General Information:

Height: 8-14 in
Weight: 5-20 lbs
Life Span: 12-14 yrs
Coloring: Typically single or bi-colored; white, cream, silver are most common
Area of Origin: North America
Similar Breeds: Maltese, Poodle, Lhasa Apso, Shihpoo, Malshi, Lhatese, Maltipom

History and Origin:

A “designer dog” breed, the Maltipoo is a mix between a Maltese and a Poodle (either Toy or Miniature). As with many other Poodle crosses, the Maltipoo was bred to be a hypoallergenic dog; while generally good for allergy sufferers, not all Maltipoos are completely allergen-free. Fantastic with children and the elderly, the Maltipoo is typically a friendly, happy companion with plenty of energy and love to go around.

Personality and Temperament:

Lively and intelligent, the Maltipoo tends to be a joyful mix breed with plenty of love. It is sensitive and intuitive, frequently recognizing indicators of illness or sadness, and provides quiet companionship for those who are sick or suffering. The Maltipoo can be quite timid, however, and needs early socialization to ensure it develops as a confident, happy dog. As both the Maltese and the small Poodle breeds have a tendency to develop Small Dog Syndrome if spoiled, the Maltipoo may also display poor behavior traits if it is not treated like a dog. It would rather walk on its own legs than be carried, and despite its small stature, it is an active companion for children who are aware of its fragility. The Maltipoo is a fantastic choice for a nervous or first-time dog owner.

Exercise & Training:

While small, the Maltipoo loves to play and run. Daily walks and stimulation will help ensure it stays happy and healthy. If trained well, the Maltipoo is a good candidate for apartment living, but it can have a very high-pitched bark that can become a nuisance to neighbors. It is an intelligent mix, and highly trainable; the Maltipoo responds well to positive reinforcement. It is becoming a popular therapy and companion animal for hospitals and other care facilities, and can be easily desensitized to these environments, although if the timidity of the Poodle shows through, the dog will need confident, gentle leadership to solidify its training.

Grooming:

The Maltipoo can have a variety of coat types, from straight to wavy to curly. The fur is usually soft, and prone to matting. Gentle brushing every day will help keep the coat tangle-free, and professional grooming two or three times a year will help keep the coat manageable. Some Maltipoos are prone to the tearing of the Maltese, and a daily cleaning of the eyes will help prevent build-up and staining. Bathe once a month or when necessary to avoid drying out the skin.

Similar Breeds:

The Maltipoo possesses qualities of its parent breeds, the Maltese and the Toy Poodle. As a toy designer breed, it also shares companion-dog qualities with other mixes such as the Lhasapoo (Lhasa Apso/Poodle), Shihpoo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Malshi (Maltese/Shih Tzu), Lhatese (Lhasa Apso/Maltese) and the Maltipom (Maltese/Pomeranian), among many others.

Interesting Facts about the Maltipoo:

1. The Maltipoo can be registered in many Designer Breed registries, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (Malt-A-Poo), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (Malt-A-Poo), Designer Breed Registry (Malt-A-Poo), and the International Designer Canine Registry (Maltipoo).

2. While black coloring is very rare in the Maltipoo, the black gene is dominant, and will always occur if both parents carry it.

3. The Maltipoo has become one of the most popular dogs for your female celebrities to own.  Its celebrity owners include Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Ellen Degeneres, Blake Lively, Vanessa Hudgens, and Rihanna.

Additional Resources for Information on the Maltipoo:

North American Maltipoo Club and Rescue
Maltese Poodle Mix Rescue – Maltese Maniac
Dogtime – Maltipoo Information
The Daily Puppy – What are the behaviors of Maltipoo puppies?