Discover 7 Interesting Facts About the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is one of those crossbreeds that hits the sweet spot for a lot of folks — small, friendly, smart, and (bonus!) low-shedding. If you’re considering this cheerful little fluffball, here’s what you really need to know, without the fluff — just the good, the tricky, and the honest bits from real-life experience.
What’s a Maltipoo, really?
It’s a mix between a Maltese and a Poodle (usually Toy or Miniature), and it ends up being the best of both worlds — adorable, clever, and cuddly. Size-wise, they typically fall in the 8–14 inch range and weigh between 5–20 pounds, depending on the Poodle parent. So, still lap-sized, but with a bit more bounce.
Coat & Allergies
One of the big draws? Their coat. It’s usually curly and soft — less shedding than many breeds, thanks to both parents being low-shedding types. That makes them a popular choice for allergy-sensitive households. Just know that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Allergies often stem from dander and saliva, not just hair.
That coat also needs some upkeep. We brush our Maltipoo daily — matting happens fast otherwise. Monthly baths and a trim every few months help keep things under control. If you’re not up for regular grooming or the cost of professional grooming, this might be a dealbreaker.
Personality & Training
These dogs are smart. Like, scary smart sometimes. That Poodle brain means they learn tricks quickly and love mental stimulation. Start training early and keep it positive — they’re eager to please but can be a bit sensitive. We’ve found they respond really well to clicker training and short, fun sessions.
They also thrive on routine and attention. If you’re home a lot or work remotely, you’re golden. But if your schedule means long hours away, this might not be the breed for you. Maltipoos can get separation anxiety big time — and yes, that means barking.
Speaking of Barking…
They bark. A lot. Not always, but it’s in their nature — especially if they’re bored, anxious, or not properly socialized. With ours, early training and setting boundaries made a world of difference, but you’ve got to stay consistent. If you’re in an apartment, this is a critical point to consider.
Great with Families & Other Pets
Maltipoos are incredibly people-oriented. They’re gentle with kids, friendly with strangers, and usually get along with other pets — assuming proper introductions and socialization happen early. They’re not aggressive, more like tiny social butterflies who want to be part of everything.
Energy & Exercise
Don’t let the size fool you — they’ve got energy to burn. Two good walks a day and some indoor playtime usually do the trick. They love fetch, puzzle toys, and even agility if you’re up for it. Ours gets the zoomies every evening, so be ready for a little whirlwind.
Health & Lifespan
Maltipoos generally live 12–15 years — not bad! But like all breeds, they’ve got some potential health concerns. Keep an eye out for issues like luxating patella, PRA (a type of eye degeneration), epilepsy, and White Shaker Syndrome. The best way to protect your pup is to choose a responsible breeder (or rescue) and stay on top of vet visits.
Bottom Line
If you’re after a small, affectionate, smart, and low-shedding dog that fits into apartment life and loves being part of the family, the Maltipoo could be your perfect match. Just be ready for grooming, training, and lots of together time — they don’t do well being ignored.
For us, the Maltipoo has been an absolute joy. They’re like having a little shadow who wants to learn, cuddle, and make you laugh — all wrapped in a soft, curly coat. If that sounds like your kind of dog, this might just be love at first bark.
