Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
Because the Maltipoo is not an officially recognized designer breed, there are no standardized mandatory health tests within a breed club, which increases the risk for buyers. The breed is susceptible to the hereditary conditions of both parent breeds, particularly patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which leads to blindness. Without voluntary, comprehensive health documentation from the parents regarding these conditions as well as heart disease, purchasing a puppy remains a health-related gamble.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
20–35 cm
Weight
2–6 kg
Practical
Typical coat colors
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Maltipoo, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →The Maltipoo is a people-oriented, charming companion dog mix—a deliberately bred lucky dip between the affectionate Maltese and the clever, active Poodle. It is precisely this mix that makes them a popular, yet often unpredictable companion in terms of energy levels.
The real vibes check
A Maltipoo is not a finished plush toy from a catalog, but a genetic surprise package. You are buying a lucky dip: sometimes the stoic calm of the Maltese dominates, other times the reactive, lightning-smart work ethic of the Poodle. If you are prepared to train the specific dog that ends up in front of you—and not just the cute picture from the internet—you will get a fantastic companion.
An adorable cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, the Maltipoo is a small to medium-sized dog breed known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and distinctive curly coat. They are not recognized by the FCI, but that doesn't make them any less lovable or desirable. Maltipoos typically have a round face with large, expressive eyes and a black or brown nose. Their ears droop and are often covered in curly fur that extends over their entire body. They have a robust but delicate body structure that reflects their lively and agile nature.
The history of the Maltipoo is quite recent and can be traced back to the late 1990s in the USA. They were originally bred as a designer dog to create a hypoallergenic, family-friendly breed that combines the best characteristics of the Maltese and Poodle. They remain a very popular choice for people looking for a small, easy-care and intelligent companion dog.
The Maltipoo was created by crossing Maltese and Poodle to create an allergy-friendly companion dog with a friendly nature.
USA
1990er
Maltipoos are known for their lively and loving personalities. They are very people-oriented and love spending time with their families, making them excellent companion dogs. This breed is also very intelligent, which, combined with their desire to please, tends to make training a pleasant experience for everyone involved. Maltipoos are very playful and enjoy a variety of activities, from long walks to indoor games. Despite their playfulness, they are generally not hyperactive dogs and are quite capable of enjoying quiet moments. When it comes to their ability to stay alone, it is important to remember that Maltipoos, like many other breeds, form close bonds with their owners and therefore may have difficulty staying alone for long periods of time. It is therefore important to teach them how to self-soothe and relax when they are alone. When it comes to hunting behavior, Maltipoos are generally not known as hunters. However, they may show some interest in smaller animals, which can be controlled with good socialization and training. In terms of their alertness, Maltipoos can be quite alert and are known to bark when they notice something unusual. However, this can be minimized through training, especially when done from an early age. When it comes to their temperament, Maltipoos can be quite active, although they are not hyperactive. They enjoy walks and playtime, but don't require as much exercise as larger or more athletic breeds. However, it is important to keep them occupied both physically and mentally, otherwise they may be prone to developing unwanted behaviors. Maltipoos are quite intelligent and learn quickly. This, coupled with their desire to please their people, makes them a good choice for first-time owners who are willing to dedicate the time and energy to basic education and training for their dog.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the name Maltipoo is a combination of the names of the two parent breeds, Maltese and Poodle?
The first Maltipoos were bred as pets by American breeders 30 years ago. Many Maltipoos are white, but there are also black, brown, and red Maltipoos. Maltipoos should be kept indoors and not allowed to be outside for too long. They should only be allowed outside to go to the toilet, to play or to exercise. Maltipoos should be bathed every 3 weeks to a month. Maltipoos shed little to no, making them a good pet for people with allergies.
Maltipoos are very adaptable dogs and can live well in both the city and the country. They are small enough to be kept indoors, but require daily walks and playtime. Maltipoos are very people-oriented and should not be left alone for long periods of time. They typically get along well with children and other pets, although interactions should always be supervised to ensure no one gets hurt.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Maltipoos are very intelligent dogs and learn quickly. They love learning and respond well to positive reinforcement and rewards. Maltipoos can learn a variety of commands and are often good candidates for dog sports such as agility or obedience. However, it is important not to overwhelm the Maltipoo as they may tend to become anxious or insecure under pressure. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important aspects of raising a Maltipoo and should be encouraged early on.
In terms of nutrition, the Maltipoo has no special requirements and can be fed high quality commercial dog food. However, it is important to maintain a balanced diet as Maltipoos can be prone to obesity. Grooming Maltipoos can be demanding. Their curly fur tends to become matted and should therefore be brushed regularly. A regular visit to the dog groomer may also be necessary to keep their coat short and well-groomed. Maltipoos have no undercoat and therefore shed little, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. However, their fur offers little protection from the cold, which is why they may need a coat or sweater during the cold months in Germany.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Solid
Because the Maltipoo is not an officially recognized designer breed, there are no standardized mandatory health tests within a breed club, which increases the risk for buyers. The breed is susceptible to the hereditary conditions of both parent breeds, particularly patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which leads to blindness. Without voluntary, comprehensive health documentation from the parents regarding these conditions as well as heart disease, purchasing a puppy remains a health-related gamble.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
With consistent dental care, maintaining a healthy weight to protect the knees, and paying attention to any breathing sounds, you can make a big difference in daily life.
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees and eyes checked and pay attention to correct bites as well as clear airways to reduce avoidable risks.
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Als wir uns für einen Maltipoo entschieden haben, dachten wir, wir bekommen den perfekten, pflegeleichten Anfängerhund [2.1.7]. Doch man muss ehrlich sagen: Man kauft hier eine absolute Wundertüte. Bei unserer Hündin hat sich leider ein Felltyp durchgesetzt, der uns fast täglich an den Rand des Wahnsinns treibt. Es ist extrem weich und plüschig – wie explodierte Kaninchenwatte. Sobald sie draußen durch die Wiesen läuft, saugt das Fell jeden Schmutz auf und verfilzt gefühlt schon beim bloßen Hingucken.
Wir müssen sie wirklich täglich gründlich bürsten, sonst bilden sich sofort schmerzhafte Knoten. Zudem hat sie eine sehr empfindliche Haut, die schnell rot und gereizt reagiert, wenn man nicht extrem vorsichtig ist. Wer glaubt, ein Maltipoo macht bezüglich der Fellpflege keine Arbeit, liegt völlig falsch. Trotzdem lieben wir sie über alles, denn charakterlich ist sie ein absolut pfiffiges, freundliches und herzliches kleines Wesen, das uns jeden Tag zum Lachen bringt.
Unser Rüde ist ein absoluter Traum im Alltag – freundlich, verspielt und er versteht sich fantastisch mit anderen Hunden. Allerdings haben wir die gesundheitlichen Baustellen unterschätzt, die bei diesen kleinen Hunden leider gar nicht so selten sind. Schon im Welpenalter hatten wir mit persistierenden Milchzähnen zu kämpfen. Seine Fangzähne wollten einfach nicht von alleine ausfallen, sodass wir sie schließlich beim Tierarzt operativ entfernen lassen mussten, um Fehlstellungen zu vermeiden.
Ein weiteres Dauerthema sind seine Ohren. Durch die Mischung wachsen ihm extrem viele Haare tief im Gehörgang, was immer wieder zu hartnäckigen Entzündungen führt. Mittlerweile müssen wir einmal im Jahr zum Tierarzt, um die Ohren unter einer leichten Narkose professionell spülen und von den Haaren befreien zu lassen, wobei auch gleich der Zahnstein entfernt wird. Man sollte sich vor dem Kauf also bewusst sein, dass auch ein kleiner Hund ordentliche Tierarztkosten verursachen kann.
Die ersten Wochen mit unserem kleinen Wirbelwind waren eine echte Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle. Ich hatte phasenweise mit dem klassischen "Puppy Blues" zu kämpfen, war völlig überfordert und habe vor Erschöpfung geweint. Die größte Herausforderung war und ist das Alleinebleiben. Er baut eine extrem enge Bindung auf und weicht mir am liebsten keine Sekunde von der Seite. Das Alleinebleiben und das Boxen-Training erfordern unendlich viel Geduld und eine ganz feste Routine.
Wenn man diesen Weg aber konsequent geht, wird man mit dem treuesten Begleiter belohnt, den man sich vorstellen kann. Er ist unglaublich anhänglich, verschmust und lernt extrem schnell. Wir nehmen ihn mittlerweile fast überallhin mit, sei es ins Café oder zu Besuchen, da er sich überall vorbildlich benimmt und einfach nur gefallen möchte. Er ist für uns ein absoluter Jackpot, aber man darf die intensive Erziehungsarbeit am Anfang nicht unterschätzen.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Maltipoo.
The Maltipoo is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Maltipoo is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Maltipoo grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Maltipoo can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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