Maltipoo – 10 Breed Information On The Maltese Poodle Mix

• Origin: United States of America
• Size: Small
• Dog Breed Group: Hybrid
• Purebred: No
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
• Height: 8-14 inches
• Weight: 5-20 lbs
• Coat Appearance: Fluffy, soft and wooly
• Coat Colors: Black, Blue, Silver, Red, Grey, Brown, Beige
• Temperament: Charming, Alert, Affectionate, Playful
• Good With Children: Yes (with older children)
• Intelligence Level: High
• Good With Pets: Yes
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Grooming: Moderate
• Shedding: Low
• Barking: High
• Suitable For Apartments: Yes
• Need For Exercise: Less
• Easy To Train: No
• Good For First Time Owners: Yes
• Health Issues: Mitral Valve Prolapse, Epilepsy, White Dog Shaker Syndrome
• Litter Size: 5 to 6 puppies (approximate)
• Average Price: $400 to $2000

The poodle-Maltese mix was developed fairly recently in the 1990s when breeders wanted to combine the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat with the other breed’s looks and personality.

It has become a popular choice both as a companion and family pet because of its loving and affectionate nature.

What is a Maltipoo?

Maltipoo = Maltese + Poodle

Maltese Origin

This toy dog breed originated from Malta, an island in the Mediterranean basin. This glamorous fluffy dog is very friendly and even greets the strangers.

Maltipoo inherits the gentle, playful, and active personality from its parent Maltese.

Poodle History

This formal dog breed still holds its dispute over its origin. This smart and intelligent dog breed is one of the most popular dog breeds all around the world, especially in America.

Poodles are active, intelligent, alert, and easily trainable which makes them a greatly liked small dog breed.

Maltipoo blends all the best traits of its parents and this cutie pie is gaining popularity nowadays.

Although not yet recognized by the Kennel Club, local breed clubs have been created throughout the world to make sure dependable breeding practices are maintained.

Over the last two decades, breeders have continued to produce multigenerational Maltipoos in an attempt to develop this comparatively new crossbreed – crossed the puppy back to a pure Maltese or Poodle to enhance specific characteristics.

First-generation dogs will be true designer dogs, which is the offspring of a Poodle and a Maltese.

An F2 generation may also be the result of pairing two Maltipoo dogs and their parents are not the toy Poodle and the Maltese.

Kennel Club Recognition

• International Designer Canine Registry
• American Canine Hybrid Club
• Designer Breed Registry
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club

Maltipoo Interesting Facts

• This breed cannot stand too much heat.
• They act like puppies even after they grow up; And, they usually forget that they are adults. This is one of the reasons that make them the most loved pet.
• They cannot adapt to sudden food change and much of travel. So keep using a particular brand and if at all you plan to change the brand, make sure you mix it with the usual food for a few days.

Famous Maltipoo Owners:

• Carmen Electra – Kiko
• Miley Cyrus – Sophie
• Ashley Tisdale – Maui (Teacup Maltipoo) & Blondie
• Vanessa Hudgens – Shadow
• Rihanna – Dj
• Blake Lively – Penny

They are generally small size dogs just like their parent breeds.

Maltipoo Full Grown

Size – The height of a full-grown dog would be between 8 and 14 inches. If the parent is a toy or miniature poodle, the size will be smaller than the regular dog.

Weight – They weigh around 5-20 pounds.

Maltipoo adults are also smaller in size much like their parent breeds. The size range is an average of its parent’s size and it is obvious that if its parents were a bit bigger, then you should expect your pet to be a little larger than the mentioned height and weight range.

Maltipoo Life Expectancy

The lifespan is determined based on the life expectancy of its parent breeds. Maltese usually live up to 12 years and toy poodles have a life expectancy range of 12-14 years.

So, on average, you can expect your favorite pet to live between 10 and 15 years.

This is not a proven standard range, but tiny dogs usually live longer than the larger breeds.

Health is also a contributing factor while calculating an average lifespan range; pets with genetic disorders require utmost care to live a longer life.

Toy Maltipoo Size

Teacups or Toy dogs are not officially AKC recognized dog breeds. It may be dangerous for the puppies to be smaller than natural size. A Teacup Maltipoo would weigh less than 5 pounds when fully grown.

• Inquisitive – They simply love playing around and these companion dogs try out new games with its master.
• Affectionate – They adore their masters and can get clingy if not well-trained. Their perfect day consists of nothing more than being with her person, whether it’s lying at their feet while they work, following them from room to room, going for walks with them, playing with the kids, running errands, keep up with their owners on a hike or romp with large dogs. Sometimes over-clinginess leads to separation anxiety if you detach the pet from its owner.
• Very Alert – The slightest sound would wake them up and confrontation with strangers can result in excessive barking as well. But that can be stopped by training your pet nice and proper.
• Loyal – This funky little people pleaser typically is full of joie de vivre that will allow it to fit into most households. It can very well accommodate a family with young kids; existing cats or other pets will not be a hindrance. Because of its smaller size, it’s better to leave it around older children with more responsibility.
• Entertaining – Dogs always have a humorous nature and their funny ways would always brighten up an otherwise gloomy day. Give your dog a squeaky toy and you will find out how entertaining these tiny dogs are!
• Therapy Dogs – It has an extremely gentle temperament and can be used as therapy dogs in old age homes, nursing homes, etc.

As with any hybrid dog, the appearance can vary depending on the different sizes and mixes of poodles and Maltese.

In general, the coat of this designer lap dog may take the soft silky texture of the Maltese or have the Poodle curls or fall somewhere in the middle.

Since the Poodle genes bring in over 11 solids and 17 parti-colors (meaning a combination of 2 or more), it can be found in a multitude of different colors

Maltipoo Coat Colors

The coat color and texture has the main influence of the parent poodle. Maltese dogs are pure white fluffy dogs.

Generally, the puppies acquire the prime double color and patch of the coat from that of the poodle.

All the primary poodle colors can be found in the puppies.

The coat color of this breed gets diluted with the 2nd or 3rd generation dogs.

However, you can find some these dogs with a variety of colors like black, blue, silver beige, beige, red, brown, silver, grey, white, cream, apricot, and parti-colored (any combination of the above)

The blatantly beautiful blue Maltipoo is very rare.

Black Maltipoo 

They are very rare yet popular and they inherit this from poodle lines since this coat color is not found in the bloodline of the Maltese. The majority of those black coats in poodles (70%) were black from root to tip.

But, the remaining 30% were grey or blue near the roots. Most of those dogs will have a color change as they mature due to the root color.

Consequently, the ‘true’ black Maltese-Poodle mix (those which have black hairs from root to tip) will follow suit and will not change color.

For true black Moodle dogs, the eyes will be black and solid black with brown eyes. If you find a dog that is black and also has a secondary color, the eyes will be black and may have any shade of brown.

The color acquired is deep ink black without any touches.

Black and White Maltipoo

As it is a mixed breed, its coat has different colors because of the coat color of the parent poodle. They are more common than solid coats.

When the dog has more than 50% black and any other secondary color, she will be a parti-black.  It would be termed a ‘mismark’ when the second color is 10% or less and therefore the dog would be a black mis-mark.

The black and white-colored puppy will have black as the primary coat color. And, it will have white markings on the face, tummy, chest or paws.

White Maltipoo

It is popular among poodles and Maltese enthusiasts. This is bred by pairing a purebred solid white toy Poodle and a solid white Maltese (some not-so-well bred ones are a light cream).

The Maltese white color terminology is so broad. Many creative breeders make up their own coloring terms, for instance, “crystal white”, “snow white”, “diamond coated,” “paperwhite” and so on.

The best way to establish if you have a true white one is to check for any discoloration by placing the pup in the sunshine.

Any spots of tan, black, apricot or other will not usually completely fade (regardless of what breeders say).

Therefore, if you buy a white puppy with tan markings, expect that pup to have the markings forever…. they may or may not fade a bit during the coat change.

Apricot Maltipoo

It is actually a faded down red and apricot moodle puppies look very soft, glossy and silky.

Breeders often pair a pure white Maltese with a red toy Poodle.  A solid apricot will sometimes have some points (another color on the chest, eyebrows, tail, and paws).

This can be white, cream, and in some cases even red color. When it has apricot as a secondary coloring, this most often occurs with cream coats.

Many breeders creatively use terms such as “strawberry apricot mix”, “orange peel’, etc.

This means that many creams, whites, beige and tan pups will be considered apricots when they are not

Brown Maltipoo

Brown colored dogs of this breed have a dark, rich deep brown color coat. The coat color is much deeper than golden, bronze or tan color.

The coat of a few types of these dogs will be soft and in melted chocolate color as well. Dogs get the brown color because of the bb gene while the BB gene causes black coloring.

So, a true brown does not have black pigment on their body. The dog will also have a brown eye rim and nose.

Technically, a breeder can dub a pup to be brown even if the pup is tan, beige or another watered-down hue, etc.

Red Maltipoo

This is one of the rarest, of all of the possible colors, seen even less often than a brown. Even breeders find difficult to get the red color while breeding a Maltese -Poodle mix.

A mix breed of Maltese dog, this dog won’t ever look solid red in color. Rather, if a dog having an apricot-colored coat looks shiny with deep, dark red areas, it will look like a red Maltipoo.

As the pup grows, the color often lightens. Browns can change to light beige, Reds can turn apricot, etc. If you get a red one, lucky you; but, be aware of the fact that the dog may become lighter when it becomes an adult.

Since this breed is not yet recognized by the AKC, breeders make up names such as “Blazing Cinnamon”, “Apple Dumping Red” or “Strawberry” for red Maltipoos.

Other Names Of Maltese And Poodle Mix Breed

Maltidoodle, Maltoodle, Malti-poodle, Malt-a-doodle, Maltese-poodle, Maltese-poo, Maltedoodle, Malt-a-poo, Malta-poo, Malta poo, Malte-poo, a Maltese poodle, Maltidoodle, Moodle

Maltipoo Mix

This dog breed, by itself, is a stunning cross between a Miniature or Toy Poodle and a Maltese dog.

These puppies are also mixed with different dog breeds including Pomeranian, Pekingese, and Chihuahua, etc. to produce cute mix-breed dogs.

The authenticity of this breed mixes is for the dog lovers to check.

They are hypoallergenic and do not shed like other small dog breeds. However, these dogs do not require daily brushing but need to be brushed twice a week.

Maltipoo Grooming

• Clean and clear the ears of any wax discharge weekly once to prevent ear infections.
• Wiping the eyes with a soft tissue can reduce the fluid discharge.
• In order to avoid periodontal problems, brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week.
• Keep the toenails as short as possible. They are low-drooling and low-smelling dogs.
• Their coats vary from long and straight to shorter and curled, but either way, it’s thick silky, fluffy and rather soft coat (while their owners often give them trendy haircuts). Regular brushing will not only keep their coats and skin in good condition, but brushing will help reduce mats and snarls.
• They can also be professionally trimmed or clipped quite a few times a year to be even and uniform.

Maltipoo Food Recommendations

Feeding guidelines for a Maltipoo Poodle Mix has to be carefully considered. Maltipoo puppies should not be left in an empty stomach and this may lead to stomach irritation and hypoglycemia. We need to know what we have to feed our baby.

Maltipoo puppies must be fed three times a day. After one year you can feed them two wholesome meals mornings and evenings. You can feed them with healthy treats in the middle. Try to keep a consistent feeding time.

Can Maltipoo Eat Human Food?

Yes, they can eat certain human food. Here are the common food items you can feed your Maltese Poodle Mix dog.

• Fish – pollock, cod (cod is good for senior dogs), Salmon, etc
• Lean Cuts of Meat – lamb and bison, boneless white breast chicken, turkey, lean hamburger, etc
• Carbs via pasta, sweet potatoes, rice, etc
• Vegetables – Broccoli, Spinach, carrots, and peas
• Fruits including banana, mango, blueberries, raspberries

Some great add-on foods include yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs (scrambled is often best for their tummy), whole white, etc.

What are the foods to be avoided for a Maltipoo?

Chocolate, almonds, Macadamia Nuts, onion, garlic, grapes, avocado, and raisins

Maltipoo Food Allergies

Your pet Maltipoo has a very sensitive stomach like the parent Poodle. Some common food allergens for this breed are corn, wheat, soy, and sometimes protein food like chicken and beef.

Do not overfeed your pet; learn its food habits and split the meal timings accordingly. It is quite essential to ensure that your pet is eating the right quality and quantity of food and at the right time.

Maltipoo Health Issues

Generally, smaller breeds suffer from fragile bones and skeletal development issues. Apart from these common health issues, they also inherit genetic disorders that can be fatal if not attended at the right time.

Dental issues and eye problems are other common health issues with; extreme care and complete nutrition will help you keep your pet away from health problems. Make sure to have your puppy insured with health care plans.

Do read our other articles:

Maltese – Poodle Mix Breed Allergies In Check

How to care for your pet Maltipoo?

Maltipoo Common Health Problems

• Epilepsy – The exact cause of seizures in dogs is unknown but if you find your pet suffering frequently, then it is advisable to take your dog to a good vet; brain tumors, kidney problems, etc could be the reason behind seizures.
• Orthopedic Problems – Smaller breed pets are prone to early bone issues; even the slightest injury needs immediate attention. You can get your dog certified for normalcy by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals) by submitting X-rays of hips, etc.
• White Dog Shaker Syndrome – This is a characteristic problem in most of the small breed dogs and sometimes in cats as well. The symptoms include full body tremors like epilepsy when they try to get up or with any movement. This gets worse if your pet suffers from anxiety and nervousness; if this is not brought under control, the dog may even have the problem walking.
• Patellar Luxation – This condition where the dogs have slipped knee cap or abnormally formed knee cap. The parent breeds Poodles and Maltese are more prone to this disease and dog owners have to check on this problem. This causes sudden pain normally. Take him to the vet immediately.
• Eye Problems – Maltese has less history of getting affected by certain genetic eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and ectropion. However, early detection will prevent adverse conditions. They should be examined by a vet ophthalmologist if they suffer from any itching or redness in the eyes.

Maltipoo Barking Problem

When discussing if this breed dog can bark, we should first look at both the Maltese and the Poodle. Some dogs are excellent barkers due to their instinct attention-seeking behavior or enthusiasm.

This small breed expects a lot of attention and if you fail to do so, it might suffer from separation anxiety and constant barking. So, train your dog to handle home-alone situations.

Both the parents, Poodle and Maltese are neither watchdogs or hound dogs. Looking from that point of view, it resembles a normal barking dog.

Being a toy-sized breed, it has gained a reputation as barkers because some people are of the wrong assumption that all top dogs bark.

As mentioned earlier in this article, this breed is a loving, intelligent and very playful pet that needs attention 24/7.

As common with all dog breeds, training is not an easy job but the consistent effort can help you get the pet to learn your ways. The need for activity level is very high with this breed.

• Trainability – Easy
• Intelligence – High
• Memory – High

Poodle-Maltese mixes are light-hearted and exceptionally easy-going dogs, which make them easier to train.

You still need to inculcate a strong training regimen from an early age to get the best out of them. It’s good to start socializing and training your dog from puppyhood. For a new dog owner, it is better to sign up dog obedience classes.

Daily walks are a must but a puppy must be at least 12-14 weeks old before she can be brought outdoors for exercise and play or any place in which there are other dogs or pets, and this includes your yard.

Preferably, a moodle can be walked two times per day. If possible, have a 30 minute and a 10-minute walk, or try another combination that works best for you and your dog. Most moodles do best with a walk in the morning or later in the evening.

How To Train A Maltipoo?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while training a pet.

• Choose a specific Spot – Dogs tend to get habituated to a specific routine quite easily. So if you are potty-training your pet, make sure to take it to the same spot every time. Gradually, the pet would learn to go by itself.
• Never Scold – The pet should not start fearing the training sessions so make sure you stay patient during the process. De-motivation can never help your pet learn; instead, they would turn more aggressive.
• Be Consistent – Never expect quick results; take the process slow and steady. Teach them one trick at a time and remain consistent in your efforts. A little patience is all that takes to make your pet understand your commands perfectly over a period of time.

Get them to learn how to differentiate between a foe and a friend; help them socialize with other pets.

Read our other articles:

Is Maltese Poodle Mix The Right Dog For You?

They are very cute that you will not be able to take your eyes off them. They maintain their puppy-like temperament and look till their teenage.

While naming your puppy, make sure you select a name that enhances his personality.

Looking for a marvelous name that well suits your cute puppy? Here’s a list from which you can find your favorite.

Cute Maltipoo Names

Apple

Coco

Daisy

Terry

Lux

Sarah

Rex

Meenu

Chris

Abhi

Mrithy

Josh

Teddy

Pumpkin

Sandy

Julie

Rosa

Darcy

Black Maltipoo Names

Coal

Blacko

Bear

Jack

Beauty

Blackberry

Nova

Pearl

Scout

Dire

Apricot Maltipoo Names

Mukin

Kavin

Lossy

Candy

Oviya

Snehan

Gayu

Bindu

Jaanu

Do read our other articles:

Cute And Unique Names For Your Puppy

Each breeder has his own price range but beware of dog owners who are willing to give off their pups at a very low price. The average Maltipoo cost is from $400 to $2000.

Some breeders may even charge up to $2000 based on the coat color, styling, and the amount of training it has received. Getting a quality pup from a good breeder is always worth the money you spend.

It would be a double Bingo if the breeder is willing to sign up papers guaranteeing the health of the pup.

They can prove to be a gorgeous and loving companion; you just need to ensure that they enjoy good health throughout their life.

Give them a nutritious diet and take them to a good vet at least once a month. Treat your pet well and you will turn out to be the world to him!

Maltipoo Breeders

This dog breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club since they are not considered purebred puppies. So it is mandatory that you choose a reputable breeder while buying a puppy.

Getting a pet from a well-known friend is always good than purchasing from an unknown puppy farm owner. Don’t ever fall for the showy Maltese puppies for sale ads without querying about the seller or breeder.

Make sure that you visit the breeder and the pet shop personally; convey your interest to see the pet’s parent breed. A good breeder would definitely allow you to meet the parent breed and check the surroundings.

If you feel the environment is super cool and the inmates are having a great time, then it is a sign that the breeder is very professional and caring.

Maltipoo rescue and shelters

 Canada

• TinyPawsCastle – Moosecreek, Ontario
• Dawns Dawgs – Saskatchewan, Estevan, Canada

U.S.A

• Arkansas – Moose Trot Kennels(Hartford), Maumelle Animal Services(Maumelle), Bella Vista Animal Shelter
• California – Maltese and More Rescue, Thrive Animal Rescue (San Diego), Oakland Animal Services, Orange County Animal Shelter, Second Hand Animals(Rosamund)