Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: up to 14 inches

WEIGHT: 7 to 22 pounds

TEMPERAMENT: Obedient, cheerful, friendly, curious

COAT AND COLOR: curly, long, medium coat, black, blue, brown / chocolate / liver, cream, fawn, gold / yellow, gray, red, white

HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 13 years

• Owners and breeders describe it as a cheerful, curious, lively, and trainable dog.
• With good socialization, this small breed gets along well with other dogs, other animals, and children.
• If you engage with them, Maltipoos often become loyal, friendly, and affectionate companions, seeking and valuing your connection at all times.

TiP:

Towards strangers, the Maltipoo tends to be more reserved, and the breed may exhibit a certain tendency to bark. Additionally, it should be noted that contrary to common claims, not only the positive traits of the parent breeds are inherited. Despite the desire of many breeders and owners, hybrid dogs are by no means “superdogs.”

• Excessive harshness is not appropriate in training this small dog and could harm its long-term trust in you. A loving approach, on the other hand, lays the foundation for a trusting relationship.
• Consider yourself more as a confident and reliable partner alongside your Maltipoo.
• Pay special attention to a well-established recall, good impulse control, and ensure that walking on a loose leash works smoothly.
• In the puppy stage, take your Maltipoo outside every 2 to 3 hours to housebreak them. Also, teach them to settle down, and consider specialized courses in a good dog school for assistance.
• Just because your Maltipoo is a small dog does not mean they lack the need for exercise and outdoor activities. They are agile, eager to learn, and drawn outside even in rain and cold temperatures.

• It’s a misconception to think that non-shedding dogs don’t need grooming.
• Regularly brush and trim the wavy, curly, or curly coat of your Maltipoo.
• Occasionally bathe the small dog with dog shampoo to maintain its coat. However, avoid bathing too frequently to prevent stressing its skin’s natural protection.

• Even small dog breeds need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and sufficient social interactions. Your Maltipoo, if meeting the health requirements, is open to shared activities like tricks, scent work, basic obedience, Hoopers agility, or hiking.
• Maltipoos are not suitable as guard dogs that more or less do their own thing. They love being with their human companions. If you have to leave a Maltipoo alone for more than 4 to 6 hours daily (after the initial puppy adjustment period, during which you gradually acclimate your puppy to being alone), we recommend considering a different breed.
• If you have children, the companion dog can become an excellent playmate, provided your children also allow them moments of rest.
• While the Maltipoo is a small dog that can adapt to limited space in a city apartment, they still need immediate access to a grassy area for bathroom breaks.
• Don’t just walk the hybrid dog around the block; let them fulfill their canine needs. Both large and small dog breeds need ample space and opportunities to run and sniff, such as in the woods or fields.
• In general, the Maltipoo is suitable for beginners. However, there is always a certain risk of unforeseen and subsequently burdensome developments with hybrid dogs.

• Hybrid dogs indeed shed significantly less than other dogs, but they still produce dander and saliva that can trigger allergic reactions.
• It cannot be definitively stated, based on current knowledge, that individuals with allergies can confidently acquire a crossbreed with a Poodle.
• If you have allergies, we strongly advise testing your reactions to the puppies at the breeder’s multiple times. Until you can be 100% certain that the selected dog does not trigger allergic reactions, you should refrain from bringing a puppy into your home.

• The size of the small dog ranges from 12 to 14 inches in shoulder height.
• Their weight varies between 7 to 22 pounds.
• The size and weight are primarily determined by the Poodle variety (Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle) with which the Maltese is crossed.
• Since the Maltese is always white, the coat color of the Maltipoo is influenced by the Poodle. As a result, it can be quite diverse: cream, apricot, brown, black, gray; spotted and two-toned variations are also possible.
• The eyes of the Maltipoo are usually round and dark.

• Do I have enough time to take care of a dog and provide sufficient exercise and stimulation multiple times a day?
• Do I have the financial means to care for a dog for the next 10 to 15 years (including not only the costs of acquisition and initial equipment but also expenses for veterinary care, insurance, taxes, possible surgical costs, etc. – an average dog’s life costs between 12,000 to 20,000 dollars)?
• Can I ensure the care of my Maltipoo if I am unavailable, sick, or on vacation?
• Am I aware that a dog may create mess, have diarrhea and vomiting, or experience other health issues, and that I need to support them?
• Do dog ownership and, in particular, the needs of a Maltipoo align with my lifestyle, and am I willing to spend a lot of time with them and train them consistently?

• Ask to see the breeding facility, the mother dog, and health certificates.
• The mother dog and puppies should be clean and well-maintained, have sufficient space and toys, and be open to visitors.
• Avoid Maltipoo puppies that appear sick, hide, or are raised in a kennel without family contact and additional stimuli.
• A good breeder not only willingly provides information about their dogs but also supports you after the puppies are handed over and answers your further questions without reservations.

• Some breeders and dog owners exaggerate the reputation of hybrid dogs, drawing potential buyers’ attention to purely positive aspects. Always be skeptical of such obvious marketing strategies, as Maltipoos cannot live up to all promises, and it is equally likely that the parent animals may (only) pass on their negative traits.
• The nature and character of a Maltipoo remain uncertain variables, even with consistent training.
• Maltipoos are not inherently healthier than other dogs. The lack of official breed recognition and associated regulations should make you particularly vigilant.
• With a Maltipoo, you cannot participate in official competitions or dog shows.
• Be aware that a hypoallergenic Maltipoo simply does not exist.
• If you are more of a laid-back person, the regular grooming of their coat might become a bit overwhelming.