What is a Maltipoo?
The Maltipoo is a designer dog breed created by crossing a Maltese with a Poodle. This mix has become popular because it combines the best qualities of both parent breeds. Malteses bring gentle and playful personalities, while Poodles contribute their intelligent and active nature.
Most Maltipoos weigh between 22 and 39 pounds and stand 11 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years with proper care. Because this is a mixed breed, individual dogs can vary quite a bit in appearance and temperament depending on which parent they take after more.
If you are considering adopting or buying a Maltipoo, understanding both parent breeds helps you prepare for what to expect. Use our breed quiz to see if a Maltipoo fits your lifestyle, or check the calorie calculator to plan their nutrition.
Parent Breeds at a Glance
| Trait | Maltese | Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | medium |
| Weight | 4-7 lbs | 40-70 lbs |
| Height | 7-9" | 15-22" |
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs | 12-15 yrs |
| Activity | Moderate | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| AKC Group | Toy | Non-Sporting |
Maltipoo Temperament and Personality
The Maltipoo typically shows a blend of personality traits from both parents. Common traits include being gentle, playful, charming, intelligent. Individual personalities can lean more toward one parent, so meeting the specific puppy before committing is always a good idea.
Early socialization plays a big role in how any dog develops. Expose your Maltipoo puppy to different people, dogs, sounds, and environments during the first 16 weeks. This builds confidence and reduces the chance of fear-based behaviors later in life.
Health and Common Conditions
Mixed breeds often have fewer health problems than purebreds because of increased genetic diversity. That said, Maltipoos can still inherit conditions from either parent breed. Regular vet visits and preventive care go a long way in keeping your dog healthy.
Health issues to watch for:
- ● White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- ● Patellar Luxation
- ● Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- ● Dental Problems
- ● Hip Dysplasia
- ● Epilepsy
- ● Sebaceous Adenitis
Ask for health clearances from the breeder before buying a Maltipoo puppy. Responsible breeders test both parent dogs for hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and breed-specific genetic disorders.
Grooming Needs
Grooming level: High
Maltipoos require regular brushing (3-4 times per week minimum) and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Their coat can mat easily if neglected.
Check our grooming schedule tool for a personalized plan.
Exercise Requirements
Activity level: High
Plan for 45-60 minutes of daily activity. Maltipoos enjoy walks, swimming, and interactive play. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
Use our calorie calculator to match food intake with activity level.
Feeding Your Maltipoo
A Maltipoo weighing 22 to 39 pounds typically needs about 330 to 585 calories per day, depending on age and activity level. Puppies need calorie-dense food split into 3-4 meals. Adult dogs do well with 2 meals per day.
High-quality protein should be the foundation of your Maltipoo's diet. Check our best food for Malteses and best food for Poodles for brand recommendations that work well for this mix. For puppies, our puppy weight calculator helps track healthy growth.
Maltipoo FAQ
How big does a Maltipoo get?
A full-grown Maltipoo typically weighs between 22 and 39 pounds. Size can vary depending on which parent's genes are more dominant.
How long do Maltipoos live?
The average Maltipoo lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Mixed breed dogs often benefit from genetic diversity, which can reduce certain breed-specific health risks.
Are Maltipoos good family dogs?
Maltipoos tend to be great family dogs. They inherit traits from both Malteses and Poodles, which often includes a friendly and loyal temperament. Early socialization is still important for any dog.
Do Maltipoos shed a lot?
Shedding depends on which parent's coat the Maltipoo inherits. Malteses have high grooming needs, while Poodles have high grooming needs. Your Maltipoo's coat type will determine how much brushing is required.
How much exercise does a Maltipoo need?
Maltipoos need regular daily exercise. With a Maltese parent (Moderate energy) and a Poodle parent (High energy), expect your Maltipoo to need at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day.
What health problems do Maltipoos have?
Maltipoos can be prone to health issues from both parent breeds, including White Dog Shaker Syndrome, Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Dental Problems. Regular vet checkups and a balanced diet help prevent many of these conditions.
How much does a Maltipoo cost?
Maltipoo puppies typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 from a reputable breeder. Prices vary based on the breeder's location, parent pedigree, and coat color. Adoption from a rescue is a more affordable option and usually costs $200 to $500.
Are Maltipoos easy to train?
Both Malteses and Poodles are known for their intelligence, which usually makes Maltipoos responsive to training. Positive reinforcement methods work best. Start training and socialization early for the best results.