Maltipoo

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.

What is a Maltipoo?

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?

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.

How would you describe the appearance of your Maltipoo?

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.

How would you describe the temperament of Maltipoo?

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:

Daisy’s parents used the word “playful” to describe this Dutch Maltipoo.

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.

Willow’s parents suggest using calming supplements if your Maltipoo does suffer from separation anxiety.

Do Maltipoos make great family pets?

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.

Locke is a patient Maltipoo that thrives in a family environment.

Daisy is also patient with young children.

Are Maltipoo easy to train?

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.

How much exercise do Maltipoos need?

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.

Willow’s parents find that 30 minutes of daily exercise is sufficient for their Maltipoo.

Do Maltipoos get along with other dogs?

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.

Do Maltipoos shed?

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?

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.

Willow has her coat trimmed every two months during the warmer months.

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.

Maltipoo Price

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.

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.

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

In conclusion

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.