The highly intelligent and sophisticated Maltese Poodle Mix is a designer dog breed originating from a Toy Poodle and the small and joyful Maltese.
Known as the Maltipoo, this designer dog is bred to be hypoallergenic, making him the perfect companion for those dog lovers who are a little more sensitive to puppy dander.
This pooch, which remains very puppy-like in its appearance, stands between 8 to 14 inches tall and weighs 5 to 20 pounds in weight.
In this article we cover everything from their appearance, temperament, behavior, and everyday requirements; so you can see if this breed sounds perfect for you.
| Size | 8-14″ in height |
| Weight | 5-20lb |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Breed Type | Mixes and more |
| Purpose | Companion (Hypoallergenic Toy Dog) |
| Suitable For | All – Individuals and Families |
| Color Variations | Fawn, Beige, White, Black, and Bicolored |
| Temperament | Playful, Loving, Affectionate, Intelligent, And Sociable |
| Other Names | Maltipoo, Maltese Poodle Cross |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is A Maltese Poodle Mix?
The Maltese Poodle Mix is a designer dog, bred by mating a Toy Poodle and a Maltese.
As a designer dog breed, this breed is not recognized by any major kennel club. But, this breed is still bound to make any dog lover fall head over heels.
In order to understand the origins of the Maltese Poodle Mix, it is wise to take a look at both parent breeds separately.
Toy Poodle
Interestingly, the Poodle originated on the German and French border.
The Poodle breed is highly associated with the upper class and was bred to be a hard-working sport dog used for water fowl.
Today, the Poodle’s ancestry is still unsure, but it is strongly believed to be an ancestor of the Asian herding dog which the Germans used for hunting.
Due to the Poodle’s glamorous coat (and many different poodle cuts) this pup became popular throughout pop culture due to its exquisite appearance.
They have definitely come a long way from their hunting ways to now sitting table side at your local fancy café.
The Toy Poodle originated from the standard Poodle. However, it was selectively bred from the smallest Poodle in each litter to ensure that the smaller size was carried on.
Maltese
The Maltese is also another dog known for their glamourous coats. This toy dog breed is one of the most ancient, and originates from Malta from around 6000 to 8000 B.C.
This breed has been known to be associated with luxury and history. It has been mentioned in Roman, Greek and even British History.
The Maltese was bred due to its size and astonishing floor-length coat.
Today, the Maltese breed is one of the most popular toy dog breeds and is highly adaptable and intelligent.
Maltese Poodle Mix
The Maltese x Toy Poodle mix was designed to be a small intelligent and hypoallergenic breed and first appeared as little as 10 to 20 years ago.
Maltese Poodle Mix Puppies
A Poodle Maltese Mix is breed by crossing a purebred Toy Poodle with a purebred Maltese dog. However, it is not specified which breed must be the female (i.e. mother) and which the male (i.e. father).
Due to being a designer breed, each puppy born is unique, and may come in a variety of colors and coat types:
- Brown and curly
- White and straight
- Black and curly
The cost of a Maltese Poodle Mix puppy is between $400 to $2,000 USD. The price range varies significantly and is highly dependent upon the breeder and the parents which they breed from.
Remember to find a responsible breeder to avoid any unwanted health issues
Maltese Poodle Mix Personality and Temperament
The Poodle Mix with Maltese is an elegant dog with a clever, playful, and bright personality that is sure to lighten anyone’s mood.
This dog just loves to please and is definitely people-orientated making for a wonderful dog who loves socializing with people, pets, and children.
They are extremely loveable and crave your attention.
This dog is likely to develop separation anxiety if not accustomed to being left alone appropriately.
The perfect lap dog makes a good companion for people of all ages from young children to seniors. As long as this dog has your time and attention then you two are extremely compatible (their temperament is very similar to the Cavapoo).
Surprisingly, the Poodle Maltese Mix may double as a small guard dog. Although not very intimidating in appearance, they do have quite the bark on them.
Unnecessary barking, however, may cause a problem, but, can be fixed with positive reinforcement and ensuring that they are confident and comfortable while left alone.
Is This Dog Good With Other Pets?
This dog is great with your feline friends, and other pets for that matter, just make sure they are introduced properly.
The size of this designer mix makes it no threat to any cat and you may find your cat even playing with your puppy.
Is This Dog Good With Children?
Children may also be introduced to the Maltese Poodle Mix.
However, your dog may be impatient when it comes to children, so be sure to teach your children that their dog needs to be handled with care and ease due to its delicate and petite size.
Is This Dog Good With Travel?
The small size of this breed makes them very travel-friendly and the perfect little fur-end for apartment or town house living.
Due to their petite size, this breed does not require a large yard and their exercise requirements are not high.
In summary, this small designer dog is every small dog lovers dream as they have a playful, loving and friendly temperament.
A Maltipoo Care Guide (Feeding, Exercising & Training)
Food and Diet Requirements
| Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Cups of Kibble |  |
As the Maltese Poodle Mix is a toy dog breed, they may use up to 40 calories per pound of body weight per day.
Being small, like other Poodle Mixes, they do not require a lot of food to fill their bellies. At 5 to 20 pounds they will require anywhere from 200 to 800 calories per day (this is the equivalent to a ½ to 2 cups of high quality dry kibble per day).
Try not to feed your dog their food all at once. Instead, try breaking up their feeding into meals. Try three to four meals a day; spread evenly, maybe breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper.
As this dog is a toy dog breed, Maltese Poodle Mix should eat a high-quality dry kibbled diet specialized for smaller dog breeds – this will ensure that all of their daily energy, protein and fat requirements are reached.
Don’t forget to add in those treats for extra puppy kisses.
Exercising a Maltese x Poodle Mix
| Daily Exercise Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 30 minutes |
| Activity Level |  |
This designer dog is definitely a more of an indoor breed.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should give up those walks or daily exercise.
As for humans too, exercise helps your dog lead a healthier lifestyle.
Ideally, this dog should receive 30 minutes of exercise per day.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be walked very often, or for long periods of time, as daily exercise can include a range of activities such as games, walks, and very short runs.
If you are not a runner or the adventurous type, then this pup may be well-suited for you, as the Maltese Poodle Mix does fine with a short walk in the morning or evening followed by plenty of play sessions inside.
Exercise and play is great way to mentally stimulate your puppy. This is valid for most poodle mixes, large or small.
Mental stimulation can occur through games such as fetch, hide and seek, or simply by a change in environments such as trips to the beach or local dog park.
Training Requirements
Training this designer pooch is very easy as they are a child of the ever so intelligent Poodle – renowned for their intelligence.
All dogs require positive reinforcement training methods and lots of patience. Remember they are young and are still developing; learning is an essential step and may even strengthen the dog to owner bond.
Luckily, the Maltipoo is a calm and intelligent dog so should pick up simple commands such as sit, stay, and down very quickly!
Remember to make training fun for both you and your dog.
Socialization is also an important aspect of training which some dog owners forget about. It is the act of desensitizing your pup to a change in environment, animals, or people.
To adequately socialize your dog, try introducing them to a variety of people and animals from an early age.
Health Problems
Unfortunately, some Maltese Poodle Mixes may inherit diseases from their parent breeds. They may therefore be susceptible to health problems that are associated with the Maltese or Toy Poodle breeds.
White Shaker Syndrome
This syndrome is associated with white dogs such as the Maltese, and may therefore be carried by your designer dog too.
Due to an inflammation of an area of their brain known as the cerebellum, this condition causes your pup to have body tremors.
Patellar Luxation
Also known as kneecap dislocation.
Usually a genetic condition, this condition is common in toy dog breeds and is one of the reasons you should not over-exert your dog through long and fast running. They are only small and their limbs can only handle so much.
If you notice any distinct behavioral or physical changes in your pup, don’t be afraid to pop into your local veterinarian for a check-up.
Maltese Poodle Mix Appearance: Coat, Color, and Grooming
The size of the Maltese Poodle Mix may vary depending on the weight and height of their parent breeds.
Some puppies may take their mothers height and weight, and some, their fathers.
This breed may stand anywhere from 8 to 14 inches to the withers and will be a toy or small dog weighing anywhere between 5 to 20 pounds.
Their coat is usually short to medium in length and the texture may range from straight to curly – usually resembling the fur of a teddy bear dog.
The coat color may range from fawn to beige to white to brown and even black (in a few cases). However, they are usually light beige or white. This makes their gorgeous little dark eyes stand out even more.
Some are bi-colored, with a mix of white and another color – however, this is rare.
The good news for allergy suffers is that this dog breed is somewhat hypoallergenic, and they trap more dander than other breeds. Remember, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, so be sure to have a few interactions, before bringing them home.
Grooming a Maltese Poodle Mix
This dog’s beautiful appearance does not come easy. They are a high-maintenance breed due to their coat.
Maltese Poodle Mixes require regular brushing. It would be a shame to see their coat deteriorate, and it is also uncomfortable for a dog to have matted fur because of limited or incorrect grooming.
Be aware, matting may cause horrible skin infections, so skipping the groomers may not be worth it.
Preferably, this dog breed should be groomed every second day (or even daily). They should also be professionally groomed once a month. Due to their sometimes Poodle-like curls, they may develop matting and knots in their coat.
A Maltese x Poodle Mix with straighter fur may go longer without a professional grooming visit.
This designer mix has small floppy ears which need to be regularly cleaned and checked.
Finally, don’t forget to trim those little nails too, and remember that dental care is also highly important to reduce any potential dental diseases which may occur.
Summary
The Maltese Poodle Mix is a warm, petite, and affectionate breed. This breed is perfect for anybody who craves a little attention every day.
Well-suited for the indoors and even the elderly, the Maltipoo may be tiny but has a huge heart (this dog makes a great companion).
With minimal exercise requirements, and an easy-to-train dog, and a beautiful appearance, this teddy bear-like breed is suitable for a homebody.
What is your favorite thing about this dog? Let us know below
Other Maltese and Miniature or Toy Poodle Mixes
If you’re interested in learning about other Maltese mixes or Miniature or Toy Poodle mixes, check out the hybrid dog breeds below.
I had a cock-a-poo, she lived 14 years. She passed away two years ago. I am now ready for another puppy. I want a small dog I am going to be able to pick up and cuddle with. This makes me feel as if a Maltipoo would be a perfect fit. I am 65 yrs old and I just feel as if I would love a puppy.
I would like to adopt a Maltipoo dog, I lost a Boston Terrier in March.
I am ready to adopt anf give and receive love.
Sorry, but the prior message resulted with a lot Ofic thyphoos. Im interested in this dog or any other like him. I had a maltese, but died by last year. Im a retired lady, and have a lot of time to bring love , And cares to the dog.
I lost my sweet little Emma 3 years ago and was Heart Broken! Emma was a Bishon/Poodle mix and without a doubt the sweetest most loving dog I have ever had. After my Husband passed away I had my little Emma to comfort me. I honestly believe she grieved right along with me. I am ready for another little love bug and to keep me company and share my love with. I hope I can find a breeder near me that I can get in touch with. Thank You!!
How do you proceed to adopt a middle aged dog? I need a connection be4tween Richmond and Virginia Beach VA so I can pick up new sweet heart.