Maltipoo Breed Information

Maltipoo is a popular cross of the Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle. True to their parent breeds, Maltipoos are affectionate and gentle. They make super companions for empty-nesters and are excellent therapy dogs.

Cross breeds such as the Maltipoo are often referred to as designer dogs, rather than mixed breeds, because they’re purposely bred and are a combination of two known breeds.

Because both Poodles and Maltese are considered non-shedders, people who breed Maltipoos hope to end up with a hypoallergenic dog. If you’re allergic, however, it’s important to know a little something about pet allergies before you run out to get a Maltipoo.

All dogs produce dander (dead skin flakes) and saliva, which carry allergens. And allergies can build over time. You may not react to a dog when you first meet him, but develop an allergy after living with him for days, weeks, or even months. Spend lots of time with a number of different Maltipoos to see how you’ll react.

Breed Highlight

  • They make excellent watchdogs, alert barking to warn you of anything suspicious, but they may not be the best choice for noise-sensitive people or those who live in housing with noise restrictions.
  • Maltipoos shed little. They’re considered good for allergy sufferers, but keep in mind that there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. All dogs shed dander and saliva, which carry allergens. The best way to find out if a Maltipoo triggers your allergies is to spend a lot of time with him.
  • Maltipoos need daily brushing and monthly baths to keep their coats clean and tangle-free. Clipping the coat is also suggested.
  • Loving and gentle, the Maltipoo gets along with kids. But because small Maltipoos could easily be injured, they’re only recommended for families with children older than six who know how to handle dogs.
  • Maltipoos are smart and can be easy to train.
  • Maltipoos generally get along with other dogs and pets.
  • Maltipoos can do well in apartments and homes alike. They have high energy levels indoors.
  • Maltipoos are companion dogs and may suffer from separation anxiety if they’re frequently left alone for long periods.
  • To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store.
 

Children And Other Pets

The Maltipoo is a social dog and gets along well with children. Small Maltipoos aren’t suited to homes with kids younger than 6 years old, however, as they can be easily injured.

As with any dog, always teach children how to approach and touch your Maltipoo, and supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear pulling from either party.

Maltipoos generally get along with other dogs and pets, whether or not they’re raised with them.

Care-maltipoo

Maltipoos are people lovers and should live indoors with their family, never outside or in a kennel. They make fine apartment dogs so long as they get daily exercise and aren’t allowed to become nuisance barkers.

The Maltipoo is an intelligent dog and takes well to training. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, play, and praise, and you’ll be successful in no time.

Maltipoos are active, and they need daily exercise to stay healthy, happy, and out of trouble. Excess energy can lead to destructive behavior, and you might be shocked to know just how much damage a small, bored dog can do. Give your Maltipoo 10 to 15 minutes of exercise each day. A short walk, play sessions in a fenced yard, or a good game of fetch down a hallway will do the trick.

Maltipoos can be noisy and will alert bark when they see something or someone that looks suspect.

feeding

Recommended daily amount: 5/8 to 1.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you’ll need to shake into your dog’s bowl.

Keep your Maltipoo in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you’re unsure whether he’s overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can’t, he needs less food and more exercise.