Maltipoo Dog Breed Guide
๐ Origin: United States
The Maltipoo is a popular designer hybrid cross between a Maltese and a Miniature or Toy Poodle, bred primarily for its low-shedding coat and companionable temperament. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a breed, and because it is a hybrid, individual puppies can vary considerably in size, coat type, and personality even within the same litter.
| Breed | Maltipoo |
| Size | Toy (5โ20 lbs) |
| Height | 8โ14 inches |
| Lifespan | 12โ16 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Gentle |
| Energy Level | Moderateโโโโโ |
| Good With Kids | โ Yes |
| Grooming | High Maintenance |
| Training | Very Good |
| Shedding | Minimal |
| Best For | Beginners & Families |
๐ Maltipoo Overview
Maltipoos are small, affectionate dogs that typically weigh between 5 and 20 pounds depending on the size of the Poodle parent used in the cross. They are known for being gentle and sociable, making them well suited to families, singles, and seniors alike. Because they are a first-generation or multigenerational hybrid, traits such as coat texture, allergy-friendliness, and adult size are not as predictable as they would be in a purebred dog.
๐ History & Origin
The Maltipoo originated in the United States during the 1990s when breeders began intentionally crossing Maltese dogs with Toy or Miniature Poodles to produce a small, low-shedding companion. The goal was to combine the Maltese temperament and compact size with the Poodle's intelligence and reduced-shedding coat. The cross gained rapid popularity and remains one of the most sought-after designer dogs in North America and the United Kingdom, though it has no official breed standard or registry recognition.
๐ Size & Appearance
๐ถ Male
- Weight: 5โ20 lbs (2โ9 kg)
- Height: 8โ14 inches (20โ36 cm)
๐ Female
- Weight: 5โ15 lbs
- Height: 8โ13 inches
Coat type: Wavy to curly, low-shedding, soft and fluffy
๐ง Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Maltipoos are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
๐ Exercise Needs
Maltipoos have moderate exercise requirements โ around 30 minutes of daily activity is sufficient. Two daily walks plus some playtime keeps most individuals happy and healthy.
โ Apartment living: Possible with adequate daily exercise commitment.
๐ Food & Diet Guide
๐ถ Puppy (8 weeks โ 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3โ4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2โ3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding โ controlled growth prevents joint issues
๐ Adult (Maltipoo)
- Daily amount: 0.5 to 1 cup divided into 2 meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly โ adjust portions as needed
- โ ๏ธ High obesity risk โ measure portions carefully
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
๐ Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5โ10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8โ16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
โ๏ธ Grooming
Brushing
Daily brushing required to prevent matting and tangles.
Bathing
Bath every 4โ6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3โ4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
๐ฉบ Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight โ obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
โฑ Lifespan
The average Maltipoo lifespan is 12โ16 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care โ dental disease affects overall health significantly
๐ท Puppy Price
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Pakistan
Pedigree puppy from registered breeder
India
Registered breeder, health-checked pup
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder โ never from puppy farms.
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Pros
- Apartment dwellers and city residents
- Families with older children
- First-time dog owners
- Seniors seeking a gentle companion
- People with mild pet allergies who want a lower-shedding dog
- Excellent with children
- Suitable for first-time owners
โ Cons
- Owners who want a predictable, standardized breed
- Households with very young toddlers who may handle the dog roughly
- Owners who cannot commit to regular professional grooming
- High grooming maintenance and cost
- Prone to obesity โ portion control essential
๐ Maltipoo vs Other Breeds
โ Maltipoo wins at
The Maltipoo typically sheds slightly less and suits owners with mild allergies a little better than the Cavapoo.
โ Cavapoo wins at
The Cavapoo tends to be calmer and more tolerant with very young children due to the King Charles Spaniel's famously gentle nature.
โ Maltipoo wins at
The Maltipoo is smaller and more apartment-friendly, making it a better fit for compact living spaces.
โ Cockapoo wins at
The Cockapoo is generally sturdier and more energetic, making it a better match for active owners who want a small dog that can keep up on longer walks.
๐ Who Should Own a Maltipoo?
โ Great Choice If You Are:
- Apartment dwellers and city residents
- Families with older children
- First-time dog owners
- Seniors seeking a gentle companion
- People with mild pet allergies who want a lower-shedding dog
- A family with children
- A first-time dog owner
โ Consider Another Breed If:
- Owners who want a predictable, standardized breed
- Households with very young toddlers who may handle the dog roughly
- Owners who cannot commit to regular professional grooming
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maltipoo good for families?
Maltipoos are affectionate and sociable dogs that generally get along well with families, including households with older children and other pets. They can be fragile due to their small size, so homes with very young toddlers require supervision to prevent accidental injury to the dog. Because individual hybrid puppies vary in temperament, it is worth spending time with the specific puppy and its parents before committing to ensure the personality is a good match for your household.
How much does a Maltipoo puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, Maltipoo puppies from health-tested parents typically cost between 800 and 2,500 pounds depending on the breeder's reputation, generation of the cross, and coat color. In Pakistan, prices generally range from approximately 80,000 to 200,000 Pakistani rupees, while in India buyers can expect to pay between roughly 40,000 and 120,000 Indian rupees from a reputable breeder. Because the Maltipoo is not a recognized breed, standards vary widely and unusually low prices often signal poor breeding conditions, so always verify health testing and visit the puppy in person.
Is Maltipoo easy to train?
Maltipoos inherit intelligence from the Poodle side of their lineage and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training using treats and praise. They can be sensitive to harsh correction, so a patient, reward-based approach works best and helps prevent the anxiety that this breed can be prone to. Early socialization and puppy classes are strongly recommended because without consistent training some Maltipoos develop stubborn habits or excessive barking.
What food is best for a Maltipoo?
Maltipoos do well on a high-quality small-breed dry kibble that lists a named meat protein such as chicken or salmon as the first ingredient, as small-breed formulas are calorie-dense enough to meet their energy needs without overfeeding. Most adult Maltipoos eat between half a cup and one full cup of dry food per day split into two meals, though exact portions depend on the dog's weight, age, and activity level. Because the breed is prone to dental problems, dry kibble is generally preferred over wet food alone, and dental chews or regular tooth brushing should be part of the daily routine.
Does Maltipoo bark a lot?
Maltipoos can be moderately vocal and some individuals inherit a tendency toward alert barking from the Maltese parent, which means they may bark at strangers, sounds, or when left alone. Consistent training from puppyhood, adequate exercise, and addressing any separation anxiety early can significantly reduce excessive barking in most dogs of this cross.
Can a Maltipoo live in an apartment?
Yes, the Maltipoo is one of the most apartment-friendly hybrid breeds available due to its small size, relatively low exercise requirements of around 30 minutes per day, and quiet indoor nature when properly trained. Owners in apartments should be mindful of the breed's potential for alert barking and invest in early training to keep noise levels manageable for neighbors.
๐ Final Verdict
The Maltipoo is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners and experienced owners alike. With a lifespan of 12โ16 years, moderate activity needs, and high maintenance grooming requirements, the Maltipoo is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Maltipoo will reward you with years of loyal companionship.