Maltese Poodle Mix -Maltipoo buyer’s guide + care tips

Maltipoo is a crossbreed dog also known as the Maltese Poodle mix. This can be either a Toy or Miniature Poodle to create a small-sized mixed dog weighing 5 to 20 pounds and standing at 8 to 14 inches. The Maltipoo also has large eyes and a lifespan of between 10 and 13 years.

This is a fun-loving, active, and energetic hybrid dog that makes a perfect companion and family but he can also be feisty.

He gets along well with children and other pets due to his even-tempered nature and friendly demeanor.

But is this the best canine addition for you and your family? Stick around to learn if that is the case.

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About the Maltese Poodle mix

Maltese Poodle mix is also known as Maltipoo and is a popular cross between the Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle.

It is considered a designer dog as it is a crossbreed and not a purebred and is not recognized by the major kennel clubs.

These are not only great companions but they are also great therapy nature to their gentle and affectionate nature.

He is great for first-time dog owners and his intelligence makes him a fast learner.

However, the Maltipoo should also be handled with care as he can be very fragile. You should also note that this is a clingy dog.

This dog is also considered hypoallergenic, a trait that he gets from both of his parent breeds.

No dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic so before you decide to get a Maltipoo there are several things to consider;

  • Dander is found and produced by all dogs, the dead skin flakes and saliva carry allergens.
  • Allergies can build up over some time, days, weeks, months and the allergy will not be noticeable the first time you meet the dog.
  • Some people may be allergic to dog urine and saliva.

maltese poodle mix

Pros and cons

Pros

Adaptable

Intelligent and highly trainable

Allergy-friendly

Great for small homes and apartments

Friendly

Cons

High maintenance

Tends to bark a lot when excited

Difficult to housebreak

5 Maltipoo fun facts

  1. Both the Maltese and the Poodle have had their fair share of royalty.
  2. Maltipoos thrive on human affection and are very adaptable.
  3. The Maltese Poodle mix has been owned by various celebrities including Jessica Simpson and Ellen Degeneres.
  4. These mixed dogs are super friendly and sociable which makes them great therapy dogs.
  5. Maltipoos are eager to please and intelligent which makes them very trainable.

General Appearance of a Maltese Poodle mix

Maltipoo Summary Table
Size Height 8 to 14 inches
Weight 5 to 20 pounds.
Lifespan 10 to 13 years
Breed Type Mixes and more
Purpose Companions and therapy dogs
Suitable For Families in general
Color Variations light-colored or dark solid color
Temperament cuddly, gentle, and loving
Other Names Maltepoo, Malt-A-Poo, Maltipoo, Moodle, Multapoo, Maltipoo, Malte-Poo, Maltapoo, Multapoo, Multi-Poo, Maltese-Poodle, Malt-oodles, MaltiPoodle

Height and weight

The Maltipoo is a small mixed breed weighing between 5 and 20 pounds and stands at between 8 and 14 inches at the withers.

However, the size will also depend on the Poodle used to create the cross whether it is a Miniature or Toy Poodle.

Maltese Poodle

Maltese Poodle mix physical and coat appearance

The Maltese Poodle mix has a low low-shedding, low-dander coat with a fluffy, soft, wool-like texture.

Its coat is medium to long. The Maltipoo coat ranges from curly to slightly wavy.

Below are some of the coat types that the Maltese and poodle mix can have:

  • Brown and curly
  • White and straight
  • Black and curly

Colors:

The coats come in different colors but it will depend on which parent dog is dominant.

Some of the main colors are Fawn, Beige, White, Black, and Bicolored.

Maltipoo Temperament and personality traits

The Maltese and Poodle mix temperament is dependent on the parent breeds temperament, especially the mother breed, they may influence the Maltipoos behavior more than the male parent.

The Maltipoo is a fun-loving, active, energetic, gentle, affectionate, loving, and intelligent mixed dog.

He is also very adaptable and can thrive both in an apartment and countryside setting. However, he can be feisty and a bit clingy.

If you love a cuddly dog then the Maltipoo will be a great addition for you.

Dog lovers that love to cuddle will enjoy the Maltipoos companionship due to the Maltipoos cuddly appeal.

They love being around the human companions whether it is indoors or outdoors but tend to form stronger bonds with their caretakers. This pooch loves nothing more than being next to you and leaving a smile on your face.

He is prone to suffering from separation anxiety and should not be left alone for extended periods.

Leaving this dog alone will also make him destructive exhibiting behaviors such as chewing on things, digging, and excessive barking.

If lest untrained the barking can get out of hand and become more of compulsive behavior. You cannot stop barking but you can manage it.

Is the Poodle Maltese mix a good family dog?

The Maltese Poodle crossbreed is a great pet for all kinds of families whether it is a family with young children or a senior family.

He is great as a lapdog and is also great as a watchdog as he does not hesitate to bark when something is not going right.

But although they are playful and good with children, interactions between them should be supervised to prevent this fragile dog from getting injured.

Maltipoos will also need to be socialized and introduced to other animals from an early age but he will get along well with other family pets even cats.

Sensitive to and very aware of his environment, most Maltipoos need some socialization to get used to new things and are most suited for calm, peaceful households.

Where did the Maltese Poodle mix originate from?

It is unclear when this dog was first bred or the first person to intentionally breed him was but he was first seen in the US.

The Maltese Poodle mix was developed primarily for allergy sufferers. They are known to shed less and are hypoallergenic. This is because they trap dander and dead hair within their curly coats.

Being a mixed dog, he is not recognized by any of the major kennel clubs.

However, the North American Maltipoo/Maltepoo Club and Registry was created to house the Maltipoo breed.

Maltipoo Puppy

Maltese Poodle mixes are designer dogs meaning that each puppy is born looking unique.

The 50-50 split is not always guaranteed even in the same litter.

It is for this reason that you should get a Maltipoo from a responsible and reputable breeder that can give a slight idea of how your dog will turn out.

The cost of getting one of these hybrid dogs is between $400-$2000 depending on the breeder.

The price of the pup will differ from breeder to breeder.

Maltese with Poodle mix

How to take care of a Maltese Poodle mix

1. Grooming the Maltipoo

The beautiful coat of the Maltese Poodle does not come easy. You should be prepared to take care of this dog’s high grooming needs.

He will require frequent brushing at least 3 times a week but should be preferably done daily.

This will help get rids of knots and tangles that can become hard mats. A good slicker brush, pin brush, and steel greyhound comb will come in handy during brushing.

The better you brush the coat the cleaner and healthier it will be.

Bathing a Maltese Poodle mix dog

Bath your Maltipoo with a doggie shampoo and warm water once every month. You can also use a dog conditioner to strengthen the coat and leave it smelling fresh.

Don’t do it more than once every month unless it is necessary.

Doing it too often will strip the coat of essential oils will cause the skin to dry out.

However, if he gets dirty during baths you can use a clean towel or piece of cloth, dip in warm water, squeeze it to get rid of most of the water then use it to wipe the dog’s coat.

Hygiene care tips

This dog has dropped ears that will need to be checked out more often. They should also be cleaned often using cotton balls and an ear cleaning solution.

If you have experience cleaning the ears, you can do it yourself but if you don’t do it under the supervision of your vet.

You will also need to trim the hair around the ears to allow the free flow of air.

Dental hygiene is also important and it should be done several times a week using a toothpaste formulated for dogs and a doggie toothbrush. This will get rid of plaque or tartar for healthier teeth.

Take care of the Maltipoo’s paws by trimming the hair between the paw pads, removing debris from the paw pads, and clipping the nails.

Keep your home clean and vacuum it regularly to get rid of fur. The dog’s beddings will also need to be cleaned, something that most people don’t pay much attention to.

Maltipoos are also prone to potty accidents and you should clean any accidents using bleach.

Maltipoo

2. How to feed a Maltipoo

The Maltese Poodle mix will need to be fed according to his weight and age.

Developing puppies will need to be fed more than older or senior Maltipoos. Depending on the dog’s age, you can feed him as follows;

  • When the dog is between 2 and 3 months old he will need a continuous supply of high-quality food. This is because at this age the puppy will be at his fastest developing rate and will have a higher metabolic rate.
  • Maltipoo puppies aged between 3 and 12 months old will need to be fed 4 times a day. Start with 4 meals a day and reduce it to 3 as he approaches the 12 months.
  • Dogs over the age of 12 months will have reached maturity and will need to be fed twice a day. Give the mix 30 calories for every pound that he weighs.
Maltese Poodle Daily Food Consumption
Guide 200 to 700 calories
Cups of Kibble 1 to 2

You will also need to pay attention to the transitional period for any diet. When changing this dog’s diet, do it over 1 or 2 weeks to prevent the dog’s stomach from getting upset.

This will commonly happen once you get your Maltipoo from your breeder or after adoption.

It is also recommended to check with your vet before switching your Maltipoo food to adult formulated dog food.

Nutritional care tips

Maltese Poodles mixes are small dogs that will require a diet formulated for small dogs.

The most important part of any Maltipoo’s diet is making sure that you provide him with a constant supply of clean water for hydration.

This diet should also be high-quality and should be made up of mainly meat-based proteins.

The diet will also need the correct amounts of fats, vitamins, carbs, minerals for development, maintaining the dog’s body, biological process, to boost the immune system and will also vary depending on age.

Avoid foods that have artificial additives, colorings, fillers, generic protein sources, and protein from meat by-products.

Senior Maltipoos over the age of 7 years will also need a special diet with fewer carbs, low sodium levels, and more proteins.

The senior diet will also need ingredients such as prebiotics or probiotics that are essential for healthy intestines, glucosamine for healthier bones, and omega-3-acids to deal with inflammation.

Wet vs dry food for a Maltese Doodle mix

Dry food:

  • It is easier to measure dry food for more accurate and consistent portions during feeding.
  • Can be purchased in bulk and stored for longer periods and takes long to go bad.
  • Are great for healthier teeth and also help clean the dog’s teeth.
  • Dry food for a Maltipoo will be less expensive.
  • May have higher amounts of carbohydrates and lower amounts of fats than needed.

Wet/canned food:

  • More digestible than dry food.
  • Is great for Maltipoos that are peaky eaters.
  • Has more moisture as is great for dogs that don’t drink much water or with urinary tract conditions.
  • Will have higher amounts of proteins than dry food in most cases.
  • Wet foods require refrigeration and do not last very long.
  • The build-up of more plaque and tartar on the dog’s teeth.
  • The higher moisture and protein levels can sometimes upset the Maltipoo’s stomach.

Unless your Maltese Poodle mix has a specific dietary requirement, you can alternate between wet and dry diets to get the benefits that they both have to offer.

I would recommend speaking to your veterinarian before making a compromise of mixing both foods.

3. Exercise requirements of a Maltipoo

Maltipoos need around 40 minutes of exercise each day.

Having someone to walk them and play with them around the backyard could be enough exercise for them to be happy and healthy.

The exercise could be broken down into two walks of 20 minutes each.

Number of walks 1(20 minutes)
Exercise needs 40 minutes

In addition to the two walks each day, your puppy or dog may benefit from an outdoor play session of about 20 minutes.

However, smaller Maltese Poodle mixes will require less exercise of about 30 minutes daily.

When not properly stimulated, your puppy may get restless and bark excessively, this may be a sign that he may need to go outside and burn out some energy.

Maltese Poodle mix dogs can be destructive if they have excess energy.

They may be small but can do a lot of damage when they are bored.

Training a Maltese Poodle mix

Maltese Poodle mix dogs are easy to train due to they’re intelligent and eager to please nature.

They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play as a way of rewarding them for good behavior.

Malitpoos will bark to alert whenever they see something suspicious, this could be annoying to some owners.

They could be trained to bark less but dog lovers should consider this before getting a Maltipoo.

This is especially for owners living in an apartment or an environment where there are noise restrictions.

You may want to take your Maltipoo through two types of training.

  1. House training – this training is essential for bathroom needs.
  2. Command training – this is training on proper behavior for your dog. Teaching him how to sit, stay, come, down, and how to refrain from chewing on shoes and everything else.

Maltipoo Training Tips

  • Reward them with treats when they follow your instructions. Please consider using healthy treats. At most 15 calories and this can be broken down into 4 or 5 reward pieces.
  • Reward your Maltipoo at the exact time that he follows your command.
  • Train your puppy when they are hungry, they are more likely to follow your commands to be rewarded.
  • Be consistent. You need to be consistent in your training so that your Maltipoo can also be consistent in learning. Have a specific time that you train your puppy each day. Use the same words and praise and in the same manner each day for them to learn quickly.
  • Have patience. Your dog will not master all commands in one day. If trained well a puppy will learn a command within 2 to 3 weeks. A dog may forget what it has learned if the command is not given regularly.

Socialization tips

For your Maltipoo to do well in a peaceful and calm household they would need some socialization.

Maltipoos are intelligent, friendly, and good-natured dogs with excellent temperament.

It is paramount to socialize your Maltipoo at an early age to avoid any complications as an adult.

Exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences are very important to your puppy at a young age.

Dogs that have not learned how to respond to their surroundings such as other dogs, people, situations, cars, and events may always respond in a negative way.
Maltipoo puppies tend to be very hyperactive.
If a Maltipoo is not socialized properly at an early age he may continue to be triggered easily by his surroundings making him very hyper and this could be annoying for some owners.
Poodle mixed with Maltese

Health concerns of the Maltese Poodle mix

With the Maltipoo being a crossbreed rather than a purebred, he is susceptible to health problems that affect both the Maltese and the Poodle parent breeds.

Most common health problems that a Maltipoo may face include:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – this is a developmental orthopedic disease that affects dogs. LCPD is the disintegration of Hip Joint in Dogs. It is a spontaneous degeneration of the femoral head, the top portion of the femur leg bone.
  • Portosystemic Shunt
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Epilepsy
  • White Shaker Syndrome
  • Skin problems – a hybrid breed may develop skin issues, more so if the puppy has a white coat. Designer dog owners should also look out for food and skin allergies as well as increased skin sensitivity.

Maltese mix with Poodle

Summary of the Maltipoo

The Maltese and Poodle Mix is a warm, petite, and affectionate breed.

Well-suited for the indoors and even the elderly, the Maltipoo may be tiny but has a huge heart.

The Maltese with Poodle mix has minimal exercise requirements.

He is also an easy-to-train dog and a beautiful appearance, this teddy-bear like breed is suitable for a homebody.

This hybrid dog is perfect for anybody who craves a little attention every day.

The Maltese with Poodle mix makes for a great companion.

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