¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
- Friendly, people focused companion that usually loves both adults and children
- Small to medium size that works well in flats and houses as long as they get daily walks
- Low shedding coat that can suit some allergy‑sensitive homes, but still needs regular grooming
- Often very trainable thanks to the intelligence of the Poodle and the soft nature of the Maltese
- Popular family dog and first‑time dog choice, but still needs time, structure, and good socialisation
¶Appearance & Coat
The Maltipoo is a small companion dog with a soft, appealing look. Height and weight vary depending on breeding, but most adults stand around 24 to 35 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh between 3 and 8 kilos. Some lines are very tiny, while others are more sturdy. In general, the body is slightly longer than tall, with a light but not fragile build.
The head is rounded with expressive, dark eyes that give a very “human” and alert expression. Ears are dropped and covered in soft hair. The tail is usually carried happily and can curl over the back when the dog is excited. There is often a clear mix of features from both Maltese and Poodle, and even within a single litter puppies may mature into slightly different types.
Coats are one of the main reasons people are drawn to the Maltipoo. The coat is usually:
- Soft and plush, often with a wavy or light curly texture
- Single coated or with a very light undercoat
- Medium in length and quite dense
Colours can include white, cream, apricot, red, black, brown, and many shades in between. Some have patches or a slightly faded or “frosted” tone as they grow. Coat colour and curl pattern often change a bit between puppyhood and adulthood, so new owners should be prepared for some surprises.
Although Maltipoos are often described as low shedding, no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Hair tends to get caught in the coat instead of falling out on furniture, which is good for cleaning but means tangles can build up quickly.
For practical coat care:
- Brush at least 3 to 4 times per week with a soft slicker brush and metal comb
- Check problem areas such as behind the ears, armpits, around the collar, and inside the hind legs
- Plan for professional grooming every 6 to 10 weeks to keep the coat manageable
- Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short to avoid irritation
- Clean the ears regularly and keep the hair inside the ear canal under control as advised by your groomer or vet
Regular grooming is a real commitment with this crossbreed. A simple “teddy bear” trim that follows the body line is popular and easier to maintain than longer show‑style coats.
¶Temperament & Personality
The Maltipoo is usually affectionate, playful, and keen to be close to its people. They are typically very people oriented and often follow their favourite person from room to room. Many owners describe them as “little shadows” that like to be involved in daily life, whether that is watching TV, working at a home office, or joining family games.
With families, a well socialised Maltipoo is often gentle and cheerful. They tend to enjoy children who understand how to handle small dogs with care. Because of their size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental dropping, so supervision with very young kids is important. Clear rules, such as “no picking up the dog without an adult” and “let the dog walk away when it wants to rest,” help keep everyone safe and relaxed.
Many Maltipoos get along well with other dogs and cats when introduced slowly and positively. Their confident side can sometimes surprise people, especially if they meet much larger dogs. Socialisation from a young age, including calm meetings with dogs of all sizes, helps to prevent fear or reactive barking later.
Possible challenges can include:
- Strong attachment to owners that can lead to separation anxiety
- Tendency to bark at sounds in the stairwell, outside the window, or at visitors
- Sensitivity to loud voices or tension in the home
Overall, this is a breed mix for people who enjoy company and interaction. They are not usually suited to being alone for long workdays, especially without careful training and good routines. When they feel secure, Maltipoos bring a lot of warmth, humour, and affection into everyday life.
¶Training & Exercise
Most Maltipoos love to learn. The Poodle side brings intelligence and problem‑solving ability, while the Maltese side often adds a friendly, people pleasing nature. Training works best when it feels like a game, with many short, fun sessions rather than long, repetitive drills.
Positive reinforcement training is essential. This mix tends to respond very well to:
- Soft voices and clear cues
- Food rewards, especially small treats that are easy to swallow
- Play and praise as part of the reward
Harsh corrections or loud shouting can quickly make them anxious or shut down. Over time, this can increase sensitivity and lead to more barking or clinginess, so a gentle but consistent approach is key.
Exercise needs are moderate but not minimal. Most adults are happy with:
- 2 to 3 walks per day, including at least one longer, more active walk
- Total of about 45 to 90 minutes of activity, adjusted for age, health, and size
- Regular opportunities to sniff, explore, and meet new environments
In addition to physical walks, mental stimulation is very important. Ideas include:
- Nosework games where you hide treats around the home
- Simple puzzle toys that make the dog work to get food
- Basic obedience exercises combined into little “tricks” routines
- Low intensity agility or hoopers for fun, not competition
This small companion is often athletic enough to enjoy hikes, forest walks, and even jogging once fully grown. At the same time, they are usually content with active play and home enrichment on busy days.
Consistency is very important in the first two years. A clear daily rhythm for walks, feeding, play, and rest helps prevent problem behaviours, including overexcitement and destructiveness when bored.
¶Health
As a cross between the Maltese and the Poodle, the Maltipoo can inherit health strengths and weaknesses from both sides. Responsible breeding aims to reduce known risks by careful selection and health testing. Still, every owner should be aware of common issues and early warning signs.
Conditions sometimes seen in this type of dog include:
- Dental problems such as tartar build‑up and early tooth loss, common in small breeds
- Luxating patella, where the kneecap can slip out of place and cause lameness
- Eye issues such as tear staining, dry eye, or cataracts in older dogs
- Allergies and skin irritation, including itching or recurrent ear infections
- Heart disease in later life, particularly in very small individuals
Good breeders typically health test the parent dogs for issues that are known in Maltese and Poodles. This may involve eye examinations, knee checks, and genetic tests for certain hereditary conditions seen in the Poodle lines. When speaking with breeders, ask clearly what tests are done and request to see documentation.
General health care for a Maltipoo should include:
- Regular vet checks, ideally once per year for adult dogs and more often for seniors
- Dental care from puppyhood, including tooth brushing and professional cleaning when needed
- Weight management, since extra kilos stress the joints and heart
- Parasite prevention as recommended in your region
Typical lifespan is often around 12 to 15 years, sometimes longer with good care and a bit of luck. As they age, many Maltipoos stay playful but may need slightly shorter walks, softer bedding, and closer monitoring of teeth, heart, and joints.
Pet insurance can help manage the cost of unexpected illness or injury over a long life. If you are planning ahead for a puppy, consider comparing options early through a service such as Pet Insurance.
¶History & Origins
The Maltipoo is a relatively modern crossbreed, developed as people began to seek small companion dogs with low shedding coats and friendly, adaptable personalities. Instead of being created for hunting or herding, this mix has always had one clear purpose: to be a loving family companion.
The parent breeds each bring their own strong history. The Maltese is an ancient toy breed, known for its long, silky white coat and long tradition as a lapdog in Mediterranean societies. Poodles were originally water retrievers and are now recognised worldwide for their intelligence and curly, low shedding coat. Crossing these two was a natural step when interest in “designer” or intentional crosses grew.
The Maltipoo gained popularity in North America and later in many European countries. Social media and celebrity ownership also helped, as their teddy bear looks photograph beautifully and appeal to many first‑time dog owners. Unlike established pure breeds, there is not yet a single, strict standard for appearance or size. This means there is still quite a lot of variation between lines and breeders.
Today, the Maltipoo is almost always kept as a companion dog. They rarely have formal working roles, but some individuals visit schools, nursing homes, or hospitals as part of therapy dog programs thanks to their gentle, people focused nature. Others take part in dog sports at a hobby level, especially activities like rally obedience, tricks, and nosework, where their intelligence can shine.
As with many popular crossbreeds, increasing demand has attracted both dedicated, thoughtful breeders and less responsible sellers. Anyone considering this mix should take time to learn about ethical breeding practices and avoid impulse purchases. Tools such as the Dog Breed Advisor can help you think through whether a Maltipoo truly suits your lifestyle before you start looking for a puppy.
¶Living with the Breed
Living with a Maltipoo is often a mix of cosy cuddles on the sofa and lively little bursts of energy throughout the day. These dogs tend to fit well into many living situations, from city apartments to country houses, as long as they are treated as part of the family and not left alone for long stretches.
New owners should be prepared for:
- Daily grooming and regular professional trims
- Several walks per day, with time for sniffing and mental activity
- House training that may take a little longer due to small bladder size
- Teaching calm behaviour at the door and careful introductions to visitors
They usually adapt well to car travel and public transport if introduced early. Because of their small size, they often fit comfortably in a secure travel crate or dog bag, which can be helpful for city living and trips.
Annual costs can vary depending on where you live and what services you use, but many families find that regular expenses include:
- Quality food suitable for small, often sensitive dogs
- Grooming every couple of months
- Vaccinations, check‑ups, and parasite prevention
- Pet insurance premiums
- Occasional training classes, toys, beds, and other equipment
Useful equipment for a Maltipoo often includes:
- A soft, well fitting harness to protect the neck during walks
- Light leads suitable for their size, plus a longer line for safe exploring
- Non‑slip food and water bowls, and perhaps a raised stand for older dogs
- Comfortable beds in more than one room, since many like to follow you around
- Interactive toys and slow feeders that offer mental challenges
For people who enjoy closeness and have time each day for walks, play, and coat care, the Maltipoo can be a rewarding choice. If you are considering adding one to your family, it can be helpful to browse current listings and speak with different breeders before deciding. You can start exploring through Pets for Sale and then narrow your search to Maltipoo puppies that match your expectations for size, coat, and temperament.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Crossbreed |
| Aggressiveness | 3/5 |
| Child Friendly | 3/5 |
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 3/5 |
| Health | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 3/5 |
| Learning Ability | 3/5 |
| Barking Level | 3/5 |
| Height | 20 – 30 cm |
| Weight | 3 – 4 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 15 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Maltipoo and how big do they usually get?
It is a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, bred primarily as a companion dog. Most adults weigh between 5 and 15 pounds and stand around 8 to 14 inches tall, but size can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent.
Are Maltipoos really hypoallergenic and do they shed?
They tend to shed very little because both parent breeds have hair rather than fur, which can help reduce loose hair in the home. However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, and people with allergies may still react to dander or saliva.
What kind of temperament do Maltipoos usually have?
They are typically affectionate, people oriented and quite playful, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They are usually friendly with strangers and other pets, but their sensitivity means they do best in calm, gentle households.
How much exercise does a Maltipoo need each day?
Most do well with about 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity split into a couple of short walks and some indoor play. They enjoy mental stimulation as much as physical exercise, so training games and puzzle toys are helpful to prevent boredom.
How often do Maltipoos need grooming and haircuts?
Their soft, often curly or wavy coat tends to mat easily and needs brushing several times a week, and many need daily combing around the ears and legs. Professional grooming is usually required every 4 to 8 weeks to keep the coat trimmed, clean and comfortable.
What health problems are Maltipoos prone to?
Common issues include dental disease, luxating patellas, ear infections in those with floppy, hairy ears, and sometimes allergies or skin problems. They can also inherit conditions seen in Maltese and Poodles, such as eye disorders or heart disease, so responsible breeding and regular veterinary checks are important.
Are Maltipoos good with children and other pets?
They are often gentle and sociable, so they can do well with respectful children and other friendly animals. Because they are small and somewhat delicate, they are better suited to homes where interactions with young children are carefully supervised and rough play is avoided.
Can a Maltipoo live comfortably in an apartment?
Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them well suited to apartment living, provided they get daily walks and interaction. They can be vocal if bored or anxious, so training and sufficient company are important in close living quarters.
Are Maltipoos hard to house train?
They are generally intelligent and eager to please, but like many small dogs they can be slower to house train and may be sensitive to inconsistent routines. Frequent outdoor trips, positive reinforcement and patience are key, and some owners find that indoor potty pads are a useful backup.
How long do Maltipoos usually live?
With good care, many live around 12 to 15 years, and some reach their late teens. Keeping them at a healthy weight, maintaining dental hygiene and scheduling regular veterinary visits can help support a longer, healthier lifespan.
¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Maltipoo with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
¶Find Maltipoo for sale in Sverige
- Maltipoo in Stockholm
- Maltipoo in Gothenburg
- Maltipoo in Malmo
- Maltipoo in Uppsala
- Maltipoo in Linköping
- Maltipoo in Örebro
- Maltipoo in Sollentuna
- Maltipoo in Umeå
- Maltipoo in Västerås
- Maltipoo in Södermalm
- Maltipoo in Jönköping
- Maltipoo in Helsingborg
- Maltipoo in Norrköping
- Maltipoo in Huddinge
- Maltipoo in Lund
- Maltipoo in Luleå
- Maltipoo in Haninge
- Maltipoo in Gävle
- Maltipoo in Borås
- Maltipoo in Vaxjo
