Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is one of the most popular designer hybrid breeds — a cross between the Maltese and the Miniature or Toy Poodle, combining the Maltese's gentle lap-dog temperament with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
2–9 kg (4–20 lbs)
Height
20–35 cm (8–14 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality small breed food in frequent small meals.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Maltipoo is one of the most popular designer hybrid breeds — a cross between the Maltese and the Miniature or Toy Poodle, combining the Maltese's gentle lap-dog temperament with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. As a hybrid, the Maltipoo is not a recognised breed by major kennel clubs and litters can vary significantly in appearance and temperament depending on which parent's traits dominate. First-generation (F1) crosses produce the most variable offspring; multigenerational breeding produces more consistent results. The Maltipoo is extremely popular as a therapy dog and emotional support animal.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Highly variable — ranging from very curly (Poodle-dominant) to silky and wavy (Maltese-dominant) coats. Size varies from 2–9 kg depending on whether a Toy or Miniature Poodle parent was used. The coat is low-shedding but requires significant grooming to prevent matting.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Affectionate, playful, and adaptable — one of the more consistent traits across Maltipoo litters. Excellent with families, seniors, and as therapy dogs. Bonds closely with its owner. Intelligent and trainable.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, separation anxiety, trembling, clinginess, snapping
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise — 1 hour daily. Grooming is the primary care commitment — brushing daily to prevent matting, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Small meals to prevent hypoglycaemia in very small individuals. Dental care critical.
Nutrition Notes
Maltese × Poodle. Hypoglycaemia risk in tiny individuals. Dental disease major concern (both parent breeds prone). White Shaker Syndrome possible (Maltese). Small-breed formula.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Dental disease near-universal by senior age — annual cleanings mandatory. Luxating patella. PRA. Portosystemic shunt (Maltese). Addison's (Poodle). Tracheal collapse. White Shaker Syndrome. Very long-lived (12-16 years).
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
White Shaker Syndrome (tremors in white dogs — from Maltese heritage). Patellar luxation. Dental disease. Hypoglycaemia in very small individuals. Epilepsy can occur from Poodle lines. Hip dysplasia occasionally. Generally benefits from hybrid vigour but is not immune to parent breed health issues.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
One of the most popular toy designer breeds. Dental costs are major ongoing expense. India: growing popularity.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Maltipoo is one of the most commonly requested breeds for therapy dog certification in the USA — its small size, gentle temperament, and hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for hospital, school, and nursing home therapy work.
Despite the "hypoallergenic" marketing, no dog breed is truly allergen-free — the Maltipoo produces less Fel d 1 (actually Can f 1 in dogs) than heavy-shedding breeds, but individuals with serious dog allergies may still react.
