All about Maltipoo

ロレナアットウッド
Jul 30, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Aug 27, 2024

Maltipoos are quickly winning the hearts of pet parents with their friendly nature, intelligence, and adorable charm. Ideal for both large and small households, they enjoy playing fetch just as much as snuggling on your lap. It's no wonder so many people are eager to welcome these lovable companions into their homes!

What is Maltipoo?

The Maltipoo is a delightful designer breed that combines the Maltese and Poodle. Renowned for their small size and endearing features—such as a rounded head and floppy ears—these charming dogs maintain a puppy-like appearance throughout their lives. Their playful nature and affectionate demeanor make them a popular choice among dog lovers.

Given the Maltese's naturally smaller size, the Poodle parent of a Maltipoo will be either a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

Due to the natural size differences among Poodle parents, Maltipoos can also vary in size. Typically, these delightful dogs stand between 8 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 5 to 20 pounds.

The Maltipoo's history

The origins of the Maltipoo are closely connected to the rich histories of both the Maltese and the Poodle breeds.

The Maltese breed is thought to have originated from the picturesque island of Malta, situated just south of Sicily, Italy. Over the centuries, these charming dogs have captured the hearts of royalty, often being treated as cherished members of the royal family. Their popularity grew gradually, and they made their way to America in the late 1800s.

The Standard Poodle has its origins in France, dating back to the 15th century. During that time, these charming curly-haired dogs gained such popularity that they were celebrated as the national breed of France. Although it took nearly three centuries, Poodles eventually captured the hearts of dog lovers in other countries, including Spain. As the years went by, breeders created smaller versions of the Standard Poodle, leading to the delightful Toy and Miniature Poodles we know today.

Although it is known that the Maltipoo is a newer Poodle mix, it isn't very easy to locate the exact place or year that this mixed breed was created. No one person or organization has taken credit for the first puppy of this new mix.

Understanding the Maltipoo

As a delightful mixed breed, predicting the traits of a Maltipoo can be a bit challenging, as they inherit a unique blend of characteristics from both their Maltese and Poodle parents. While many Maltipoos showcase a charming combination of features from each breed, it's important to remember that each dog is an individual with its distinct personality, quirks, and appearance. This diversity is part of what makes Maltipoos so special!

Poodles are celebrated for their beautiful curly coats that come in a variety of colors, while Maltese are recognized for their stunning, pure white fur. This delightful blend in Maltipoos means that your furry friend can have a coat that is curly, wavy, or even a bit scruffy! You'll find an array of colors, including white, silver, blue, grey, brown, black, and cream, making each Maltipoo uniquely charming.

Before welcoming a Maltipoo into your home, it's natural for many pet parents to have a few common questions.

How Long Do Maltipoos Live?

Maltipoos, as smaller dogs with relatively few health issues, typically enjoy a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This longevity can be influenced by various factors, including diet, exercise, and overall health. To help your furry friend live a long and healthy life, it's essential to provide them with a balanced diet and a consistent exercise routine. Additionally, regular check-ups with your veterinarian can play a vital role in maintaining their well-being.

Are Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

Poodle mix dogs have gained significant popularity, particularly due to their classification as "hypoallergenic." This term suggests a lower likelihood of allergic reactions, making them an attractive option for allergy sufferers. While no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, Maltipoos are among the breeds that come closest to this ideal. With their reduced dander, these charming pups can be a wonderful choice for those who love dogs but are concerned about allergies.

Do Maltipoos Shed?

Maltipoos are known for their minimal shedding, often shedding very little or not at all. However, due to their mixed genetic background, it can be difficult to determine whether their coat will resemble that of a Poodle or a Maltese. Fortunately, both Poodles and Maltese are not heavy shedders on their own, so you can rest assured that excessive shedding is not typically a concern with Maltipoos.

Are Maltipoos Family-Friendly?

Maltipoos can be a wonderful addition to your family. They thrive on walks and playtime, but they also love to snuggle up on your lap for some quality bonding time. While Maltipoos are generally great with children, they tend to be a better fit for families with slightly older kids. Younger children may unintentionally be a bit too rough with these small dogs, so it’s essential to supervise their interactions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both.

When introducing your Maltipoo to a household with existing pets, it's important to supervise their initial meeting and ensure the introduction occurs in a controlled environment. As your Maltipoo begins to interact with your other dog, encourage gentle play, as these little pups are not equipped to handle roughhousing at such a young age. Your thoughtful approach will help foster positive relationships among your furry friends!

Grooming Your Maltipoo

While Maltipoos are known for their minimal shedding, it's important to remember that they still require regular grooming. Brushing your Maltipoo almost daily is highly beneficial. A quick ten-minute brushing session each day can help maintain a clean and mat-free coat, ensuring your furry friend looks and feels their best!

Typically, Maltipoos benefit from a bath once a month. This is also a perfect opportunity to check and clean their ears. Additionally, establishing a routine of brushing your puppy's teeth and trimming their nails early on is highly recommended. For optimal dental health, aim to brush their teeth several times a week to keep those pearly whites sparkling clean and healthy!

To keep your dog's nails in optimal condition, it's recommended to trim them once or twice a month. A helpful indicator that it's time for a trim is the sound of their nails clicking on the floor. This gentle reminder will ensure your furry friend stays comfortable and happy!

Like other Poodle mixes, Maltipoos benefit from regular coat trimming, which usually only needs to be done once or twice a year. To keep their hair out of their eyes, it's a good idea to give the hair around their face and head some attention approximately once a month.

Taking Care of Your Maltipoo

Maltipoos are known for their intelligence, making them excellent candidates for obedience training. To foster positive behaviors from the outset, it’s essential to begin training and socialization with your puppy as early as possible. Just a friendly reminder: it’s advisable to wait until your puppy has completed all necessary vaccinations before introducing them to other dogs. This approach will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!

In addition to their training needs, Maltipoos benefit from daily exercise, though they don't require a significant amount. A brisk walk once or twice a day, along with a brief play session, is usually sufficient to help them expend some energy and maintain their overall health.

Maltipoos are sociable dogs that flourish in the company of their human companions, making them well-suited for both spacious homes and cozy apartments, including urban environments. They are an excellent choice for first-time pet owners, as their primary need is quality time and attention from their pet parent. Whether it’s enjoying cuddle sessions, snuggling on your lap, sharing nap time, or indulging in ear scratches, Maltipoos thrive on the bond they share with you.

While Maltipoos make delightful companions, it's important to note that they can be quite vocal. Their barking often serves as a way to alert you to passing cars or people, but this can become bothersome for both you and your neighbors. If you'd like to help curb this behavior, consider enrolling your puppy in an obedience class. Professional trainers can offer valuable tips and strategies to help reduce excessive barking while strengthening your bond with your furry friend.

Training Your Maltipoo

When it comes to training, starting early and maintaining consistency is key. It's important to remember that there’s no such thing as starting too soon—ideally, you should begin training your puppy on the very first day you bring them home. By fostering good habits from a young age, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a well-mannered companion in no time!

By committing just fifteen minutes each day to training, you can easily establish a consistent routine for both you and your dog. These brief training sessions not only help maintain your dog's focus but also make learning new commands and tricks a delightful experience. You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your puppy can pick up new skills!

If your puppy doesn't seem to grasp a command right away, it can be helpful to switch to a different command for the day. Maltipoos respond particularly well to positive reinforcement, so having treats or toys available as rewards can be very effective.

Common Maltipoo Health Issues

Purebred dogs often come from a more limited gene pool, which can lead to certain breeds experiencing recurring health issues. On the other hand, mixed-breed dogs benefit from a broader genetic diversity, which can help reduce the likelihood of inheriting specific health concerns.

While this can be advantageous to some extent, it does introduce a new concern. If both parents of a mixed breed are prone to the same health issue, the chances of the mixed puppy inheriting that particular condition may increase.

Based on our claims data*, we’ve identified the top five health concerns commonly seen in Maltipoos.

Ear infections
Digestive issues
Allergies
Skin irritation
Diarrhea

Many Maltipoo owners take the initiative to educate themselves about potential health issues associated with both Poodles and Maltese before welcoming a Maltipoo into their home. By understanding the health concerns of the parent breeds, you can proactively support your Maltipoo's well-being and stay ahead in maintaining their health.

The information shared in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice from your veterinarian. Always consult with your vet for specific guidance regarding your pet's health.