If there’s something that Maltipoos are good at, it’s finding their way into the hearts of pet parents within no time. They don’t only have an obscenely cute name, they are charming, adorable, and intelligent dogs.

Maltipoos are a designer dog mix between the Maltese and the Poodle. They are bred to be tiny, hypoallergenic dogs with their sizes depending on the dominant gene as well as which of the Maltese and Poodle is the mother and father.

They have increased in popularity ever since they were first seen in the United States some 25 years ago, with highly famous celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and Ellen Degeneres owning a Maltipoo of their own.

If you’re considering having one of your own, read the detailed guide below on all you need to know about Maltipoos so you can have a good idea of what you should expect as a Maltipoo owner.

The Origins of the Maltipoo

Despite Maltipoos emerging for the first time in the early 90s, very little is known about the history of this designer breed.

In truth, apart from the Labradoodle, not a lot of hybrid breeds have a comprehensively recorded history. What we now perceive as designer dogs were regarded more as mutts by breeders for the longest time such that no one tried to document their official origins.

When you consider the Maltipoo’s history, it’s really not that different from their mixed breed fellow dogs. As an offspring of both the Maltese and the Poodle, breeders created the Maltipoo to be a wonderful pet that would fit into the lifestyle of any family.

Since the Maltese and the Poodle are highly popular breeds, it was thought that combining both dogs would bring out the best from both breeds. If dog cuteness is anything to go by, the breeders most certainly hit their mark.

The Maltipoo’s Appearance and Looks

When it comes to size, the Maltipoo is a small dog that stands at 12 to 15 inches high and can weigh up to 18 pounds. However, size and height all depend on how the parents of the dog were mixed up.

As for its coat, this dog has a fluffy and soft coat with a wool-like texture. The color of the coat can vary immensely, with white, cream, and silver being the more common colors.

The coat can also grow to be very long if it’s not groomed at least once or twice every year. To keep it clean and mat-free, you also need to bathe it twice a month and a good brush each time.

It’s worth pointing out that the Maltipoo sheds little to no fur at all. Because of their mixed genes, it can be hard to tell if the coat will be similar to a Maltese or a Poodle. In any case, both dogs also aren’t excessive shedders so this is something you shouldn’t pay too much concern about.

Are They Hypoallergenic

Poodle mixed dogs have become increasingly popular because they are categorized as hypoallergenic. This means that it’s highly unlikely for the dog to cause an allergic reaction. No one breed of dog is 100% hypoallergenic but Maltipoos come very close and can be a good choice for an unfortunate dog lover suffering from a dog allergy.

Temperament and Personality Traits

The Maltipoo is generally a calm dog but it reserves a good chunk of its energy for playtime. It gets along well with kids and fellow pets. It can be a great companion for people who are more often than not at their homes since Maltipoos love to spend time together with their owners.

Maltipoos love humans and get attached to them quickly. But this affection can work both ways for various reasons.

First of all, Maltipoos suffer from separation anxiety. So, your dog may not be too happy if you leave it alone for extended periods of time. It gives them depression which leads to them biting out their coats and chewing on their skin. Secondly, a dog that takes too fast cannot do a great job as a watchdog.

It can, however, if not trained well enough, pick up a habit of barking incessantly; something that your neighbors might not be too fond of especially if you live in an apartment block.

Training the Maltipoo

The Maltipoo’s devilishly cute small size and its adorable personality can result in a dog that often behaves as it pleases. Training your dog is important so that he knows how to act like a good member of the family.

The good news is Maltipoos are easy to train and can only require about 15 minutes each day. Maltipoos are intelligent dogs, just like the Poodle, and will quickly pick up your commands. Teach your dog good habits from when it’s a pup, and you’ll have a well-behaved furry friend for your efforts.

A positive reinforcement strategy to reward the dog with a treat will help curtail its mischief. But raising your voice at Maltipoos will rarely motivate a positive change in its behavior.

Expected Lifespan of Maltipoos

As a small-sized dog with few health concerns, Maltiposs can live as long as 15 years. Their lifespan is determined by factors such as the dog’s diet, general health, and exercise.

Maltipoos are also prone to health issues that may affect either the Poodle or the Maltese since they are a crossbreed of the two. Some of the problems you can expect are White Shaker Syndrome, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, and even epilepsy.

Once You Go Maltipoo, No Other Pooch Will Do

Opening your heart up to a Maltipoo is like opening a wonderfully wrapped package on Christmas; you aren’t too sure what’s waiting for you inside but what you do know is that it’s going to be great.

Maltipoos are highly social dogs and will get along well with children and other pets, regardless of whether they were raised together or not. They are fun, love to play, and can make for a very good companion to a novice pet parent.

Perhaps the only downside about this dog is that they will give you a hard time accepting another breed of dog to your home.

Last modified: February 23, 2021