The Maltipoo combines the kindness of the Maltese with the intelligence of the poodle. The mixture results in an attentive, cheerful and playful family dog that is easy to train and lead in everyday life. Whether playing with the children, dog tricks with mum or cuddling with grandma – a Maltipoo is everywhere with enthusiasm.

The Maltipoo – a fuzzy bundle of joy

Both the Poodle and the Maltese are old, well-known and popular dog breeds. The small white Maltese can look back on a long tradition as a companion and even lap dog for ladies of high and royal society. For families with smaller, very active children, however, the Maltese is almost a little too small and fragile.
The mixture with the small poodle produces a slightly larger, intelligent and easy-to-train dog, which is equipped with a moderate urge to move. The genes of the Poodle also increase the chance of a dog that sheds little or no hair.
Even though the Maltipoo is one of the designer dogs and is viewed critically by breeders, its popularity continues to increase every year.

Character of the Maltipoo

The nature of these small, fuzzy dogs is a combination of the breed-typical characteristics of both parents. However, the small poodle breeds and the Maltese are so similar in character that hardly any surprises are to be expected with the mix.
The Maltipoo is a happy, funny and always good-humoured dog. He loves cuddling together and can spend hours with you on the couch. The small dogs also play to their strengths when dealing with children: They are very people-friendly and playful, which is why they are very popular as family dogs.

Is a Maltipoo a yapper?

Young Maltipoos in particular can sometimes be quite stormy and indeed tend to bark intensively. Although they are generally just as friendly towards visitors and strangers as they are towards their humans, they are not afraid to loudly announce their arrival. To prevent his barking from becoming a problem, it is important to behave correctly from the beginning. Too much attention – which can also include scolding – may encourage barking. A misunderstanding between human and dog develops, because the dog feels confirmed by your attention and will bark even more intensely next time. On the other hand, it is better to praise your dog as soon as he behaves correctly, i.e. only pay attention to him after he has become calm. The best way to get a grip on annoying barking is to call in a dog trainer.

Is a Maltipoo easy to train? Education and attitude of the Maltipoo

If you want to describe the little fuzzies in one word, “uncomplicated” would be the right choice. A well-socialized Maltipoo is a well-balanced companion who gets along well with all people and animals. Does this mean that the Maltipoo is a beginner’s dog? The answer to this question is basically yes. But that doesn’t mean that a Maltipoo doesn’t need any guidance. If you take a Maltipoo puppy into your home, its socialization and education will start from day one. If you’ve never had a dog as a companion, it’s a good idea to deal with the topic of education in advance. In practice, however, it sometimes looks different, because theoretical knowledge alone is not always enough. Keep in mind that dogs “read” a lot about your body language – you should be aware of this when dealing with your four-legged friend. To ensure that everything runs smoothly in terms of education and socialization right from the start, it is best to sign up for a dog school with your young Maltipoo. There, the little fuzzy dog will learn early on how to get along well with other dogs and how to follow your commands. If you are a newcomer among dog owners, a dog school also offers you the opportunity to get to know other owners and exchange your experiences with them.
By the way: Even if your Maltipoo dog is already fully grown, attending a dog school can be useful – especially if you are a dog beginner.

The Maltipoo does not tend to react anxiously to environmental stimuli, but should still come into contact with many elements of its future life in the first few weeks.

ProfileMaltipoo

How much exercise does a Maltipoo need?

On the one hand, the Maltipoo has a balanced, uncomplicated nature. On the other hand, the breed-typical characteristics, including his physique, keep his urge to move within limits. In concrete terms, this means that a Maltipoo needs daily exercise, of course, but it doesn’t have to be miles of walks. He can be quite satisfied with several shorter walks in the city park. Thus, a Maltipoo needs comparatively moderate exercise.
His characteristics are therefore a great advantage if, for example, you live in the city or want to take your dog to the office. The fuzzy, petite four-legged friend is also ideally suited for living in a smaller apartment. To ensure that your dog is balanced and content, however, you should definitely plan enough time to pay attention to him. His mental load should not be neglected either. Intelligence and search games as well as dog tricks are the optimal activity for the little mongrels. If you want to promote your cuddly darling in a more targeted way, try a dog sport with him as well. Agility, dog dancing or obedience are examples of activities you can do with your Maltipoo. Of course, the intensity should be at a level adapted to this small dog. A great side effect of fun, fitness and mental challenge of your Maltipoo is that you strengthen and deepen your bond at the same time. So you are both doing something good for each other.

Caring for the Maltipoo

The coat structure of the Maltipoo ranges from soft and long to curly. The decisive factor is whether the coat of the Maltese or the Poodle dominates. Both types of fur require extensive grooming with daily brushing and regular visits to the groomer for clipping. The Maltipoo has no undercoat and can freeze very easily. In winter, a dog coat is part of the basic equipment when going for a walk.

Are Maltipoos suitable “allergy dogs”?

It is often read and heard that Poodle mixes, from Maltipoos to Labradoodles, are well suited for people with animal hair allergies, or even “allergy-free”. However, this is not true. It is true that a Poodle mix like the Maltipoo loses comparatively little hair. However, it also has the allergy-triggering substances in skin cells and saliva. It only reduces the distribution of these allergens via the hair in the home. So if a family member has an allergy to contact with certain animals, a Maltipoo is not recommended without reservation. Before you decide to get a pet in this case, it is advisable to seek medical advice. If necessary, tests can be carried out to clarify whether a dog of this breed is suitable for you. It is better not to take any risks by getting a dog on a whim. Otherwise, you run the risk of having to give up your beloved fuzzy – a painful experience that you should spare yourself and the animal.

How much does a Maltipoo cost?

Although it is not possible to say how much a Maltipoo costs, the price for a Maltipoo puppy is generally between 1,500 and 2,000 euros. If you are interested in one of these cute fuzzy dogs, however, do not pay attention to its price in the first place. It is much more important that you choose your animal from a responsible breeder. But how do you recognize a trustworthy Maltipoo breeder? Here are some tips to look out for if you want to buy a Maltipoo puppy:

• A reputable breeder will show you his dogs in their actual living environment, ideally at home with a family connection. You can get to know all the puppies and of course the mother.
• The environment of the animals seems well-groomed and clean, the mother of the puppies makes a healthy and relaxed impression.
• The breeder doesn’t push you to buy quickly, and you are allowed to visit the animals several times before you decide on a small Maltipoo.
• You will get answers to your questions about dogs and breeding without excuses.
• The health of the dogs is close to the breeder’s heart, which includes veterinary care. He has already initiated vaccinations and deworming. If you decide on one of his puppies, he will hand you the vaccination certificate and breeding papers accordingly.

He also asks you questions about your knowledge of dogs because he wants to put his animals in good hands.
If, on the other hand, you are offered a dog on neutral terrain, such as a parking lot, refuse the purchase. Be suspicious if you are only shown a single animal and the provider reacts evasively to questions about the mother or other puppies. A trustworthy breeder has nothing to hide. You should also not accept an “untidy apartment” as a reason. Also, do not buy a Maltipoo puppy that makes a sick impression. For example, pay attention to the eyes and nose, which should be free of discharge and secretions. A healthy puppy should make a bright and playful impression. Since very young animals tire quickly, this cannot always be judged with certainty, which is why at least one more visit is recommended. Do not buy a puppy that is younger than twelve weeks. Young animals should stay with their mother and siblings at least until this age so that they can develop socially and psychologically healthy.

Special features of the Maltipoo

Like most small dogs, the Maltipoo has a predisposition to problems with the patella (kneecap). Sometimes the groove in which the kneecap normally slides is too flat and pops out. It is typical for the dogs to walk on three legs for a few meters every now and then. Visit your veterinarian if you observe irregularities in the gait of the hind legs. Regular, uniform movements such as long walks strengthen the muscles and are indispensable even for such a small dog. In addition, eye diseases can occur in Maltipoo.

Other hybrid dogs with poodles:

• Bernedoodle: Are you looking for a well-balanced family dog that is both smart and playful as well as loving and cozy? Then the Bernedoodle is a good choice.
• Cavapoo: The Cavapoo – also known as the Cavoodle – originated from a cross between small or dwarf poodles and Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
• Schnoodle: The Schnoodle, a mix of Schnauzer and Poodle, is one of the most popular designer dogs. Which breed dominates is individual – so there is always a little “surprise package” in your Schnoodle.
• Cockapoo: As a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, the Cockapoo (also: Cockerdoodle and Cockerpoo) ideally combines the best characteristics of both breeds.
• Labradoodle: The kindness of the Labrador combined with the non-shedding fur of the intelligent poodle – a Labradoodle accompanies you with a little education as a wonderful family dog in everyday life.
• Goldendoodle: The good-natured Goldendoodle is one of the hybrid dog breeds. It is created from the cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle – hence the characteristic teddy look.