Maltipoo at a glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Also called | Maltepoo, Maltapoo |
| Breed type | Designer cross (Maltese and Poodle) |
| Height | Usually under 14 inches |
| Weight | About 5 to 20 pounds |
| Lifespan | Around 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Soft, wavy or curly, low shedding |
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, smart, people focused |
| Best for | Apartments, families, singles, seniors |
| Grooming | Regular, often professional |
What is a Maltipoo?
The Maltipoo is a designer crossbreed that became popular in the 1990s. It mixes the Maltese, known as a gentle and devoted companion, with the Poodle, known for being one of the smartest dog breeds and for a coat that sheds very little. The Poodle parent is usually a toy or a miniature, and that choice affects how big the puppy grows.
Because the Maltipoo is a mix and not a standardized purebred, looks and size can vary a lot, even between puppies in the same litter. That is part of their charm, but it also means you cannot predict exactly how a puppy will turn out.
How big do Maltipoos get?
Maltipoos are firmly in the small dog category. Most stand under 14 inches tall and weigh somewhere between 5 and 20 pounds, depending mainly on whether the Poodle parent was a toy or a miniature. Smaller crosses are sometimes sold as “teacup” Maltipoos, a marketing label rather than an official size, and very tiny dogs can come with extra health risks worth understanding first.
Read our full guide on Maltipoo size and weight.
Coat and colors
The Maltipoo coat is soft and medium to long, and it can be wavy or curly depending on the dog. Colors range widely. White and cream are the most common, but you will also see apricot, brown, gray, red, and black, along with bicolor, tricolor, and even marbled coats. The exact coat type often depends on the generation of the cross.
Read our full guide on Maltipoo colors.
Do Maltipoos shed, and are they hypoallergenic?
Maltipoos shed very little, which is one of the biggest reasons people choose them. It is worth being honest about the word hypoallergenic though. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, because every dog produces dander and saliva that can trigger allergies. What is true is that Maltipoos shed little, do not drool much, and are small, so many allergy prone people find them easier to live with. If allergies are a real concern in your home, spend time around an adult Maltipoo before you commit.
Read our full guide on whether Maltipoos shed.
Temperament and personality
The Maltipoo temperament is hard to beat. They tend to be gentle, affectionate, playful, and deeply attached to their people. The Poodle side makes them clever and quick to pick things up. They suit a lot of homes, including singles, families, and seniors.
The flip side of that devotion is that Maltipoos bond tightly and can struggle when left alone for long stretches, which sometimes shows up as separation anxiety. They are also small and delicate, so they are better suited to calm handling than rough and tumble play with very young children.
Read our full guide on Maltipoo temperament and personality.
Training
Maltipoos are smart and eager to please, so with consistent, positive training and early socialization, most learn quickly. One honest note from owners and vets alike. Potty training can take patience, because a small dog has a small bladder and needs frequent, regular bathroom breaks. Start early, keep it positive, and stay consistent.
Exercise and daily life
Maltipoos do not need intense exercise. A couple of short walks and some playtime each day are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. At heart they are indoor companions who want to be near you, which is exactly why they fit so well into apartment life.
Grooming
That lovely coat does ask for upkeep. Regular brushing keeps it from matting, and many owners book a professional groom every few weeks. A simple tip that saves a lot of grief, comb the coat through after a bath, before it dries, so tangles do not set in.
Read our full guide on Maltipoo grooming and haircuts.
Health and lifespan
Maltipoos usually live around 12 to 15 years, though it varies with health and care. As a crossbreed, they often benefit from what is called hybrid vigor, which can make mixes a little less prone to some inherited problems than their purebred parents. It helps, but it does not remove the risk.
The conditions worth being aware of come from both parent breeds and include the following.
- Dental disease. The most common issue in small dogs, because a lot of teeth are packed into a small jaw.
- Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place and can cause a skipping limp. Veterinary sources note that small breeds, including the Maltese and Toy Poodle, are genetically predisposed to it.
- Eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and tear staining.
- White shaker syndrome, tremors most often seen in small white dogs, which is usually treatable.
- Less commonly, hip or elbow issues, epilepsy, and obesity.
Not every Maltipoo will face these. A responsible breeder health tests both parent dogs, and regular vet checkups catch problems early. For anything specific to your own dog, always talk to your vet.
Read our full guides on Maltipoo health basics and how long Maltipoos live.
How much does a Maltipoo cost?
A Maltipoo puppy from a reputable breeder commonly costs somewhere between about 1,500 and 3,000 US dollars, and sometimes more, depending on the breeder, your location, and the puppy's size and coloring. The purchase price is only the start though. You will also want to budget for food, grooming, routine vet care, and pet insurance over the dog's life.
Read our full guide on how much a Maltipoo costs.
Is a Maltipoo right for you?
A Maltipoo could be a wonderful match if you want a small, affectionate companion, you are home often or can avoid leaving the dog alone for long periods, and you are happy to keep up with regular grooming.
A Maltipoo may not be the best fit if you are out of the house all day, you want a wash and go coat with little maintenance, or you have very young children who play roughly. There is no perfect breed, only the right fit for your life.
How the Maltipoo compares to other poodle mixes
Still weighing the Maltipoo against another small doodle? These side-by-side comparisons cover size, energy, shedding, and cost.