Maltipoo: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Is the Maltipoo a recognized breed?

No. The Maltipoo is a mixed breed, and the AKC does not register it. The AKC's Foundation Stock Service, the first step toward recognition, does not accept dogs produced by crossing two AKC-registrable breeds, and both the Maltese and the Poodle are registrable.

Without a standard, labels such as teacup, toy or mini Maltipoo are a seller's description, not an official size. Ask what each parent weighs and measures, which Poodle variety was used, and what health testing each parent has had.

Maltipoo temperament and personality

Look at the parents. The AKC rates both the Maltese and the Toy Poodle five out of five for affection with family. It describes the Maltese as hardy and adaptable, an alert little watchdog, and the Poodle as eager, athletic and very smart, five out of five for playfulness and mental stimulation needs.

Most Maltipoos are cheerful, people-focused and playful, often with the Poodle's quick brain and the Maltese's love of a lap. VCA notes the Maltese has limited tolerance for being left alone, and the AKC rates the Poodle four out of five for barking, so plan for company and teach calm habits early.

How big do Maltipoos get?

Size varies widely. The AKC lists the Maltese at 7 to 9 inches and under 7 pounds. A Toy Poodle is no more than 10 inches and 4 to 6 pounds, and a Miniature Poodle 10 to 15 inches and 10 to 15 pounds. A Maltipoo with a Toy Poodle parent is usually very small; one with a Miniature can be noticeably larger.

No one can promise an adult weight. The parents' sizes give the best estimate, and even then it is only a range. Very small dogs are more fragile, so be cautious about puppies marketed as unusually tiny.

Maltipoo lifespan and common health issues

There is no official Maltipoo lifespan. The AKC lists 12 to 15 years for the Maltese and 10 to 18 years for the Poodle, so many Maltipoos are long-lived, but individual dogs vary.

Both parents share some risks. The AKC notes luxating patella in the Maltese and in Toy and Miniature Poodles, heart problems such as patent ductus arteriosus and liver shunt in the Maltese, and eye disorders and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in small Poodles. VCA calls dental disease one of the most common Maltese problems. Ask for patella, heart, eye and bile-acid results on the parents, and ask your vet about skipping on a back leg or bad breath.

Exercise needs

The AKC says the Maltese needs only occasional exercise, while Poodles of any size need good exercise every day. Most Maltipoos fall in between: a couple of short walks plus play and a little training each day keep them fit and settled.

Mental exercise matters for a dog with Poodle brains. Puzzle toys, short trick sessions and sniffing games tire them out without long walks. Use a harness rather than a collar, and keep a sweater handy for cold weather.

Maltipoo grooming and shedding

The AKC rates both parent breeds one out of five for shedding, and the coat can be straight like a Maltese, curly like a Poodle or anywhere between. Either way, it keeps growing: brush and comb to the skin several times a week, and expect a professional trim every four to six weeks, as the AKC suggests for Poodles.

Low shedding appeals to some allergy sufferers, but no dog breed or cross is allergen-free, so meet the dog first. Brush the teeth often, trim nails, check the ears and wipe tear stains gently; ask your vet about heavy staining.

Training a Maltipoo

The AKC calls Poodles extremely intelligent and easily trained, and says Maltese can be stubborn but respond well to positive methods. Short, cheerful sessions with treats and praise suit a Maltipoo, along with early socialization and puppy classes.

House training small dogs takes patience, so keep a strict schedule. Practice short periods alone from early on, and teach handling for brushing, nail trims and tooth care so grooming stays easy for life.

Are Maltipoos good with kids and other pets?

The AKC rates the Maltese three out of five with young children and the Toy Poodle five out of five, and VCA says the Maltese does best with gentle, respectful children. A small Maltipoo can be hurt if dropped or squeezed, so it suits families with older, calm children best.

Most get on well with other gentle pets when introduced carefully. Supervise play with larger dogs, which can injure a small dog by accident.

What a Maltipoo needs at home

Useful kit includes a slicker brush, a fine metal comb, nail clippers, a dog toothbrush and gentle shampoo; a lightweight mesh harness and leash; a soft bed and a sweater; puzzle toys; and a carrier for vet trips. Pet steps and baby gates protect small knees and backs.

Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Maltipoo home and ask about a dental care plan, the kneecap check and a grooming schedule.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.