Maltipoo

Oct 03, 2024

Introducing the Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a charming hybrid breed that results from crossing a Maltese with a poodle. These designer dogs have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason: they are not only sweet and fluffy, but also intelligent, playful and adaptable. Due to their friendly and loving nature, Maltipoos are particularly suitable as family dogs or companion dogs. Being relatively small and easy to care for, they are well suited to urban apartments or houses where space is limited.

Appearance of the Maltipoo

The Maltipoo has a charming, puppy-like appearance that it retains throughout its life. It has a compact, harmonious build with a dainty head, large dark eyes and a black or brown nose. Its ears are soft and droopy, while its body is usually slightly rectangular and well-proportioned. Its overall appearance is that of a gentle, friendly and cute dog that looks almost like a teddy bear due to its fluffy coat.

Coat and colours of the Maltipoo

The Maltipoo's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It is usually wavy to curly and feels soft and silky. Thanks to the poodle in its ancestry, the Maltipoo has a hypoallergenic coat, which means that it sheds relatively little and is therefore a good choice for allergy sufferers. The Maltipoo's colour palette is diverse and ranges from white, cream and apricot to grey, black, silver or a mixture of different shades.

How big can a Maltipoo get?

The size of the Maltipoo depends largely on the size of its parents, especially the poodle part, since poodles come in different sizes (Toy and Miniature). A typical Maltipoo reaches a shoulder height of between 20 and 35 cm and weighs between 3 and 7 kilograms. Their compact size makes them ideal for apartments or smaller living spaces.

The character of the Maltipoo

Maltipoos are known for their friendly, social and people-oriented character. They love spending time with their humans and are extremely affectionate. These dogs are often playful and energetic, but they also have a calm side that makes them ideal cuddly companions. Thanks to their high level of intelligence, which they inherit from the poodle, they are quick learners and understand their owners' moods well. They usually get along well with other pets and children and have a gentle and friendly nature.

Training a Maltipoo

Training a Maltipoo is relatively easy because they are intelligent and eager to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods and love to please their owners. Consistency is important, however, otherwise they may tend to do their own thing. Socialisation and basic obedience training should begin while they are still puppies. Occasionally they can be a little stubborn, but with patience and clear rules they are very trainable.

Who is the Maltipoo suitable for?

The Maltipoo is ideal for a wide range of people, including singles, couples, seniors and families. Their manageable size and friendly nature make them suitable for city dwellers as well as those living in rural areas. The Maltipoo adapts well to different lifestyles and is suitable for active people who like to go for walks as well as for quieter individuals.

Is the Maltipoo a family dog?

Yes, the Maltipoo is an excellent family dog. It loves being the centre of attention and enjoys interacting with children. Its gentle nature also makes it a good choice for households with younger children, provided the children know how to treat a small dog with respect. Maltipoos are very social and enjoy the attention and affection they receive in a family environment.

Grooming the Maltipoo

Grooming your Maltipoo requires regular brushing to keep their curly or wavy coat tangle-free. Although Maltipoos don't shed much, their fur can quickly become matted without grooming, so a regular haircut, about every six to eight weeks, is advisable. In addition, their eyes should be cleaned regularly, as they can be prone to tear stains. Their ears also need to be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections.

Feeding your Maltipoo

As with all dogs, a balanced diet is important for Maltipoos to stay healthy. High-quality dry or wet food that meets the nutritional needs of a small dog is ideal. Since Maltipoos can be prone to obesity, treats should be given in moderation and regular meals should be preferred. It's advisable to adjust the amount of food according to the dog's activity level to ensure that they are neither over- nor underfed.

How much do Maltipoos shed?

Maltipoos are known to shed relatively little, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Their coat is more comparable to that of a poodle than a Maltese, which means they have less hair loss and are hypoallergenic. Regular grooming will help remove any loose fur and prevent matting.

How old do Maltipoo dogs get?

Maltipoos have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, depending on factors such as genetic predisposition, care and general health. A healthy lifestyle, regular visits to the vet and a balanced diet will help ensure that a Maltipoo enjoys a long and happy life.

Typical diseases of the Maltipoo

Maltipoos are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health problems. The most common conditions include patella luxation (a dislocation of the knee), eye problems such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and skin allergies. Because they are descended from poodles, they may also be susceptible to genetic diseases of the poodle, which is why careful breeding and health monitoring are important.

How much does a Maltipoo puppy cost?

The cost of a Maltipoo puppy varies depending on the breeder, location and parentage. Typically, the price of a Maltipoo puppy ranges from CHF 1500.00 to CHF 3000.00. In particular, puppies from breeders who pay attention to healthy lines and good socialisation can be more expensive.

What should you look out for when buying a Maltipoo?

When buying a Maltipoo, it is important to choose a reputable breeder who offers healthy and well-socialised puppies. The breeder should be willing to provide health certificates for the parents to ensure that no genetic diseases are passed on. In addition, the puppies should have been raised in a clean and loving environment. Caution is advised with offers that are well below market price, as these can often come from dubious sources.

Maltipoo profile

Size: 20 to 35 cm
Weight: 3 to 7 kg
Coat: Wavy to curly, hypoallergenic
Colours: white, cream, apricot, grey, black, silver, mixtures
Character: friendly, playful, intelligent, social
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Hair: Not very
Typical diseases: Patellar luxation, eye problems, skin allergies
Suitable for: Families, singles, senior citizens, people with allergies