Dog breeds / Maltipoo
Photo: Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Dog breed
Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a toy or miniature Poodle, bred in the United States from the late 1990s as a companion dog for people who wanted a small, low-shedding pet. It was developed to be a lap dog first, with the Poodle parent adding intelligence and a coat that sheds less than many breeds.
Day to day, Maltipoos are affectionate and eager to be near their people, often following them from room to room. They are alert and tend to bark at doorbells and unfamiliar sounds, and many are quick to learn tricks. Their size and temperament suit people who want a dog that is happy on a sofa as much as on a walk.
They need short walks daily, a few play sessions, and regular brushing to keep the coat from matting. Their teeth need attention, since small dogs are prone to dental buildup, and their eyes and ears should be checked and kept clean. Most do best with a steady routine and plenty of company.
Good for: Companion seekers, low-shedding homes, apartment dwellers
| Size | small |
| Weight | 7–20 lb |
| Height | 8–14 in |
| Life span | 12–15 years |
| Exercise | about 40 min a day |
| Shedding | low |
Plan for regular brushing and dental care, and start alone-time training early to prevent separation anxiety.
Living with a Maltipoo
Exercise
Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes of walking and play each day, split into shorter outings. Indoor games and short training sessions also count. Without enough activity they can become restless, bark more and develop unwanted habits.
Grooming
The coat is soft and can be wavy, curly or silky, and it sheds very little. It needs brushing several times a week to prevent matting, and a trim every four to six weeks. Bathe as needed, clean the ears weekly, and trim nails monthly.
At home
Maltipoos usually do well with considerate children who handle them gently, though they can be fragile and are not ideal for toddlers who grab. They tend to get along with other dogs and with cats that are calm and confident. Their small size makes apartments workable, and they adapt easily to a house without a yard as long as they get regular outings. Many dislike being left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety, so gradual practice with alone time helps.
Training
Maltipoos are bright and usually learn quickly with reward-based methods, short sessions and plenty of praise. Early socialising with people, sounds and other dogs helps prevent shyness and reactivity. Expect some stubbornness, especially around house training, which can take patience and consistency. They are sensitive to harsh correction, and recall can be unreliable without steady practice.
Health
Maltipoos can be prone to patellar luxation, dental disease and tear staining, and some are prone to progressive retinal atrophy. Ask a vet about health screening from the breeder and what to watch for in your dog.
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Maltipoo
Feeding, adult
1–1.5 cups a day
About 429 kcal, roughly 8 lb of dry food a month at 7–20 lb. Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →
What a year costs
$1,200–$2,150
Food about $316, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.
Weather
Watch above 75°F, stop at 85°F
Coat or short walks below 40°F. Small dogs lose heat fast: a coat below about 40°F, and keep walks short in the cold.
Where a Maltipoo is comfortable
Easy most of the year: California, Oregon, Washington.
Summer needs care (early walks, shade, AC): Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas.
Winter needs care (coat, short walks): Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Both seasons need care: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, DC.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Indoor life changes everything; this is about walks and time outside.
Right now
Latest dog food recalls
Fromm: Fromm wet canned dog food
Fromm Family Foods LLC · Aug 21 · Potential metal contamination
Oma’s Pride: Canine Food
Miller Foods, Inc. · Aug 17 · Contaminated with Salmonella
Pedigree: High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food
Mars Petcare US, Inc. · Jul 2 · Potential foreign plastic contamination
Popular Maltipoo names
From 4,731 licensed Maltipoos in New York City. All forty, with counts →
Is a Maltipoo right for you?
- Yes if you want a small, affectionate companion for indoor life.
- Yes if you can brush the coat several times a week.
- Yes if you are home often or can arrange company during the day.
- Think twice if you want a dog for rough play with young children.
- Think twice if you are often away for long hours.
Questions owners ask
Do Maltipoos shed?
They shed very little, which is why many people choose them. Their hair does grow continuously, so regular brushing is still needed to prevent matting and loose hair from collecting.
Are Maltipoos good in apartments?
Yes, their small size suits apartments well. They need regular walks and company, and they can bark at noises, so a calm routine helps them settle.
Do Maltipoos bark a lot?
They can be vocal and often bark at visitors or sounds. Early training and enough exercise help reduce excessive barking.
Are Maltipoos good with kids?
They can be good with gentle, older children who know how to handle small dogs. Their size makes them easy to injure, so supervision is important.
How long do Maltipoos live?
Maltipoos typically live about 12 to 15 years. Good nutrition, dental care and regular vet checkups all help them reach that range.
Good picks for a Maltipoo
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
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Written by Pawdeck editors · updated Nov 12, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.