Maltipoo Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

2-9 kg

Height

20-35 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the Maltipoo

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Maltipoo is a popular cross of two dog breeds, the Maltese and Poodle. This mix creates an adorable-looking dog. Maltipoo puppies are enough in their appearance to melt your heart, but they’re also fun-loving dogs that have an affectionate temperament.

As a ‘somewhat’ dog breed, they are easily adaptable to most homes, whether that be a penthouse apartment to a cottage in the countryside. They’re great for families, young couples, and elderly singles, to name but a few.

Whilst they’ve been categorised into the designer breed group, they’re still often found in shelters and rescue groups that require love. With that in mind, here’s a guide on the Maltipoo breed and what to expect when you give this type of dog a home.

What is the history & origin of the Maltipoo?

The Maltipoo was a breed that had been created for the purpose of helping allergy sufferers. They make up part of a collection of hybrid breed types that are hypoallergenic. No dog is completely allergy-free when it comes to those with dog allergies. However, they certainly help many who have always wanted to own a dog but were restricted due to their allergies.

It’s not an officially recognised breed, according to the American Kennel Club, but there are plenty of followers of these popular designer dog breeds that are creating their own clubs and registry.

Maltipoos originate from the island of Malta, and their mixed breed was made for the sole purpose of being one that doesn’t shed much.

What is a Maltipoo breed?

Maltipoos are great dogs for those who need an affectionate partner in crime. They’re good for those who are novices when it comes to pets in general and, compared to other dogs, are easy to manage.

However, due to their affectionate nature, they’re companion dogs and therefore don’t like being left alone. The Maltipoo tends to keep its puppy-like features and often has either curly or scruffy-looking coats. They also tend to come in a variety of coats, but most tend to be a white or cream colour.

They’re also bred as first and second-generation dogs. First-generation meaning between a Maltese and Poodle, the second-generation being between two Maltipoos.

Who is a Maltipoo best for?

Of course, for those with dog allergies, the Maltipoo is an ideal dog breed to go for. These fluffy puppies will love any household with children and families that spend a lot of their time indoors.

They’re great for those in apartments, so long as they’re getting a good run around on a daily basis. As intelligent dogs, they’ll take to training considerably well, making this breed a great one for those who may not have much experience in owning dogs prior.

Maltipoo Grooming & Shedding

As the Maltipoo is hypoallergenic, you shouldn’t expect much shedding when it comes to their coat. It’s medium to long in length and can range between a wavy and curly texture.

Maltipoo puppies should be introduced to daily brushing so that it gets used to being brushed. This will help keep the coat clean and free of mats. Getting their coat clipped should be done once or twice a year but can be more frequent depending on the preferred length.

Be sure to bathe the dog once a month to help keep their coat clean and free from debris. Their ears should be kept clean to avoid any dirt or debris becoming trapped.

Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush their teeth two to three times a week and clip their nails as and when it’s needed.

Do Maltipoos bark a lot?

Barking is sadly something that Maltipoos love to do, but it’s also what makes them great watchdogs as they’re often very alert. They’ll help to let you know of any suspicious activity that may be going on, whether or not it’s actually suspicious!

This might not be the best breed if you prefer a quieter dog or you’re in a quiet environment where a new Maltipoo puppy might not be welcome.

What is the average weight & height of a Maltipoo dog?

A Maltipoo can vary in size depending on the Maltese and Poodle parent. The Poodle specifically will influence the weight and size, depending on whether they were a Toy or a Miniature Poodle.

In general, you can expect this intelligent dog to be around 20-35cm tall and weigh around 2 to 9kgs.

Are Maltipoos easy to train?

For new dog owners, Maltipoos are definitely a worthwhile breed to have. They’re super easy to train and learn fairly quickly, thanks to their clever poodle genes.

They still require patience and consistency when training as they’re not always going to get every trick or command in one go. For obedience training, make sure to do this all from a young age so that they learn very early on about what’s right and wrong.

How do Maltipoos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Maltipoos from reputable breeders are intelligent and affectionate dogs that are full of love. From their puppy stage to becoming an adult dog, they are gentle, devoted to their owners and will make fantastic small dogs for those who want a close companion.

They require socialisation to bring out that active and feisty side from an early age. They’re alert and make great alarm dogs for those that need that early start!

Does the Maltipoo have any common health issues?

There are a number of health problems that the Maltipoo can have, despite you getting them from a reputable breeder. Just like humans, they’re not invincible from health concerns. Here are a few health issues to look out for.

Epilepsy – This causes seizures in dogs and can be managed through medication. It’s not something that can be cured.

White Shaker Syndrome – Results in tremors over the body, with a lack of coordination and rapid eye movements that can be quite scary to watch. These episodes occur when the dog is overly stressed or excited. It usually occurs between the ages of six months to three years old.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – This affects many toy breeds where the blood supply to the head of the femur is lacking. This starts to disintegrate over time.

What is the lifespan of a Maltipoo?

Their lifespan is fairly decent, considering they come with a few health issues as smaller dogs. Maltipoos will have a lifespan generally of around 10-15 years.

This lifespan can often be determined by their quality of life, from what they eat to how much exercise they’re getting each day.

How much does a Maltipoo need to be fed?

As small dogs, they won’t need a great amount of food to keep them sustained. Compared to other dogs who need big meals, the Maltipoos are going to need around 1.5 cups a day split between two meals.

Consider including all the relevant nutrients and minerals needed in the food, and consult your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet, like what you want to give them and what should be avoided.

How much can you expect to pay for a Maltipoo in Australia?

If you’re interested in looking for a Maltipoo, it’s important to avoid puppy mills. A puppy mill is something you don’t want to entertain, and instead, it’s important to go directly to a registered breeder, despite the hike in costs.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $6,000 to $8,000 for these designer pooches!

Maltipoo FAQs

Can a Maltipoo swim?

Maltipoos can swim, and they do enjoy swimming whether they find a lake to jump into or you’re able to take them to the local beach. Thanks to their Poodle genetics, they’ll love the water, but Maltese don’t do well. It may influence whether or not your Maltipoo will enjoy the water.

Do all Maltipoo dogs turn white?

Your Maltipoo might go darker or lighter depending on their genetics. The coat may get dark or lighter, so even though some Maltipoos do turn white eventually, you might find yours will get darker with age instead.

Are black Maltipoo dogs rare?

A Maltipoo puppy that’s black is going to be hard to find and won’t just be sitting in a pet store waiting for you. This is often a rare occurrence as white poodles are the ones that come in black, whereas Maltese don’t. If you end up getting a black one, then you’ll certainly be one of the lucky ones for colour!

Is a Maltipoo a hypoallergenic dog?

Maltipoos come fairly close to being completely hypoallergenic. With the reduction of dander produced, they will certainly be a helpful dog to have in the home for anyone who has allergies.

Do Maltipoos like to be held?

Maltipoo dogs like being held, making them great lapdogs. However, like most small dog breeds, they can also be prone to bursts of energy that come out of nowhere.