Maltipoo

Maltipoo: Breed Information Guide

Of all mixed breeds, Maltipoos are one of the most popular. Combining the all-around excellence of poodles with the cute, cuddly qualities of the Maltese, it’s easy to see why this mix is loved far and wide.

Pet parentage is a responsibility that starts during the research stage, ensuring you and your new dog are the right fit for each other.

Here at Spot Pet Insurance, we’d like to help! Today, we’re bringing you our next breed information guide, aimed at making your choice of breed a little easier and setting you up for success on the pet parent journey.

Meet the Maltipoo

Distinguished by a curly coat, small size, button nose, and adorable face, the Maltipoo is a popular combination of two high-quality breeds: the poodle and the Maltese.

Among the pros of this breed are a well-rounded temperament, ease of daily exercise, long life expectancy, and relatively few health problems.

On the other hand, frequent barking and the need for lots of grooming may pose a challenge to certain households, as might the need for attention this highly social breed possesses.

Where does the Maltipoo breed come from?

The Maltipoo mix itself has only been around for a few decades (since the 1990s), although these dogs have skyrocketed in popularity in that short time!

The crossbreeding of poodles and Maltese dogs was no accident. Reputable breeders intentionally created the Maltipoo from these parent breeds, making them designer breed dogs.

To understand a little bit more about the Maltipoo’s traits, we can look at the history of the heritage.

Poodles originated in Germany as retrievers pulling ducks from the water. Eventually, the French grew fond of the breed and adopted it as their own. The purposeful instincts of the poodle can still be seen in their high energy levels and propensity for swimming.

Maltese dogs, on the other hand, have a blurrier history. They descend from a group of breeds (called Bichon) which could be found around the Mediterranean Basin even in ancient times. They may have been working dogs long ago, but they are very much lap dogs now.

What are the potential health issues for Maltipoos?

Maltipoos have a long expected lifespan, as most small breeds do, and a generally good bill of health. However, common conditions affecting all breeds can still arise for Maltipoos.

Besides white shaker syndrome, issues such as patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, epilepsy, and progressive retinal atrophy can also occur.

Are Maltipoos affectionate with family?

Maltipoos are highly affectionate with their family. These little dogs love to show love in some of our favorite ways – cuddling, of course, but also following you around and playing with you.

Thanks to their Maltese heritage, Maltipoos make great lap dogs. Even though they also inherit energy from their poodle parents, they usually keep it under control.

Are Maltipoos intelligent?

Maltipoos descend from poodles, the second most intelligent dog breed, so it’s no surprise that they are also an intelligent mix (though not quite to the same degree).

With patience and positive reinforcement, this hybrid dog can be well trained and even participate in sports with their dog owners.

Do Maltipoos do well with children?

Thanks to the gentle, friendly demeanor of the Maltipoo, it's easy to introduce children to these designer dogs, especially if they’re looking for a snuggle buddy.

How are Maltipoos with strangers?

Maltipoos should be socialized from a young age to ensure new encounters go smoothly, but this should be an easy process thanks to the breed's natural disposition for friendliness.

Overall, Malitpoos are extremely friendly immediately towards most people they meet — they’re not exactly built to be watchdogs.

Do Maltipoos get along with other pets?

The friendliness of Maltipoos also extends to other pets. These dogs are social creatures, and they like to be around others, including any dog or cat siblings they might have.

Of course, your other pet might not feel the same, so it’s essential to socialize all parties involved from a young age and make careful supervised introductions.

How to be the best pet parent for a Maltipoo

Caring for a Maltipoo can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you’ve ever had, but it can bring challenges too. Equip yourself with the knowledge to handle almost any situation to come your way with the guides in our Spot Pet Insurance Blog!

Let’s go over some last topics you should know before deciding if the Maltipoo will be your family’s next dog breed.

How much does a Maltipoo cost?

Adoption fee: $1,150-3,825

First year: $4,615

Following years: $1,200

Basic training and behavior etiquette for your Maltipoo

Maltipoos can excel in training, but not everything comes easily. Trainers will need patience and a gentle demeanor, as harsh punishment or loud reprimand could scar this rather sensitive breed.

The breed’s intelligence, however, does make training retention easier. Don’t be afraid to train tricks and even sports once socialization and obedience are firmly in place.

What types of foods should Maltipoo never eat?

Not every food we humans eat is suitable for dogs, so it’s often best to stick to high-quality dog food. Be sure to keep these foods away from your Maltipoo, as they are toxic to dogs in general:

Exercising tips to keep your Maltipoo staying fit and healthy

While the Maltipoo does inherit the high energy levels of the poodle, the breed has relatively minimal exercise needs. Most Maltipoos will be happy and healthy with something around 15-30 minutes of exercise each day, whether that be walking or playing.

Maltipoo life stages

Puppy: 0 - 1 year

Adult: 1 year - 11 years

Senior: 11 years - end of life

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