Breed History:

The Maltipoo is a designer companion breed that originated in the United States during the 1990s. It was developed by crossing the Maltese with the Toy or Miniature Poodle to combine the Maltese's affectionate nature with the Poodle's intelligence and often lower-shedding coat. Breeders sought to create a small, adaptable companion dog that would thrive in families, apartments, and homes with seniors.

The breed quickly gained popularity for its charming personality, trainability, and teddy bear-like appearance. Although not recognised as a purebred by major kennel clubs, the Maltipoo has become one of the most popular companion dogs worldwide and is especially valued as a therapy and emotional support dog.

Today, the Maltipoo is admired as a loving family companion known for its intelligence, affectionate personality, and adaptable nature.

If you want to learn about other mixed breeds, check out our page "Different Types of Mixed Dog Breeds".

Size – Small

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Maltipoo is a compact, well-balanced dog with a soft, fluffy, teddy bear-like appearance.

The breed commonly features:

• Rounded head
• Medium-length muzzle
• Large, dark, expressive eyes
• Long, pendant ears
• Compact chest
• Moderately long neck
• Straight, well-developed limbs
• Plumed tail carried over the back or gently curved

Its soft coat may be straight, wavy, or curly depending on the influence of the Poodle parent. Coat texture and shedding vary between individuals.

Common coat colours include:

• White
• Cream
• Apricot
• Red
• Black
• Silver
• Chocolate
• Parti-colour

The breed's fluffy coat and expressive face reflect the desirable characteristics inherited from both parent breeds.

Breed Type – Companion Dog:

The Maltipoo is an affectionate, intelligent, and friendly companion breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Affectionate
• Intelligent
• Playful
• Gentle
• Sociable

The breed forms exceptionally strong bonds with its family and is generally excellent with children, seniors, strangers, and other pets when properly socialised.

Training:

The Maltipoo is highly intelligent and eager to please.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• House training
• Basic obedience training
• Recall training
• Leash manners

The breed excels in:

• Obedience
• Trick training
• Rally
• Therapy work
• Agility
• Companion activities

Structured, reward-based training helps the breed become a confident and well-mannered companion.

Health & Care:

The Maltipoo is generally healthy but may inherit conditions from either parent breed, including:

• Patellar luxation
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
• Dental disease
• Allergies
• Tracheal collapse

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Maltipoo adapts well to a variety of living environments provided it receives regular companionship and moderate daily exercise.

Ideal environments include:

• Apartments
• Houses
• Urban or suburban homes
• Families
• Seniors
• First-time dog owners

The breed prefers living indoors with its family and is not suited to prolonged isolation.

Exercise:

The Maltipoo has moderate exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Daily walks
• Interactive play
• Puzzle toys
• Basic obedience training
• Short games of fetch
• Mental enrichment activities

Regular physical activity and mental stimulation help maintain the breed's physical and emotional well-being.

Grooming:

The soft coat requires moderate to high maintenance.

• Brushing three to four times per week
• Professional grooming every six to eight weeks
• Occasional bathing
• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming
• Regular dental care

Shedding ranges from very light to low, depending on the inherited coat type.