The Maltipoo is a popular mixed breed dog that comes from a Maltese and a Poodle. People love them because they’re cute, friendly, and don’t usually cause allergies. They’re small but sturdy, and their fur can be different colors like white, apricot, chocolate, or silver. These dogs are smart and can learn tricks easily, which makes them fun to be around.

Maltipoos are great for families, singles, or older people because they love being with people and going on adventures. Whether it’s playing in the park or snuggling on the couch, Maltipoos are up for it all. It’s important to socialize Maltipoo puppies early so they grow up friendly and well-adjusted.

If you’re thinking about getting a Maltipoo, adopting from a shelter is a good idea to give a dog a loving home. But if you decide to buy one from a breeder, make sure it’s a good breeder who takes care of their dogs and makes sure they’re healthy and happy. Responsible breeders do health checks and create a good environment for the puppies.

Origin: United States

The Maltipoo breed originated in the United States. People wanted to create a dog that had the smart and hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle, along with the charm and small size of a Maltese.

Breed Group: Hybrid (Designer)

Maltipoos belong to the hybrid or designer breed group. This means they’re intentionally bred from two different purebred dogs.

Size:

A full-grown Maltipoo usually weighs between 5 to 15 pounds (2.3 to 6.8 kg). Some are even smaller, known as Teacup Maltipoos, weighing around 3 to 5 lbs.

Lifespan:

Maltipoos generally live between 10 to 15 years.

Coat:

Maltipoos can have different coat types—straight, wavy, or curly. They often have coats that shed less, making them good for people with allergies. However, this can vary depending on their parents.

Temperament:

Maltipoos are famous for being loving, friendly, and social dogs. They enjoy spending time with their families and usually get along well with children and other pets.

Exercise Needs:

Maltipoos need moderate exercise. Regular playtime, walks, and mental activities keep them healthy and happy.

Training:

Maltipoos are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Using positive reinforcement methods works best with them.

Grooming:

Their grooming needs depend on their coat type. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming help keep their coat in good shape.

Health:

While generally healthy, Maltipoos can inherit health issues from their parent breeds. Responsible breeding, regular vet check-ups, and a balanced diet are important for their well-being.

Celebrity Favorites:

Celebrities like Rihanna, Blake Lively, and Miley Cyrus are fans of the Maltese Poodle mix, adding to its popularity.

The Maltipoo was made to be a little companion dog for people with allergies. Whether or not he’s really hypoallergenic is debated because every dog produces different allergens. But regardless, he’s a cute fluffy buddy that more and more people are loving.

Celebrities adore Maltipoos, and they’re quite popular as designer dogs. Most Maltipoos come from Maltese and Poodle parents, but some breeders also mix Maltipoos with Maltipoos. Even though the Maltipoo isn’t officially recognized as a true breed, fans have created clubs and registries for them, like the North American Maltipoo/Maltepoo Club and Registry.

Maltipoos come in various sizes, typically ranging from small to tiny. A full-grown Maltipoo can weigh anywhere between 5 to 15 pounds (2.3 to 6.8 kg). Some are even smaller, known as Teacup Maltipoos, weighing around 3 to 5 pounds. Despite their small size, Maltipoos are known for their sturdy build and playful demeanor. Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living or for families with limited space. It’s important to consider the size of a Maltipoo when adopting or purchasing one, ensuring they fit well into your living environment and lifestyle.

Maltipoos are smart, loving, and playful dogs that usually get along well with everyone they meet. They enjoy being close to their owners, whether it’s sitting on their laps or going for walks together. Maltipoos can be energetic and enjoy playing, but they also love long cuddle sessions.

They’re attentive and can alert you to things happening around the house, but they’re not really guard dogs. Like all dogs, Maltipoos need to meet lots of different people and experience different things when they’re young to grow up well-adjusted. This early exposure, called socialization, helps them become friendly and balanced adult dogs.

White Shaker Syndrome:

This syndrome causes tremors, lack of coordination, and rapid eye movements, usually triggered by stress or excitement. Though not painful, it can affect a Maltipoo’s behavior. Consult your vet if you suspect your dog has it.

Epilepsy:

Epilepsy leads to seizures and can be managed with medication. Although it can’t be cured, proper management allows dogs to live normal lives.

Patellar Luxation:

This common issue causes the kneecap to slip out of place, leading to lameness or an abnormal gait. Severe cases may require surgery to realign the kneecap.

Portosystemic Shunt (PSS):

PSS disrupts blood flow between the liver and body, causing various symptoms. Corrective surgery and a special diet can help manage this condition.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

PRA is a degenerative eye disorder leading to blindness. Reputable breeders certify their dogs’ eyes annually to avoid breeding dogs with PRA.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease:

This condition affects the hip joint, leading to limping and muscle atrophy. Surgery can correct the issue, with many dogs experiencing minimal lameness afterward.

Before getting a Maltipoo, research health concerns affecting Maltese and Poodles. Ensure both parents have health clearances, including tests for patellas, thyroid, eyes, and progressive retinal atrophy. Look for breeders who wait until dogs are mature before breeding them.

Maltipoos are affectionate dogs that thrive indoors with their families, not outdoors or in kennels. They adapt well to apartment living but need daily exercise to prevent boredom and excessive barking. Training Maltipoos is easy using positive methods like treats and praise.

To keep Maltipoos happy and well-behaved, they require daily exercise to burn off energy and avoid destructive behavior. Just 10 to 15 minutes of play or a short walk can suffice. Maltipoos are known to bark when they sense something suspicious, so consider this if you’re in a noise-restricted area.

For your Maltipoo’s daily meals, it’s recommended to give them 5/8 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dog food, split into two servings. How much they eat depends on factors like size, age, activity level, and metabolism. Just like people, dogs have different needs—active dogs need more food than less active ones.

The quality of the food matters too—better food nourishes your dog more, so you need less of it. To keep your Maltipoo healthy, measure their food and feed them twice a day instead of leaving food out all day. If you’re unsure if they’re overweight, do a simple check: you should see a waistline when you look at them, and you should be able to feel their ribs easily but not see them. If not, they might need less food and more exercise. Check our guidelines for more tips on feeding your Maltipoo, whether they’re a puppy or an adult.

The Maltipoo has a soft, fluffy coat that doesn’t shed much and comes in different colors like cream, white, and silver. Their coat is usually medium to long and can be slightly wavy or curly.

To keep your Maltipoo looking neat, brush their coat daily to prevent mats. Many owners opt for clipping their Maltipoos to keep them tidy and cool, usually once or twice a year, with monthly trims for the head. Baths should be given at least once a month to keep their coat clean and soft.

It’s important to trim hair around their eyes and keep their ears clean to prevent dirt buildup. Regular dental care, like brushing teeth a few times a week, helps remove tartar. Trim their nails every month or so to keep them short and prevent scratching.

Introduce grooming to your Maltipoo when they’re young so they get used to it. Handle their paws, check their mouth and ears regularly, and make grooming a positive experience with praise and rewards. This helps them stay calm during vet visits and handling as they grow up.

The Maltipoo is friendly and usually gets along with children, but it’s best if the kids are older than 6 years old, especially if the Maltipoo is small. It’s important to teach children how to properly approach and interact with the dog, and to supervise their time together to prevent any accidents or rough play. Maltipoos typically get along well with other dogs and pets, even if they’re not raised together.

When you’re looking for a dog breeder, finding a reputable one is crucial. These breeders prioritize breeding healthy and friendly puppies that become wonderful companions. They carefully check the health of their breeding dogs, start socializing the puppies early, and offer ongoing support to you.

In contrast, backyard breeders focus more on making money than ensuring the well-being of the dogs they breed. They might not check their dogs for health issues or properly socialize the puppies. Consequently, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health and behavior problems.