The Ultimate Maltipoo Resource: Everything You Need to Know About Maltipoos.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide about Maltipoos, the delightful, fluffy bundles of joy that have captured hearts worldwide.
Quick Facts About Maltipoos
| HEIGHT: 7-14 inches | WEIGHT: 4-20 lbs |
| LIFESPAN: 10-13 years | ENERGY: Active |
| GOOD FOR: Children, Seniors, Cats & other pets, families |
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| TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, Gentle, Playful, Outgoing, | INTELLIGENCE: High |
| SHEDDING: Low to none | EXERCISE NEEDS: Medium |
| BARKING LEVEL: Medium | DROOL AMOUNT: Minimal |
| COLORS: White, Cream, Apricot, Red, Black, Parti, Phantom, Brown, Fawn, Merl | |
| PATTERNS: bi-color, tri-color, phantom, merl | |
| TRAINABILITY: Easy | GROOMING NEEDS: High |
What is a Maltipoo?
A Maltipoo (aka Multipoo or maltepoo) is a delightful hybrid breed, a mix between a Maltese and a Poodle, known for its intelligent, affectionate nature and hypoallergenic coat.
What are the Maltipoo Coat Types?
The Maltipoo coat can vary in color and waviness. The Maltipoo is very adaptable to small living situations like apartments and small homes and they do very well with children.
Are Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?
Because of the low to non shedding nature of the Maltipoo, they are considered Hypoallergenic and a great option for those with allergies.
Are Maltipoos Good Family Pets?
Maltipoos make great family pets and are suited well for children and seniors and adapt well to smaller living environments such as apartments.
Do Maltipoos Require a Lot of Grooming?
Maltipoos have high grooming needs due to their low to non-shedding coats that require regular grooming every 6-12 weeks.
Are Maltipoos Good Apartment Pets?
Yes, Maltipoos are very adaptable to small living spaces such as apartments, making them great pets for urban living. This is likely one of the reasons they are such a popular breed!
What are common health issues in Maltipoos?
Maltipoos can be prone to patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, White Shaker Syndrome, and dental problems among other conditions.
How long do Maltipoos live?
Maltipoos have a lifespan of approximately 10-13 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 14 years or more.
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Our Maltipoos
Maltipoo Appearance
One of the defining features that make Maltipoos so adorable is their unique appearance. As a hybrid of the Maltese and the Poodle, the Maltipoo inherits the best traits from both parent breeds, making them a delight to behold.
Size: Maltipoos are generally small dogs. They typically stand between 7 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 4 and 20 pounds, depending on the size of their parents. A good rule of thumb is to look at the size of the mom and dad which can serve as a close range for a Maltipoos Adult Size
Coat: The Maltipoo's coat is one of their most distinguishing features. They have a beautiful, curly or wavy coat that is soft to the touch. Their hypoallergenic coats come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, apricot, and silver. Maltipoos can also have bi-colored or even tri-colored coats.
Eyes and Nose: Maltipoos usually have dark, round eyes full of expression and a black or brown nose. Their faces often express a sense of curiosity and intelligence, which is characteristic of both parent breeds.
Tail and Ears: Maltipoos have a fluffy tail that often curls over the back. Their ears are medium-length and depending on their genetics, can either hang down close to their head or stick out a bit.
Remember, due to the nature of genetic variation, individual Maltipoos can look quite different from one another. However, these lovable pets are always cute and cuddly, no matter their individual differences.
For a more detailed look at Maltipoo appearance traits and how they might vary, check out complete guide on Maltipoo Appearance.
Adaptability - ★★★★☆
Maltipoos are known for their high adaptability, earning them a 4-star rating compared to other 'doodle' breeds. Their flexible nature and ability to adjust to various environments make them a popular choice for many households.
Good for apartment or small living environments
The Maltipoos are very adaptable in small living environments like apartments due to their small size. Although they need their daily exercise, Maltipoos are relatively low energy compared to other toy-sized breeds. If they are well socialized early on in their life, they will also be very welcoming with visitors that come over.
Easy to Travel With
Given their small size and adaptable nature, Maltipoos are relatively easy to travel with. They can adjust to new environments quickly, although, like any dog, they may need some time to become comfortable in unfamiliar settings. Many smaller maltipoos can also be carried on the cabin with you during air travel if their carrier is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
Good for first-time dog owners
Because of the easy well-mannered nature of the Maltipoo, they can be a perfect option for first-time dog owners. Although, you will need to practice plenty of patience during house training as a puppy, as with any dog. Once you spend this time and build a bond with them, they will be your most loyal friend for life.
Highly Sensitive Temperament
The Maltipoo is a very loyal and affectionate breed. They are highly sensitive to unknown environments and stern reprimand. They always seek your affection and while other dogs can tolerate a loud tone or a chaotic household, the Maltipoo does much better in calm environments with a lot of praise and positive reinforcement.
Low Tolerance for being left alone
Although it isn’t healthy to leave any dog alone for too long, the Maltipoo is especially sensitive to being left alone for long hours and will develop separation anxiety that can leave to other behavioral issues like chewing on their bedding or other household items, barking, whining, and more. If you give your Maltipoo an ample amount of love and attention, they will repay you with perfect adoring behavior.
Does not do well in extreme weather
Although the Maltipoo can develop a thick coat, due to their small size, they are very sensitive to extreme hot and cold temperatures and should only be considered adopting if they primarily live in your home. Although they love to play outdoors, if it is a hot summer, be sure they are around an area with plenty of shade, have water nearby and aren’t left alone for too long. In the winter months, depending on the weather, they will likely only enjoy 15 minutes at a time outside and it is highly encouraged to equip them with a doggy sweater.
Friendliness - ★★★★★
Maltipoos are renowned for their friendly nature, earning them a 5-star rating in this category. They are extremely affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. Their sociable personality and love for playtime make them a joy to be around.
Dog Friendly
Maltipoos generally get along well with other dogs and pets, especially if they've been socialized properly from a young age. They can be a great addition to a household with existing pets, providing companionship and playful energy.
Family friendly
Maltipoos are excellent family pets. They are good with adults and children alike, forming strong bonds with their human family members. Their small size makes them great companions for older children, but younger children should always be supervised to ensure gentle play.
Friendly with Visitors
Maltipoos are usually friendly towards strangers, although they may initially be a bit reserved. Once they warm up to visitors, they are often quite welcoming and sociable. They are not typically used as guard dogs, but they will likely alert you with a bark when someone is at the door.
Trainability - ★★★★☆
Known for their intelligence and eager-to-please nature, Maltipoos score high when it comes to trainability, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Responds well to positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement techniques work best with Maltipoos. They respond well to rewards such as treats, praises, or playtime. It's important to be patient and consistent during training sessions. Make sure to keep training sessions short and fun to maintain their interest and prevent them from getting bored or overwhelmed.
Easy to train
Maltipoos, thanks to their Poodle heritage, are highly intelligent and typically quick to pick up on commands and tricks. They are capable of learning a wide range of commands, and their eagerness to please their owners often makes obedience training a smoother process.
Potty Training
Like any breed, Maltipoos can be a challenge to potty train, but with consistency and a regular schedule, they can be trained effectively. Crate training is often a useful tool in this process.
Well Behaved
Early socialization is key to preventing potential behavioral issues. Exposing your Maltipoo puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments can help them grow into a well-behaved and confident adult dog.
Does not have a “Prey” drive
Maltipoos are very curious dogs but they do not have an aggressive or prey drive. They’re most comfortable making friends with new dogs or people and are mostly bred to be a loyal companion/lap dog.
Have a tendency to bark
Maltipoos can be very vocal and have a tendency to bark at strangers or unknown environments. Barking can be a sign of fear, anxiety, or curiosity. Depending on their reason, you can proactively train your Maltipoo to only bark in appropriate circumstances.
Health and Care Needs - ★★★★☆
In terms of health, Maltipoos are generally considered a robust breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. The breed earns a health score of 4 out of 5 stars, acknowledging that while generally healthy, they can have some breed-specific conditions to watch out for.
Common Health Issues
Some issues that can affect Maltipoo Health include patellar luxation (knee issues), progressive retinal atrophy (eye issues), and White Shaker Syndrome, which is more common in small, white dogs. Maltipoos can also be prone to dental problems due to their small mouths, so regular dental care is important.
General Health
Maltipoos can live to be up to 14 years old and are generally pretty healthy and active dogs. Although all dogs are prone to health issues, some potential health issues of the Maltipoo due to their small size are White shaker syndrome, Epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Leg-calve-perthe disease. Some of these potential health risks can be reduced through proper breeding and genetic testing which is why we offer a 10-year health guarantee on all of our puppies.
Grooming Needs
The Maltipoo has a low to non shedding coat which means their hair will continue growing and needs a regularly scheduled groom every 6 - 12 weeks. Maltipoos generally keep themselves very clean they will need regular cleaning and a daily brush to keep your Maltipoos coat from getting matted and tangled. Lighter colored Maltipoos are also prone to tear stains which can be reduced or eliminated with proper care.
Size
The Maltipoo size will vary depending on whether the parent is a toy or mini poodle. They are generally 8 to 14 inches tall and weigh 5 to 20 pounds. If you are considering adding a Maltipoo to your family with small children, the larger sizes may be better. Maltipoos can tolerate a lot from a toddler without being aggressive but the larger the dog, the safer they are from a child being too rough.
The History of the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo, as a designer breed, has a relatively short history compared to purebred dogs. They have quickly gained popularity due to their charming personalities and hypoallergenic coats.
Origins: The Maltipoo was first bred in the United States in the late 20th century, primarily as a companion dog. The goal was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and affection of the Maltese, creating a perfect blend of both breeds' best traits.
Parent Breeds: Understanding the history of the Maltipoo requires looking at the history of its parent breeds. The Maltese is an ancient breed, recognized for over two millennia and adored by the aristocracy for its stunning white coat and charming personality. On the other hand, the Poodle, which comes in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), has a history as a water retriever. They are known for their intelligence and distinctive curly coat.
Designer Breed Popularity: Over the past few decades, the Maltipoo has become one of the most popular designer breeds. Their combination of intelligence, affection, and hypoallergenic coats make them a favorite among dog lovers.
Breed Recognition: While the Maltipoo is widely recognized and loved, it's important to note that as a hybrid breed, they are not recognized by traditional breed organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, they are recognized by some hybrid dog clubs.
Upcoming Puppies!
Want to see our newly anticipated litters we have planned? Our upcoming litters page will help you get to know the parents and other important details of litters that will be born soon.
Customer Testimonials
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Marlene has a lot of great knowledge in Maltipoos as a breed. Very responsive breeder who will answer ALL questions. She has made every step of the process easy to understand. I got my little one on January 12. The price is well worth it for everything that is included. I don’t see many other breeders who go way and beyond as Marlene. You won’t see breeder give a 10 year health guarantee. Just My Doodle Maltipoos. I would definitely get another puppy from her in the future.
— Ln family
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Marlene is an AMAZING and professional breeder. She is responsive and knowledgeable about her puppies. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her puppies go to great homes. From start to finish she made the process of adopting our maltipoo stress free. We will definitely work with her again and recommend her to others. Thank you Marlene!
— Parris Family
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Adopting a puppy from Marlene was a wonderful experience! Marlene is the real deal. The puppies are raised around small children in a loving family environment until they are ready to go home. You are updated from the day your puppy is born until the day they come home, with tons of pictures, adorable videos etc. Both before and after your puppy comes home, Marlene is always available for any questions or advice. She’s incredibly responsive and kind, and cares deeply about the lives of the puppies after they go to their new homes.
— Berger family