Maltipoo

The Maltipoo originated in the United States and was developed to provide families with a small, lively companion dog that didn’t shed or trigger allergies. The Maltese was bred on the Mediterranean island of Malta as a companion dog and the Standard Poodle originated in Germany as a water-retrieving dog. The Maltipoo can have any combination of these two breeds in their temperament, appearance, and behavior, although both breeds are friendly, adaptable, and smart.

Small and compact, Maltipoos don’t need a lot of space and can thrive in city environments. They do not like to be left alone, so someone who is home frequently and can incorporate them into their daily routine is ideal. They do well with children, but best with older children given their small size.

Malitpoos may be small, but they have energy to spare. They love to go on walks, play games, and spend time with their owners. Malitpoos need regular exercise. And don’t let their adorable, fluffy appearance fool you—they love to stir up a little trouble by chasing everything from falling leaves to toys.

They can happily live in smaller apartments and are great dogs for city dwellers so long as they have access to the outdoors.

As with most mixed breeds, Maltipoo coats come in all forms—from long Poodle-like curls to the silky coat of the Maltese and everything in between. They usually do not shed much if at all, but they will require regular grooming, perhaps professionally. Frequent ear checks with the Maltese Poodle breed are also important as some Poodles can have issues with excessive hair inside their ears that can lead to health problems.

Clever and eager to learn, Maltipoos love learning new tricks, can easily be leash trained, and can be taught good recall. They need ongoing socialization with other dogs to help them gain confidence.

Malitpoos make a great family companion due to their active nature and love of being around people. However, due to their delicately small size, they are best suited to families without small children.

The cost of a Malitpoo from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.