
A Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle.
These dogs are often dubbed a designer breed because they’ve been bred with the specific intention to be low-shedding dogs.
Maltipoos are just one of a variety of Poodle cross breeds that have enjoyed a surge in popularity over the past couple of decades.
They’re usually a companion-sized cross breed given the small size of their Maltese parent.
Maltipoo will usually have a hypoallergenic coat that is associated with the Poodle breed.
In this article, we’re going to learn a lot more about the Maltipoo cross breed, including Maltipoo appearance, Maltipoo temperament, Maltipoo shedding and Maltipoo exercise.
We’ll hear from Maltipoo owners, such as Little Locke (@littlelocke), Daisy (@maltipoo_daisy) and Willow (@willow.the.maltipoo).
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What is a Maltipoo?

Daisy the Maltipoo (Photo: @maltipoo_daisy / Instagram)
A Maltipoo is a cross breed that is a mix between a Maltese and a Poodle.
Although they’re usually called Maltipoo, they can go by a variety of different names. These include Malti-Doodle, Malt-A-Doodle, Maltidoodle, Maltedoodle, Malt-oodle, Malt-A-Poo, Malta-Poo and Malta Poo.
Other names for this mix include Malti-Poodle, Malte-Poo, Maltepoo, Maltesepoo, Maltese-Poodle, Maltesedoodle, Moodle.
The American Kennel Club recognises both parents of the Maltipoo: the Maltese and the Poodle. However, the AKC hasn’t granted the Maltipoo status.
Having said that, the Maltipoo is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club,
American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, National Maltipoo Club and Maltipoo Club of America.
What size is a Maltipoo?

Willow the Maltipoo (Photo: @willow.the.maltipoo / Instagram)
The Maltipoo is generally considered a small dog, especially when a Maltese is bred with a miniature or toy Poodle. They’ll usually be between 8 and 14 inches in height and between 5 and 20 pounds.
For instance, Daisy’s mom Linie described her Maltipoo as a medium-sized dog.
I would say that Daisy is a medium Maltipoo because her weight is 18 pounds but Maltipoos come in all different sizes. I know some who are just 8 pounds or even smaller and they come from the same breeder.
How would you describe the appearance of your Maltipoo?

Locke the Maltipoo (Photo: @littlelocke /Instagram)
A Maltipoo can inherit physical traits from both their Maltese and Poodle parent. It’s impossible to predict which features they’ll get from which parent. Generally, their hair can be medium to long in length with a slight curl. They can have blue or brown eyes with a black nose. Their coat colors can range from black, greay, silver, blue, brown, cream and white.
Willow’s parents compared their adorable Maltipoo to a teddy bear.
I would describe the appearance as a teddy bear appearance: small, fluffy and ever so cute.
How would you describe the temperament of Maltipoo?

Daisy the Maltipoo (Photo: @maltipoo_daisy / Instagram)
Just like appearance, Maltipoo temperament can vary depending on whether the particular member of the cross breed takes after their Maltese or Poodle parent. For instance, they could have the companion traits of the Maltese, or be extremely smart or energetic like their Poodle parent. They’re usually quite social dogs but if they’re small in size, they’ll need to be approached calmly and handled with care. They can have some traits of a watch dog, sending out an alert if they see someone approaching the home. Like any dog, Maltipoos will benefit from socialization from a young age, exposing your pup to nee people, dogs and situations.
Locke’s parents gave us an idea of this Insta-famous Malitpoo’s temeprament:
She has sass. She’s always ready for a snack and has us (her parents) wrapped around her paw. She makes it very clear that she will do things on her terms, when she wants to. Locke is also so lovable and makes us smile with her silliness like giving us kisses and stepping on us to wake us up for breakfast in the morning.
Daisy’s parents used the word “playful” to describe this Dutch Maltipoo.
Daisy is alert, playful, very intelligent, affectionate but not to much for me. She’s a perfect match.
Do Maltipoos suffer from separation anxiety?
Some companion-sized breeds can suffer from separation anxiety, although this chromic canine order doesn’t discriminate. It usually occurs when the pet parents leave their dog at home alone, resulting in barking, howling, destructive behaviors or in some extreme cases, defecating or urinating inside the home. It can simply vary from dog to dog within a breed or cross breed.
Daisy, for instance, doesn’t suffer from this canine disorder.
Luckily Daisy doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety but some Maltipoos do. When Daisy was a pup, we learnt her to be alone for short times at a time, so you can teach them to be alone. You can teach a Maltipoo almost anything they are so intelligent.
Willow’s parents suggest using calming supplements if your Maltipoo does suffer from separation anxiety.
They love people and humans so much that they experience separation anxiety, but helps with calming supplements.
Do Maltipoos make great family pets?

Willow the Maltipoo (Photo: @willow.the.maltipoo / Instagram)
Maltipoos are usually friendly, playful dogs that like to be a valued member of a family unit. Depending on the size of your Maltipoo, they may do better with older children who can handle these dogs with respect in order to prevent injury.
Willow’s parents gave a ringing endorsement with regards to this breed’s suitability as a family pet.
They are amazing family pets, love people but even more so children. They love to follow you around, inquisitive, cuddly and playful. Also love other dogs and a happy dog.
Locke is a patient Maltipoo that thrives in a family environment.
Locke is patient with and likes kids and also knows how to catch a good snooze on her grandparents’ lap.
Daisy is also patient with young children.
Daisy loves kids and is very patient with kids. She is so happy when the kids come in and she will do anything to get to play or cuddle with them. They adjust really quick I’ve got MS and there are days that I can’t do as much and she nows it immediately.
Are Maltipoo easy to train?

Locke the Maltipoo (Photo: @littlelocke /Instagram)
Poodles are considered the second smartest dog breed in the world behind the Border Collie. So you can expect your Maltipoo to be pretty intelligent, especially if they inherit their Poodle parent’s high IQ. As with any purebred or mixed dog, the earlier you start puppy training, the better! It’s a good idea to start early and remain consistent with trining.
In Locke’s case, this charming Maltipoo was easy to train.
As Locke is very food motivated, it’s easy to train her. We continue to train her to keep her mind sharp. She knows how to fist bump and can lick her lips on command when we say “yum.”
How much exercise do Maltipoos need?

Daisy the Maltipoo (Photo: @maltipoo_daisy / Instagram)
Maltipoos can have varied exercise needs depending on whether they get the high energy levels associated with their duck hunter Poodle parent. Maltese are more easy going dogs, although they do have a playful size.
Locke loves to go for a walk on the many beaches in San Francisco.
Maltipoos are active. They enjoy a nice long walk or playing fetch at the local park. Locke goes on an adventure every day with her dog walker. Living in beautiful San Francisco, she gets to visit the beach quite a bit!
Willow’s parents find that 30 minutes of daily exercise is sufficient for their Maltipoo.
They don’t need too much exercise, would easily have a 30 min walk a day and be fine but also can do a couple of hours easily.
Do Maltipoos get along with other dogs?

Locke the Maltipoo (Photo: @littlelocke /Instagram)
With early and responsible socialization from puppyhood, Maltipoos are usually fine around other dogs. They’re upbeat and personable little dogs that are happy to interact with other canines.
Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic?
There’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed. However, some dogs are more hypoallergenic than other breeds, such as the Maltese and the Poodle. Given the Maltipoo has two hypoallergenic parents, they should inherit the non-shedding genes.
Daisy’s parent support this fact.
Daisy is hypoallergenic. I have to brush Daisy at least every other day or else she gets tangles in the hair.
Do Maltipoos shed?

Willow the Maltipoo (Photo: @willow.the.maltipoo / Instagram)
As we mentioned above, Maltipoo are low-shedding to non-shedding dogs. You won’t have to worry about dog hair getting everywhere with these four-logged doggos.
Do Maltipoos need regular grooming?

Daisy the Maltipoo (Photo: @maltipoo_daisy / Instagram)
Although you won’t have to worry about getting the lint roller out to get hair off your clothes or vacuuming twice a day during shedding season, Maltipoo still require some grooming.
Locke, for example, visits a professional groomer every six to eight weeks.
Maltipoos have hair so they need to visit the groomer every 6-8 weeks to keep their fur free from mats. Also, don’t forget to brush your Maltipoo as the Poodle hair is curly.
Willow has her coat trimmed every two months during the warmer months.
Maltipoos are hypoallergenic and do not shed. They have a fairly long coat to be trimmed every 2 months or more in the summer.
Do Maltipoos have any health problems?
Cross breeds are generally considered healthier dogs. However, they can still be prone to some potential health issues. If you’re thinking about getting a Maltipoo, here are some health problems to be aware of:
• White Shaker Syndrome
• Collapsed Trachea
• Luxating Patella
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Are Maltipoos fussy eaters?
Some dogs can be fussy eaters. For instance, my Alaskan Klee Kai have traditionally been very fussy until I switched them onto Nom Nom and Butternut Box. I’ve reviewed the best dog food delivery companies in the USA and the best dog food delivery companies in the UK. Alternatively, if you prefer feeding your Maltipoo dry food such as kibble, you can still find some great options here. Other pet parents may prefer to check out the leading options in the raw dog food market.
Linie explained that Daisy is an example of a fussy eater.
They are very fussy eaters and spoilt eaters. Daisy is three now and we just last year found the right dog food that she likes.
Maltipoo Price

Willow the Maltipoo (Photo: @willow.the.maltipoo / Instagram)
Maltipoo can vary in price depending on whether you purchase from a breeder or rescue a member of this cross breed that needs a forever home. If you’ve decided to get a Maltipoo, we recommend checking your local rescue shelter first. Otherwise, you’ll find that Maltipoo breeders will charge around $2,000 to $3,000.
Are Maltipoos expensive?
There are more costs associated with owning a Maltipoo – or any dog – than purely purchasing your pup. These can range from pet food, pet insurance, grooming, trips to the vet and much more. As you’ll now know, Maltipoo require regular grooming, which can be quite expensive if you go to a professional groomer. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK.
We asked Locke’s parents about the monthly costs of owning a Maltipoo.
I don’t believe they cost more than any other dog. Locke has quite a bit of toys and treats so Locke may specifically be a little more expensive!
Would you recommend Maltipoos to first-time owners?
If you’ve never owned a dog before but you’re thinking about getting a Maltipoo, you’re probably wondering if they’re suitable for a first-time owner.
Locke’s parents believe Maltipoos are great dogs for inexperienced owners.
Maltipoos are easy dogs to train, cuddly and just a bit mischievous to keep you on your toes! They are very social so they will make lots of friends at the dog park.
Maltipoo to follow on Instagram
If you’d like to learn more about the Maltipoo, we find that following members of the breed on Instagram can be a great source of information. We recommend checking out the following accounts if you’d like to learn more about Maltipoo.
• Little Locke (@littlelocke)
• Daisy (@maltipoo_daisy)
• Willow (@willow.the.maltipoo)
What are the pros and cons of Maltipoos?
Pros:
Locke: Maltipoos are playful, affectionate and are great watchdogs. Locke is always excited for adventures. She loves digging at the beach, joining us at dog friendly restaurants, or hiking with her dog walker. Locke is also the best alarm as she lets us know when someone is outside our home and protects us when we are out walking.
Daisy: They’re intelligent very easy to train, playful, hypoallergenic, medium energy dog, very friendly. Overall, they’re a great family dog.
Willow: They’re brilliant companion dogs, small enough to bring anywhere with you, great for city living, restaurants and apartments, love people and dogs.
Cons:
Locke: As great of a watchdog Locke is, sometimes if the wind is blowing hard or some other loud noise she will alert us. Other Cons are more with the typical health of Maltipoos, like teeth and hip issues, similar things with almost all small dogs.
Daisy: They’re high maintenance with grooming; Sometimes she will bark at someone.
Willow: They love people and humans so much that they experience separation anxiety, but helps with calming supplements.
Maltipoo Pictures

Willow the Maltipoo (Photo: @willow.the.maltipoo / Instagram)

Daisy the Maltipoo (Photo: @maltipoo_daisy / Instagram)

Locke the Maltipoo (Photo: @littlelocke /Instagram)

Willow the Maltipoo (Photo: @willow.the.maltipoo / Instagram)

Daisy the Maltipoo (Photo: @maltipoo_daisy / Instagram)

Locke the Maltipoo (Photo: @littlelocke /Instagram)
In conclusion

Willow the Maltipoo (Photo: @willow.the.maltipoo / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our article on Maltipoo.
They’re a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, creating a companion-sized dog that can excel in a family setting.
They’ll usually have low-shedding coats that are hypoallergenic.
Maltipoo may be low shedders but they’ll need to be regularly groomed to maintain the health and quality of their coat.