Any dog will have its own pros and cons, and the Maltipoo is no different. Before you head out and add a new member to your family, it will be useful to know more about the Maltipoo to figure out if it is right for you, which means knowing exactly what you’re getting into with this breed.

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg

Veterinarian, DVM

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

There’s the good, the bad, and the ugly, and only you can decide which is which with a Maltipoo. So, keep reading as we’ll break down everything that you need to know about these adorable dogs.

The 9 Cool Maltipoo Facts To Know

1. Temperament

The Maltipoo is a great family dog, primarily due to their temperament. They’re sweet, gentle, and affectionate and have a patient demeanor around kids.

Still, they’re far from guard dogs, even if they do bark frequently. They’re also stubborn, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to get them to do something that they don’t want to do.

2. Size

The Maltipoo can vary slightly in size, but most Maltipoos are under 15 pounds, though you can find them as large as 25 pounds. On the smaller side of things, you can find them as tiny as 5 pounds. Males tend to be slightly larger than females from the same litter, but overall, the size differences come down to genetics.

3. Hypoallergenic

If you have pet allergies, this is one of the most notable perks of a Maltipoo. Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean that there are no allergens at all, but it does mean far fewer. Maltipoos don’t shed, and most people with pet allergies won’t have issues with a Maltipoo.

4. Color Options

If you want a brown, black, white, gray, or red dog, there’s a Maltipoo out there to match. There are many different color combinations, and if you can find it on one dog, you can find it on a Maltipoo. This gives your Maltipoo a unique appearance that you can love, but if you’re looking for a dog with a signature breed appearance, a Maltipoo isn’t that.

5. Intelligence

Both the Maltese and the Poodle are extremely intelligent breeds, so no matter what parent the Maltipoo takes after, they’re going to be smart. This intelligence and desire to please their owner make them easy to train, even if they do have a stubborn streak in certain areas. But while everyone wants a smart dog, an intelligent dog requires more mental stimulation than one with lesser intelligence. They need extra toys and attention; otherwise, you may experience negative behaviors associated with boredom or inattention.

6. Energy Level

The Maltipoo is an active dog. They love to play, and if you let them, they’ll bounce around all over your home. But since they’re small, it’s easy to get this energy out. Taking them for a walk around the neighborhood is really all it takes. This means you get a dog with the energy to play with you whenever you want, but you don’t need to dedicate hours of time to exercise to keep them happy.

7. Grooming Requirements

Since the Maltipoo doesn’t shed, their grooming requirements are a bit high. You need to brush them every day, especially if they take more after their Maltese parent. To keep the hair from getting out of control, you need to give them haircuts, which is an additional expense that you’ll need to account for if you don’t do it yourself.

8. Health

Purebred dogs tend to have a few more health concerns than crossbreeds, and the Maltipoo follows that trend. They’re a relatively healthy breed, although they can inherit a few health concerns from either parent. Potential health concerns to keep an eye out for with a Maltipoo are:

Hip and elbow dysplasia

Diabetes

Eye disease

Dental disease

Epilepsy

Colitis

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Diabetes
  • Eye disease
  • Dental disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Colitis

9. Cost

While a Maltipoo might not be a “purebred” dog, they come at a similar price. Depending on the breeder you go to, it’s not uncommon for a Maltipoo to cost up to $4,000! But while it’s a steep price, always use a reputable breeder and get a health guarantee. When you’re spending this much for a dog, most reputable breeders will offer long health guarantees, with some breeders offering guarantees on certain conditions for up to 10 years!

Conclusion

Now that you know more about the Maltipoo, all that’s left is for you to decide if they’re the right dog for you. They’re sweet, affectionate, and adorable, but the higher price tag, the stubbornness, and the tendency to bark might turn you away. But if this is the dog that you want, track down a responsible breeder to ensure that you’re getting a happy and healthy Maltipoo from the beginning.

Featured Image Credit: 350543, Pixabay