards kids, though it is more suitable for a family with grown-up kids.
Toddlers tend to rough handle dogs and the Maltese Poodle mix is too delicate for that.
Besides that caveat, Maltipoos fit different family types and sizes, from the rowdy TV show material to the smaller kind.
Are They Good With Other Dogs & Pets?
The Maltipoo can do well with other dogs, though it needs proper socialization for this arrangement to work.
You should also make sure a bigger dog doesn’t see the Maltipoo as prey.
It also flows with other pets as it has a low prey drive and poses little threat to cats and rodents.
Maltipoo Food & Diet Requirements
The Maltipoo’s feeding schedule and diet should take into account its size and specific breed needs.
With this hybrid, you must be intentional about what you feed it as any mistake would affect it more than a bigger dog.
Maltipoos should not be fed infrequently as that could push them to vomit bile and lead to hypoglycemia.
They need an established feeding routine and even some treats in between.
Avoid overfeeding your Maltipoo or indulging excesses, but don’t leave it hungry.
When it is a puppy of 2 to 3 months, free-feeding is the best method.
Food should be kept where your pup can reach. Observe some hygiene like cleaning the bowl before you refill, and ensure your pup eats well.
From 3 months to its senior years, establish a feeding schedule. It is recommended that you feed a fully grown Maltipoo 3 meals a day in small sizes.
Snacks could be given twice or thrice, depending on you. Be sure the snacks are free of harmful ingredients like sugar and salt.
The portion you give your pet should be based on its weight.
A veterinarian can assist better with this, but do not assume your dog isn’t eating well because it picks at its food.
It doesn’t take much for that tiny stomach to fill. The diet can consist of both dry and wet food, and the calories the dog gets depend on the meal itself.
Age and some other factors determine the calories your dog requires.
Maltipoo Exercise Requirements
Don’t make the mistake of neglecting the exercise need of this hybrid because of its size.
It is a highly energetic toy hybrid, and the restlessness can leave your apartment in a bad state.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be an athlete or exercise like you’re training for a marathon before meeting this pup’s needs. Even a recluse can handle this.
10 to 15 minutes is all it takes to exercise a Maltipoo. Activities like walking, playtime, and fetch are beneficial for this breed.
It shouldn’t be made to run for long because of its delicate bones, so keep it simple with a light jog.
Tug of war is usually seen as a game for larger dogs, but there’s space for the little guys too.
Do make sure it does not get too intense, though.
Hide and seek is another great option to exercise a Maltese and Poodle mix pup.
Though the Maltipoo is an easy dog to train, don’t take it lightly.
This isn’t a breed you should leave untrained, regardless of its good personality traits. You do that and you’d have a mutiny to deal with.
Like big dogs, it must know you’re the leader. Fortunately, this isn’t a stubborn hybrid.
It is easier to get it to respect you, even if you have no prior experience. With some effort and consistency, you will succeed.
While you get your puppy accustomed to you being in charge, study house-training it.
As an apartment pooch who’d stay indoors more, it should learn not to pee impulsively. Let your expectations be real, though.
For example, a puppy at 2 months may not hold urine for more than 2 hours.
Basic obedience training and socialization also contribute to the well-being of the Maltipoo.
Its high intelligence will help it learn faster, so teach it easy commands.
It should be taught to stop barking at your orders too, lest it becomes a nuisance.
The Maltese Poodle mix is very sensitive to harsh treatment, and you risk making it confused and withdrawn if you scold it loudly or even throw a tantrum.
Stop it from doing anything it shouldn’t be doing, but don’t go further than that.
Like with other dogs, positive reinforcements work better than punitive methods, even to correct.
Maltipoo Grooming Needs
The Maltipoo is a high-maintenance breed and needs a lot of effort from you in grooming.
It isn’t quantum physics, though. You can get the hang of it with enough practice.
While it doesn’t shed (so, no need for a vacuum), its hair often mats and tangles with ease. Brush it daily and break off the tangles.
To make it cleaner, you can clip the hair. This should be reserved for once or twice a year.
The hair on its head should be trimmed like once a month, as well as those on the eyes.
This hybrid needs more bathing than other dog breeds because it gets dirty with ease.
The Maltese parent gets tear stains on its eyes and that could happen to the offspring too. So, wipe its eyes regularly.
Check its ears regularly for signs of infection and clean them to remove dirt and debris.
Trim its nails with a nail clipper, or get a professional groomer if you can’t do it yourself.
Admittedly, trimming nails off tiny paws is similar to fixing thread in a needle.
The Maltese parent is prone to dental issues, so be on the lookout for that with the hybrid.
Brush its return regularly with a good toothbrush and vet-approved toothpaste.
Maltese Mixed with Poodle Health & Conditions
The Maltipoo is healthy with a fairly long life expectancy that some members surpass.
It is expected to live up to 13 years, and during these years it can stay away from emergency conditions if it was bred well and taken care of.
Remember what we said about finding a reputable breeder? This is why.
There are some health problems this hybrid can suffer from because its parents are vulnerable too. Some of them are:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
The PRA is an eye defect that eventually leads to blindness. It occurs when the retina starts weakening.
The first known symptom of PRA is a gradual loss of night vision.
It then gives the eyes a cloudy look and even change the coloring, making the eyes look grey. Loss of day vision starts too.
Sadly, Progressive Retinal Atrophy can’t be cured, but there are ways to help your dog live a normal life.
Portosystemic shunt
This occurs when there’s an improper blood flow between the liver and the rest of the dog’s body.
It brings about symptoms like poor growth and muscle development. Vomiting and diarrhea are some other symptoms.
Treatments generally includes medication and dieting.
Patellar Luxation
This is common amongst small dogs. It happens when the patella is misaligned and can lead to lameness.
Patellar Luxation is characterized by frequent limping, slow movements and pain.
Your dog would also refuse to exercise or even move around for long due to the pain and discomfort.
Patellar Luxation is usually treated with physiotherapy.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is an incurable condition that brings about seizures. These seizures could either be mild or severe, depending on how well the dog is being treated.
A seizure leads to loss of bodily control, shaking, collapsing. Medications are usually prescribed to reduce the rate of seizures.
White Shaker Syndrome
The White Shaker Syndrome makes your dog tremble uncontrollably, but it isn’t painful and can be treated.
The obvious symptom is the uncontrollable trembling that would besiege the dog. It also leaves the dog uncoordinated and even affect eye movement.
This illness is usually treated with Prednisone, a steroid.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
This disease is common amongst small dogs too. It affects the femur and can cause limping as a major symptom.
It also makes the leg stiff and is painful. It is treated mainly through surgery.
How Much is a Maltipoo Puppy?
Like many other designer breeds, this small hybrid dog doesn’t have a fixed price.
Expect the price of Maltipoo puppies for sale to be between $600 to $4,000.
The Maltese Poodle mix puppy price depends on many factors, the biggest of which is the breeder in question.
Age, the parent breeds, and microchipping are other defining factors of price. Its popularity makes it easy to find a Maltipoo for sale.
A quick search on some of these recommended options below will bring you closer to getting the pup of your dream.
Canine popularity has a dark side (like all forms of fame, anyways).
Unscrupulous methods are sometimes used to breed these puppies, resulting in dogs that are prone to diseases.
This is why the Teacup sizes are not advisable, and why you shouldn’t buy from a breeder who’s not reputable.
You’ll know something is fishy when a breeder evades questions, doesn’t let you visit, doesn’t leave a contact, offers to ship the puppy, etc.
Then there’s adoption, a cheaper option often recommended by experts.
Many dogs get abandoned in rescue shelters, and amongst them, you may likely find and adopt a Maltipoo pup.
Asking questions is important as you need to know all about the dog you want to adopt before moving ahead.
How big will a Maltese Poodle mix get?
The Maltipoo is a small designer breed that gets as tall as 14 inches and weighs between 5 and 20 pounds.
How long do Maltipoos live?
Maltipoos have a fairly long life span. They can live as long as 13 years. Some members of this breed have been reported to live longer.
What is the downside of a Maltipoo?
Maltipoos don’t pose too many challenges to their owner, except that it is susceptible to separation anxiety. It needs enough company.
Do Maltipoos bark a lot?
Maltipoos are known to be big barkers, especially when they sight something unusual. This makes them good watchdogs, but they should be trained to not bark excessively.
Should I get a boy or girl Maltipoo?
While there is no set standard, the female Maltipoo tends to be more independent and territorial while the male is more affectionate and attentive. However, gender is a matter of prerence.
Closing Thoughts
Some crossbreeds are mighty hunters, others are made to be workers.
The Maltipoo was designed, like its parents, to be the ideal canine companion for many dog parents.
With so many pros and a few cons, we expect the popularity of the Maltese Poodle mix to rise in coming years.
Right after you get your pet from a good breeder or a rescue shelter, look after it and commit to its welfare.
This hybrid is the perfect cure for loneliness and a household addition that would brighten your days.
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