Description

The Maltipoo was created by cross-breeding the Maltese and the Poodle (Toy or Miniature). Since the Maltipoo is a hybrid, their size is variable, though they are on the small side. Apart from floppy ears, Maltipoos can look very different depending on their parentage. Even puppies from the same litter can be of different sizes, colours, and coat types.

Look

The Maltipoo comes in many different colours. Since both the Maltese and Poodle shed very little, the Maltipoo is often considered hypoallergenic (whether the Maltipoo is right for you depends on the specifics of your allergy). Their coat does require proper maintenance to prevent knots and tangles. How much grooming is needed depends on the quality of their coat: more curly “Poodle” types will need clipping every four to six weeks, while those with scruffier “Maltese” coats will probably only need daily brushing. A monthly bath is also a good idea.

Health

While generally a healthy breed, the Maltipoo can suffer from one or more of the following health issues:

• Patellar Luxation
• Epilepsy
• White Shaker Syndrome
• Portosystemic Shunt
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
• Cryptoorchidism
• Sebaceous Adenitis

At Newdoggy.com, we recommend that you buy your dog from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines.

Learning

The Maltipoo is very intelligent and friendly, and is considered a good beginner dog because they don’t tend to challenge their trainer. The Maltipoo is a sensitive, and should be trained in a calm and patient manner. They are generally clever enough to quickly figure out what you are asking for, and love to please their people. It’s worth teaching your Maltipoo “speak” and “quiet” to help curb their tendency to bark!

Temperament

The Maltipoo is a social butterfly: this dog loves to be around people. If properly socialised, you will find that your Maltipoo is friendly with everyone: children, strangers, dogs, and even other animals. They are energetic but usually a walk in the morning and evening, and perhaps a play session, should be enough exercise.

Living with

Maltipoos are prone to separation anxiety and will be absolutely miserable if left alone all day. As such, the Maltipoo is a good choice if you work from home or can bring your pet to work. Although they are very good with children, make sure that the children are gentle with the Maltipoo. Very young children may accidentally play too roughly with your Maltipoo, which can lead to injury and some expensive vet bills!

Maltipoos are very good watchdogs, and will bark to warn you of everything from strange noises to passers-by. It’s important to nip excessive barking in the bud before it becomes a problem.