What do I need to know before buying a Maltipoo?

Maltipoos tend to have high energy levels, but they only need a moderate amount of exercise. A short 15 minute walk or a game of fetch indoors will keep them happy and healthy. They are eager to play, so incorporating some fun into training will deliver the best results.

Care

Although they have a low-shedding coat, Maltipoos can be high maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Their medium-long wooly coat will require daily brushing to keep clean and healthy. If not brushed enough, they can develop painful matting or sores on their skin. They’ll need a bath once a month and clippings every few, except for the area around their face and eyes, which will need monthly trims. Smaller dog breeds typically spend more time indoors than out, meaning their nails won’t have the chance to file down naturally. Examine and trim your pup’s nails every month to ensure they stay healthy. Expect to brush your Maltipoo’s teeth at least a couple of times a week, as well.

Maltipoos tend to have high energy levels, but they only need a moderate amount of exercise. A short 15 minute walk or a game of fetch indoors will keep them happy and healthy. They are eager to play, so incorporating some fun into training will deliver the best results.

“Maltipoos require plenty of time to be potty trained, whether it is using the wee pads indoors or going outside to do their business,” Christman says. 

The Maltipoo is a winning combination of a Maltese and poodle. Gentle, playful, and highly intelligent, this hybrid inherits every positive quality from each parent breed, making them a smart, active and affectionate crossbreed.

Maltipoos are patient, kind companions for everyone young and old. They’ll fit right into almost any home, whether it’s a busy family circus or a table for one. A Maltipoo won’t get bigger than 20 pounds. It’s because of this adorable disposition and a nearly “hypoallergenic” coat that Maltipoos are growing in popularity. Easy to train and easy to love, Maltipoos are a great choice for a first-time dog owner or animal lover.

Temperament

The Maltipoo temperament is hard to beat. They are lovers, through and through—gentle, affectionate, fun-loving, and happy. Maltipoos are completely satisfied watching life go by from the lap of their human, and are just as prepared to play fetch as they are to snuggle. What do I need to know before buying a Maltipoo?

Marlene Kingston, breeder and trainer at My Next Maltipoo, has a huge respect for each individual parent breed that makes this hybrid so unique. “Each [Maltipoo] has a big personality and a lot of energy that comes from the poodle parent, but they also want to be loved and cuddled by their human, which comes from their Maltese parent,” Kingston says. 

Living Needs

The Maltipoo knows they’re a member of the family and should be treated as such. They need to be indoors with their humans, and they may even designate a spot on the couch as their own. As they’re not huge fans of being outdoors, there’s no need for a big backyard to please this pup—they actually thrive in apartments and smaller spaces. That said, they still need daily exercise to burn out their (sometimes high) energy. Maltipoos can also be noisy and will alert their family if they see or hear something out of the ordinary. If they’ll be living close to neighbors, they’ll need consistent training to learn what’s worth a bark and what’s not.

An abundance of patience is required; Maltipoos may be intelligent, but they are also sensitive. Aggressive tactics will cause them to shut down (as with any dog). Positive reinforcement, plenty of treats, and play will speed up the training process and make it enjoyable for the pooch and the trainer.

Having such gentle personalities, Maltipoos get along well with almost anyone—animal or human. They do fine in multi-dog or cat households whether or not they’ve been raised alongside their pet companions. Maltipoos can be a wonderful family dog and are excellent around children, Christman says, but might need some guidance to know which toy is theirs to play with and which is off-limits. What do I need to know before buying a Maltipoo?