Maltipoo is an adorable hybrid dog. This designer breed is a cross between the Maltese and the Toy or Miniature Poodle.
Maltipoo is an amazing combo of intelligence, friendliness, and playfulness. Maltipoo makes excellent family dogs and offers superb companionship throughout their life.
This article explains the breed characteristics, vital stats, history, size, personality, and general health of a Maltipoo.
Let’s get started!
Maltipoo Breed Characteristics
Maltipoos are fun-loving, charming, and sweet dogs. These cute dogs possess the lovable traits of both their ancestors.
We have listed below Maltipoo breed characteristics. As this is a hybrid dog, these characteristics are meant to be a general guideline for Maltipoo.
Adaptability
Maltipoos are sensitive dogs and are good at adapting to all environments. The reasons for moderate adaptability score are:
- Maltipoos are well suited to apartment living due to their small size.
- Maltipoo can be a great option for first-time dog owners due to its sweet and well-mannered nature.
- Maltipoos are very sensitive and do not like irregular daily routines and a chaotic household. Punishments and yelling affect them emotionally.
- Maltipoo will not do well in a household where he is left alone for long hours and may develop separation anxiety.
- These dogs have a low tolerance for cold weather but a moderate tolerance for hot temperatures.
Friendliness
Maltipoos are cheerful dogs and prove to be good companions. The reasons for their high all-around friendliness are:
- Maltipoos are affectionate dogs and shower the whole family with love and loyalty.
- They’re very gentle and friendly with children.
- Maltipoos have good canine social skills and can do very well with other dogs.
- Maltipoos are stranger-friendly dogs and will always greet your guests happy.
Grooming
Maltipoos are easy to groom and require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
- Maltipoos do not shed much as most dog breeds do.
- They’re moderately easy to groom dogs.
- They have a low drooling potential. These dogs are suitable for neatniks.
- Maltipoos don’t have the potential to put on weight easily.
Trainability
Maltipoos are easy to train but need consistent training right from the beginning.
- Maltipoos are very easy to train and can learn commands very quickly.
- Maltipoos have high intelligence and concentration levels.
- Maltipoos have a low prey drive and have a low inborn desire to chase and catch something.
- Maltipoos have a moderate tendency of mouthiness or to play-bite people.
- Being a watchdog, they have a high tendency to bark frequently.
- Maltipoos are escape artists with having a strong desire for escaping and exploring the world.
Physical Needs
The Maltipoo is a playful dog with moderate energy levels.
- Maltipoos are playful dogs. You can enjoy activities like fetch, agility, and flyball with your dog.
- They are moderately vigorous dogs with moderate energy levels.
- They have low exercise requirements but should be regularly exercised to maintain good health.
Vital Stats About Maltipoo
Let’s take a look at some vital stats of Maltipoos:
| Stats | Description |
| Dog Breed Group | Hybrid dogs |
| Ancestors | Maltese, Toy or Miniature Poodle |
| Temperament/ personality | Affectionate, intelligent, and loving |
| Average Height | 8 – 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight Range | 5 to 20 pounds |
| Energy level | Low |
| Grooming needs | Moderate |
| Good with | children, seniors, other pets, families |
| Life Span | 10 to 13 years |
| Barking potential | High |
History of Maltipoo
Maltipoos are a cross between Poodle and Maltese. This hybrid dog was originally developed in the USA, created to be a small-breed companion dog. The intention was to develop a hypoallergenic dog with minimal genetic diseases.
Over the last ten to twenty years, Maltipoos are becoming increasingly popular. Over the years, they have become one of the most loved “designer breeds.”
The Maltipoo is not officially recognized as a true breed by American Kennel Club. Maltipoo enthusiasts have established the North American Maltipoo/Maltipoo Club and the Registry.
Temperament and Personality of Maltipoo
Maltipoos are gentle, affectionate, fun-loving, and happy dogs. They enjoy watching life go by from the lap of their human companions. They generally get along well with everyone they meet.
A Maltipoo’s temperament can vary depending on each parent’s genetic contribution. However, all Maltipoos generally share the following personalities:
- Loyal: Loyalty is a natural behaviour of Maltipoos. These pooches are very loyal to the family because of their pack mentality.
- Great watchdogs
Maltipoos are alert dogs and tend to bark at anything suspicious. If you want to get alert for unexpected people or animals, Maltipoos serve as reliable watch dogs.
- Playful: Maltipoos are playful dogs and enjoy playing and spending time with their human companions.
- Intelligent: Maltipoos are very intelligent due to their poodle ancestry. They learn things very quickly and that makes them easy to train.
- Affectionate
Maltipoos are very loving and affectionate dogs.
- Friendly towards kids:
They are friendly with children. They also do very well with babies because of their small size.
- Friendly towards other dogs:
Maltipoos are excellent pack mates. They have a non-aggressive temperament and can do very well with other pets.
If Maltipoos are socialized properly in puppyhood, they make a terrific family dog.
Major Health Concerns of Maltipoo
Maltipoos are prone to certain health conditions.
- White Shaker Syndrome: It is an inherited disorder of the nervous system. Affected Maltipoos suffer tremors that are associated with voluntary activities.
- Epilepsy: This disease refers to abnormal, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in your Maltipoo’s brain that cause seizures. An epilepsy treatment plan for Maltipoos reduces seizure frequency and improves their quality of life.
- Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation, also known as “slipped stifles,” is the looseness of the kneecap. This condition occurs when the muscles and the tendons that hold the kneecap in place become very weak. When the kneecap slips, it causes sharp pain, lameness in the leg, or an abnormal gait in the Maltipoo.
- Portosystemic Shunt (PSS): A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal connection between the portal vascular system and systemic circulation bypassing the liver. As a result, toxins, hormones, nutrients, escaping bacteria, and exogenous drugs also bypass the liver, circulating throughout the body, and results in further deterioration of liver function.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic disease that causes progressive degeneration of the retina. This condition eventually leads to blindness in Maltipoos.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: It is an orthopedic disorder that can occur in small breeds and causes degeneration of the hip joint. The initial signs of Legg-Perthes are limping and atrophy of the leg muscle.
How to Take Care of Maltipoos
Taking care of your Maltipoos involves a lot of things including feeding, grooming, training, and exercises.
Feeding your Maltipoo
You can keep your Maltipoo in good shape by feeding high-quality food, twice a day. Their diet must be formulated for a small-sized breed with moderate exercise needs.
Offer your Maltipoo a proper amount of food, appropriate to your dog’s age and size. If your Maltipoo is on commercial dog food, it must be safe, affordable, and made with high-quality ingredients. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times for this small breed.
Training your Maltipoo
Maltipoo is an intelligent breed and can fairly understand your commands. Start training your little fur buddy as early as possible. Maltipoos do not respond well to harsh training methods. Use a positive approach to training and provide lots of rewards and praises for proper behavior.
Be consistent with the rules and show a lot of patience. Socialize your Maltipoo puppy as much as you can. Maltipoo should be exposed to new people, things, places, and pets every day.
Grooming Needs of Maltipoo
Maltipoos are low shedders but require regular grooming. Their coat is fluffy, soft, and has a wool-like texture. The coat is medium to long and ranges from slightly wavy to curly. Let’s get down to the grooming needs of Maltipoos:
- Maltipoos need thorough daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
- They need clipping once or twice a year, but their head will need a monthly trim around the eyes.
- Bathe your Maltipoo once a month. Use a high-quality dog shampoo and refrain from overbathing your dog.
- Brush your Maltipoo’s teeth at least twice or thrice a week to prevent bacteria and tartar buildup.
- Clean your dog’s ears with a cotton ball and a cleaning solution to prevent infections.
- Trim your Maltipoo’s nails every month to make sure they’re at a good length.
You should have lots of treats ready for your Maltipoo during grooming sessions.
Exercise Requirements of Maltipoo
Maltipoos are energetic and playful dogs. They need regular physical activities and mental stimulation to stay healthy, happy, and out of trouble. By exercising your dog, you will prevent health risks and prevent behavioral problems. They require only 10 to 15 minutes of exercise each day.
Exercising your Maltipoo should not be a burden for you or your dog. You can meet their exercise requirements by:
- A short walk
- Play sessions in a fenced yard
- Game of fetch.
- Playing with interactive and puzzle toys
- Obedience training
Parting Shot on Maltipoo
Creating a designer Maltipoo can often help mitigate potentially harmful health defects that may happen commonly in purebred dogs. They are like small kids and heavily rely on our care as dog parents!