Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a popular cross breed of a Maltese and Poodle, known for their fun-loving and affectionate nature. Being innately active and charming, they will fit into all kinds of homes; houses, apartments, family with kids or elderly.
Maltipoos make the perfect companion for young families, empty nesters, and everyone in between. Highly devoted to their humans, they love to accompany them on walks (and on the couch, of course). Plus, they’re non-shedders and make great apartment dwellers.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 8 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 20 pounds
COAT: Low-dander coat with fluffy wool-like texture
COAT COLOUR: Cream, white, silver, black, grey, brown, chocolate, liver, gold, yellow
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 13 years
TEMPERAMENT: Gentle, friendly, outgoing, playful
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: Crossbreed in U.S.
Characteristics of the Maltipoo
Maltipoos can be a good choice for first-time or timid owners. They’re easy to train and learn quickly. They also do well in homes with elderly people or with older children who can handle them carefully. They enjoy long cuddles and are sensitive to their people’s wants and needs.
Maltipoos can adapt to any kind of home, from an apartment to a house. No matter what their housing, they love being with their people, and should live indoors with their human families, never outside or in kennels. They’re not recommended for homes where they’ll be left alone for long periods.
Maltipoos are loyal and highly affectionate which would make a great choice for a novice pet parent. However, they can be highly sensitive and do not like being left alone for long periods of the day. As companion dogs, they crave the company of their humans and may develop some separation anxiety when they don’t get the attention needed.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
Maltipoo Care
Maltipoos are people lovers and should live indoors with their family, never outside or in a kennel. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, play, and praise, and you’ll be successful in no time.
Exercise
Maltipoos are active, and they need daily exercise to stay healthy, happy, and out of trouble. Excess energy can lead to destructive behaviour, and you might be shocked to know just how much damage a small, bored dog can do. Give your Maltipoo 10 to 15 minutes of exercise each day. A short walk, play sessions in a fenced yard, or a good game of fetch down a hallway will do the trick.
Grooming
Although they have a low-shedding coat, Maltipoos can be high maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Their medium-long woolly coat will require daily brushing to keep clean and healthy. If not brushed enough, they can develop painful matting or sores on their skin.
Expect to bathe a Maltipoo at least once a month and clippings every few, except for the area around their face and eyes, which will need monthly trims. Smaller dog breeds typically spend more time indoors than out, meaning their nails won’t have the chance to file down naturally. Examine and trim your puppy’s nails every month to ensure they stay healthy. Expect to brush your Maltipoos teeth at least a couple of times a week, as well.
Training
Maltipoos tend to have high energy levels, but they only need a moderate amount of exercise. A short 15 minute walk or a game of fetch indoors will keep them happy and healthy. They are eager to play, so incorporating some fun into training will deliver the best results.
They require plenty of time to be potty-trained, whether it is using the wee pads indoors or going outside to do their business.
Common Health Problems
Not all Maltipoos will get any or all of the diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you are considering this crossbreed.
- Allergies
- Dental disease
- Luxating patella
- Bladder infections
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
Diet and Nutrition
The recommended daily for Malitpoos is about 5/8 to 1.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Keep your Maltipoo in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you’re unsure whether he’s overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see his waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can’t, he needs less food and more exercise.