By Mambo Dogs teamEditorial review pendingSuggest a correction

Crossbreed · United States

Maltipoo

Also called Maltepoo, Moodle, Maltese Poodle cross

A cuddly Maltese and Poodle cross with a big personality, bred as a close companion rather than a worker.

The Maltipoo is a designer cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. It is affectionate, clever and social, and usually low shedding, though no coat is guaranteed. Size, coat and temperament can vary widely between individuals and generations, so choosing a responsible breeder matters.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

3 to 7 kg

7 to 15 lb

Height

20 to 36 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

12 to 15 yrs

Activity estimate

60 to 90 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

12 months

approximate model input

Life with a Maltipoo

There is no single Maltipoo. The cross combines the Maltese, an ancient Mediterranean companion dog, with the Toy or Miniature Poodle, a clever and athletic breed. Because it is a cross rather than a fixed breed, individual dogs can vary widely in size, coat and temperament. Breeders in the United States began producing Maltipoos in the 1990s, aiming for a small, affectionate, low-shedding companion.

Generation matters. An F1 Maltipoo is a first cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. An F1b is an F1 crossed back to a Poodle, usually giving curlier coats. An F2 comes from two F1 parents, and can produce a wider mix of coat types and sizes. No generation guarantees a specific coat or temperament, so meeting the parents is the best guide.

Most Maltipoos are social, playful and eager to be with their people. They often follow owners from room to room and enjoy cuddles on the sofa. This attachment can lead to separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods, so they suit homes where someone is around for most of the day.

Because demand is high, the cross attracts careless breeders. A good one will let you meet the mother, tell you which Poodle size was used, show health results for both parents and ask you as many questions as you ask them. Puppies sold very young, before 8 weeks, or handed over in car parks are warning signs worth taking seriously.

What stands out

Training

Maltipoos are intelligent and eager to please, and they respond well to positive reinforcement. Short sessions with treats and praise work best. They often enjoy learning tricks and can do well in obedience or agility.

Read the full training guide

Easy to train

Open with strangers

Good with other dogs

A great match for

people living in flats
owners home for most of the day
families with considerate children
seniors wanting a small, affectionate dog

Think twice if

separation anxiety
regular grooming needs
tendency to bark
variable size and coat

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much a Maltipoo eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	5 kg	300 kcal	80 g (0.8 cups)
Female, typical pet	5 kg	350 kcal	95 g (1 cups)
Male, typical pet	5 kg	370 kcal	100 g (1 cups)
Male, very active	5 kg	470 kcal	125 g (1.3 cups)

Full Maltipoo feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the Maltipoo

Feeding5 kg usually needs around 250 to 350 kcal a day, roughly 65 to 90 g of a small-breed dry food (about three quarters of a cup), split into two meals. Very small dogs need less, and larger ones from Miniature Poodle parents need more.Read more Puppy growthMaltipoo puppies grow quickly and usually reach adult size by 10 to 12 months. Adult size depends on the Poodle parent: Toy Poodle crosses are often 2 to 5 kg, while Miniature Poodle crosses may reach 5 to 9 kg.Read more ExerciseMost adults need about 30 to 45 minutes of activity a day, including short walks and play. They enjoy fetch, tug, trick training and puzzle toys.Read more GroomingGrooming needs depend on coat type. Silky and wavy coats need brushing three or four times a week, while curly coats often need daily brushing to prevent mats.Read more HealthMaltipoos can inherit conditions from both parent breeds. Issues reported include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, dental problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, portosystemic shunts and white shaker syndrome.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1Created by crossing a Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, mainly from the 1990s in the United States
2Size can vary from about 2 to 9 kg depending on the Poodle parent and generation
3Coats range from silky to curly, and puppies in the same litter can differ
4Not recognized as a breed by major kennel clubs
5Often bonds closely to its family and dislikes being left alone

Maltipoo questions

Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic?

No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Maltipoos often shed little, which may help some people with mild allergies, but reactions vary. Allergens are also found in saliva and dander. Spend time with the specific dog or parents before committing if allergies are a concern.

How big will my Maltipoo get?

It depends on the Poodle parent and generation. Toy Poodle crosses often weigh 2 to 5 kg, while Miniature Poodle crosses may reach 5 to 9 kg. Ask to meet the parents and see adult dogs from the same breeder for a better guide.

What is the difference between F1 and F1b Maltipoos?

An F1 is a first-generation cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. An F1b is an F1 crossed back to a Poodle, often giving curlier, lower-shedding coats. Neither guarantees a specific coat or size, and individual puppies vary.

Do Maltipoos bark a lot?

Many are alert and vocal, barking at noises or visitors. Training a quiet cue, rewarding calm behavior and providing enough exercise and mental stimulation helps. Some bark more when left alone, which may be a sign of separation anxiety.

Can Maltipoos be left alone?

Most do not like being left alone for long. They are companion dogs that bond closely with their families. Practice short absences from an early age, provide puzzle toys and consider a dog walker or daycare if you work long hours.

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