Maltipoo at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 24–36 cm
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Typical adult weight, Garden, Typical lifespan.
Is the Maltipoo right for you?
Like every breed, the Maltipoo is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You would like a dog usually content with short daily walks.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to brushing several times a week.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Maltipoo fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a small designer crossbreed made by crossing a Maltese with a Poodle, usually a Toy and sometimes a Miniature. Maltipoos vary in size, shape, coat and temperament, but they are always small companion dogs that enjoy training and games and, above all, being with their owner.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Low
Usually content with short daily walks and play.
- Energy level
Moderate
Moderately energetic, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
Like many designer crossbreeds, the Maltipoo began in the United States, as part of a search for a small companion that did not shed and would suit any home, however small. It is still uncommon in the UK but is growing in popularity.
A Maltipoo may be a first cross, with one Maltese and one Poodle parent, may be bred back to one of the parent breeds, or may have two Maltipoo parents. The Maltese is one of the oldest small companion breeds, while the Toy and Miniature Poodles were bred as smaller versions of the Standard Poodle, a water retriever.
Maltipoo temperament
A Maltipoo's personality depends on its parents and how it was bred and raised. Both parent breeds are affectionate companions that bond closely with their owners. Temperament tends to be more consistent in first crosses, and a well-bred Maltipoo should be outgoing and confident, not nervous, shy or fearful.
Maltipoos do not like being left alone and suit owners who are home most of the time or can take their dog with them. They are often chatty and will bark to alert you to visitors or anything unusual. They are generally friendly with other dogs, but can be surprisingly game and may chase squirrels or even a neighbour's cat.
Size and appearance
Height depends on the parents and can range from about 24 cm to 36 cm at the shoulder, though most are at the smaller end. Colour varies too: the Maltese is white, sometimes with slight lemon markings, and Poodles can be any solid colour.
How much exercise does a Maltipoo need?
The Maltipoo is a surprisingly active little dog, but around half an hour of walking a day is usually enough, as long as there are plenty of games and time with its owner. Maltipoos can live in a flat or a smaller home as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks.
Training a Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is cleverer than many people think, and both parent breeds enjoy learning. They usually pick up new tricks and games happily.
- Teach them to walk on a lead and harness.
- Train a reliable recall, especially as they may chase small animals.
- Start socialisation early and keep it going, so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.
- Keep training fun with tricks and games.
Maltipoo grooming
Maltipoo coats can be anything from tight Poodle curls to the long, silky coat of the Maltese. They are unlikely to shed much, if at all, but they need grooming every other day as well as regular trimming.
It helps to find a good local groomer who can look after the coat or teach you how to do it. Ear care is important, as Poodles can grow excess hair inside the ears, which can cause infections or soreness.
Living with a Maltipoo
The Maltipoo makes a fun family companion, but it is small and rather delicate, so it suits families with older, sensible children. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Maltipoo health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Maltipoo is described as a generally healthy crossbreed, but health varies because some dogs take more after one parent breed than the other. It is worth reading about the conditions that affect the Maltese and the Toy or Miniature Poodle, and choosing a breeder who prioritises health and behaviour.
Ear problems
Poodles can have excess hair inside the ears, which can lead to infections or sore ears, so regular ear care is important.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Maltipoo home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Maltipoo cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Maltipoo home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, not just the first year.
Buying a Maltipoo
If you have decided the Maltipoo suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Maltipoo
Maltipoos do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Maltipoos looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Maltipoo adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
King Charles Spaniel
Reserved, gentle, affectionate, friendly, loving, intelligent and undemanding.
View breed guide
Maltipoo FAQs
Is the Maltipoo good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Maltipoo live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Maltipoo need?
Low: usually content with short daily walks. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Maltipoo shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Maltipoo need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Maltipoo easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Maltipoo be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Maltipoo bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Maltipoo good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How big does the Maltipoo get?
Adults typically stand 24–36 cm at the shoulder.