Maltipoo: The Teddy Bear Breed

Maltipoo adults are generally small dogs considering that they are a toy breed. They range from 6 to 8 pounds and 8 to 10 inches in height. Toy poodles weigh between 4 to 6 pounds and measure 10 inches high, while miniature poodles are slightly bigger at 10 to 15 pounds and 10 to 15 inches. Either toy or miniature poodles are used in this hybrid, so a full-grown Maltipoo can range from 5 to 20 pounds and up to 14 inches tall.

The Maltipoo’s coat is medium to long in length, with a soft, fluffy texture and some degree of a wave or curl from their poodle genes. The poodle and the Maltese shed way less than other breeds, making this dog great for people with allergies. Thus, this breed is often listed as one of the more hypoallergenic dog breeds.

The Maltipoo is known to be a sweet and loving breed. Both poodles and Maltese dogs are known for their intelligent and charming personalities, making the Maltipoo a perfect mix  of poodle smarts and Maltese affection. One reason why this hybrid dog is so popular is due to its great traits inherited from its parent dogs without being vocal, clingy, or stubborn.

Like all dogs, this breed needs structured training and socialization from the moment you bring them home. Ideally, a Maltipoo should be walked at least twice a day, in time increments that work best for you. A typical walk lasts about 20 minutes. They are quite active breeds and need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy just about any activity such as fetch, walks on the beach, or fun in the park.

Maltipoos can have a variety of different coats. They can have silky, straight hair like a Maltese or thick and curly hair like a Poodle. Regardless of hair type, it is recommended to brush their coat several times a week to prevent tangles and matting. To maintain a particular look, grooming should be scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks. To prevent dry and flaky skin, bathing only needs to happen once a month or so.

Maltipoos are high-energy dogs that need a diet specifically formulated for them. To meet their nutritional needs, it’s best to use a high-quality dry kibble. For a Maltipoo, pick a type of food formulated for their age group. Puppies should eat 2 to 3 times a day due to their active nature.

Training a Poodle and Maltese hybrid is quite easy. This dog breed is highly intelligent and can catch on quite quickly. However, they are sensitive as well and only respond to positive reinforcement training. It's best to use gentle bribes to get your pooch to listen, including yummy treats and praise to encourage good behavior.

Because the Maltipoo is a crossbreed, this pup can get health problems associated with both the Maltese and the Poodle. These health problems could include Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Portosystemic Shunt, Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Epilepsy, and White Shaker Syndrome. Skin problems can also be an issue with this mixed breed. This is why regular vet appointments are so important to catch these problems early.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the beginning of the Maltipoo breed. Like many other hybrid breeds, the first litter was probably an accident. However, we know that the first pup was bred in the United States sometime in the last 20 to 30 years. The Maltipoo dog was definitely produced by breeders to be a small and affectionate companion, which has been accomplished through their great and popular parent breeds.

If you’re looking for a Maltipoo that will stay a particular size or look a certain way, keep in mind that as a hybrid breed, there is no way to guarantee exactly how a pup will turn out as an adult. Because this is such a popular dog breed, you may be able to find one at a shelter. With a breeder, expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $2,000 for your fluffy designer puppy.