Maltipoo: The Complete Breed Guide for 2026

The Maltipoo — a cross between the Maltese and the Toy or Miniature Poodle — has quietly become one of the most popular designer dogs in America. And it’s easy to see why. These compact, low-shedding, endlessly affectionate dogs pack an enormous personality into a tiny frame. They don’t need a big yard, they’re fantastic with seniors and apartment dwellers, and they bond deeply with their people.

But Maltipoos aren’t for everyone. They can develop separation anxiety, they require consistent grooming, and their small size comes with specific health considerations. This guide covers everything — the good, the challenging, and the practical — so you can decide whether a Maltipoo is the right fit for your life.

What Exactly Is a Maltipoo?

A Maltipoo is a crossbreed (also called a designer dog or hybrid) between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. They’re not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club — no crossbreeds are — but they’ve been intentionally bred since the late 1990s and have developed a massive following.

The goal of the cross is to combine the Maltese’s gentle, devoted temperament with the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat. Like all crossbreeds, individual Maltipoos can lean more toward either parent in appearance and personality.

If you’re comparing Maltipoos to other popular small crossbreeds, our guides on the Cockapoo and Goldendoodle cover similar ground for those breeds.

How Big Do Maltipoos Get?

Maltipoos are small dogs, but their size varies depending on whether the Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature.

Toy Maltipoo

• Height: 8-10 inches at the shoulder
• Weight: 5-10 pounds
• Poodle parent: Toy Poodle
• Best for: Apartments, seniors, families wanting a true lap dog

Miniature Maltipoo

• Height: 10-14 inches at the shoulder
• Weight: 10-20 pounds
• Poodle parent: Miniature Poodle
• Best for: Families with older children, those wanting a slightly sturdier small dog

Teacup Maltipoo

• Height: Under 8 inches
• Weight: Under 5 pounds
• Note: “Teacup” is a marketing term, not a recognized size category. These extra-tiny dogs often come with significant health risks including hypoglycemia, fragile bones, and organ problems. Most veterinarians and responsible breeders advise against intentionally breeding for teacup sizes.

Maltipoos typically reach their full adult size by 8-12 months of age, though they may fill out slightly until about 18 months.

What Is the Maltipoo Temperament Like?

The Good

Affectionate to the extreme. Maltipoos are lap dogs in the truest sense. They want to be with their person at all times — on the couch, in bed, following you from room to room. If you want a dog that makes you feel like the most important person in the world, a Maltipoo delivers.

Intelligent and trainable. The Poodle parent contributes serious brainpower. Maltipoos learn tricks quickly, respond well to positive reinforcement, and enjoy mental stimulation. They’re often recommended as excellent dogs for first-time owners because they’re eager to please.

Gentle and adaptable. Maltipoos adjust well to different living situations — apartments, condos, houses with small yards. They don’t need extensive exercise (though they enjoy it), and their calm indoor demeanor makes them great companions for seniors and people with limited mobility.

Social with people. Most Maltipoos love meeting new people. They tend to be friendly with visitors and enjoy social situations, though individual temperaments vary.

The Challenging

Separation anxiety. This is the #1 behavioral challenge with Maltipoos. Because they bond so intensely, they often struggle when left alone. Symptoms include excessive barking, destructive behavior, and house-training regression. If you work long hours away from home without the ability to bring your dog, a Maltipoo may not be the right choice.

Barking. Maltipoos can be vocal. The Maltese parent in particular tends toward alert barking — they’ll announce every delivery driver, squirrel, and leaf that moves past the window. Training can manage this, but completely eliminating it is difficult.

Fragility. At 5-15 pounds, Maltipoos are physically delicate. They’re not ideal for families with toddlers or very young children who might accidentally drop or step on them. Rough play can cause real injury.

Stubbornness. Despite being intelligent, some Maltipoos inherit a streak of Maltese stubbornness. House training in particular can take longer than with some other breeds — plan for 3-6 months of consistent effort.

For a comparison with similar companion breeds, see our guide on the Maltese, one of the Maltipoo’s parent breeds.

What Do Maltipoo Coats Look Like?

Maltipoo coats are one of their biggest selling points — and one of their highest-maintenance features.

Coat Types

Curly (Poodle-dominant)

• Tight curls similar to a Poodle
• Lowest shedding, best for allergy sufferers
• Highest grooming needs — mats easily if not brushed daily
• Requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks

Wavy (Balanced)

• Soft, wavy texture — the most common Maltipoo coat
• Low to minimal shedding
• Moderate grooming needs — brushing 3-4 times per week
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks

Straight (Maltese-dominant)

• Silky, flowing coat similar to a Maltese
• Sheds more than curly or wavy varieties (still less than most breeds)
• Easier to brush but tangles at the ears and legs
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks

Common Colors

• White/Cream — Most common, inherited from both parent breeds
• Apricot — Very popular, warm golden tone
• Red — Deep reddish-brown, less common but highly sought after
• Black — Solid black, relatively rare in Maltipoos
• Phantom — Two-tone pattern, rare and expensive
• Parti — Two or more colors in patches

Note that Maltipoo coat color can change as they mature. A puppy born dark apricot may lighten to cream by adulthood — this is normal and comes from the Poodle’s color-fading gene.

What Health Problems Do Maltipoos Have?

Maltipoos are generally healthy dogs, benefiting from hybrid vigor — the genetic diversity that comes from crossing two distinct breeds. However, they can inherit health conditions from either parent breed.

Common Health Issues

Patellar Luxation The kneecap slips out of its normal position. Common in many small breeds. Symptoms include intermittent limping, skipping steps while walking, or sudden lameness. Mild cases may not require treatment; severe cases need surgery ($1,500-$3,000 per knee).

Dental Disease Small breeds are disproportionately prone to dental problems. The Maltipoo’s small jaw can lead to overcrowded teeth, plaque buildup, and early tooth loss. Daily tooth brushing and annual dental cleanings ($300-$600) are essential — not optional.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) An inherited eye condition that causes gradual vision loss. Reputable breeders test for PRA. Ask for documentation of genetic testing before purchasing a puppy.

White Shaker Syndrome More common in white-coated small dogs. Causes generalized body tremors, usually appearing between 6 months and 3 years of age. Treatable with corticosteroids in most cases.

Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) A congenital condition where blood bypasses the liver. Symptoms include poor growth, disorientation after eating, and seizures. More common in Maltese lines. Treatable with surgery in many cases.

Allergies Skin allergies and food sensitivities are relatively common. Symptoms include itching, ear infections, and hot spots. Often manageable with dietary changes and medication.

Health Screening

When purchasing from a breeder, request documentation for:

• OFA patellar luxation evaluation
• CERF/OFA eye examination
• Genetic testing for PRA, von Willebrand’s disease
• Parent health clearances

For guidance on veterinary costs and budgeting, see our cost of owning a dog in 2026 guide.

How Do You Groom a Maltipoo?

Grooming is not optional with a Maltipoo — it’s a significant, ongoing commitment.

At-Home Grooming Schedule

Professional Grooming

Expect to visit a professional groomer every 4-8 weeks, depending on coat type and your preferred style. Professional grooming costs:

• Full groom (bath, haircut, nails, ears): $50-$100
• Bath and tidy: $30-$50
• Annual grooming budget: $500-$1,200

Popular Maltipoo Haircuts

• Puppy cut — Even length all over (1-2 inches), low maintenance, most popular
• Teddy bear cut — Rounded face, slightly longer body, adorable look
• Lamb cut — Short body, fluffy legs, Poodle-inspired
• Maltese cut — Longer flowing coat, requires daily brushing

Tear Stain Management

White and cream Maltipoos are notorious for reddish-brown tear stains below their eyes. This is caused by porphyrins in tears and is mostly cosmetic. To manage:

• Wipe eyes daily with a damp cloth or tear stain wipe
• Keep facial hair trimmed short around eyes
• Use filtered water (minerals in tap water can worsen staining)
• Check with your vet — excessive tearing can indicate blocked tear ducts

How Do You Train a Maltipoo?

House Training

Be patient. Maltipoos have small bladders and can take 3-6 months to fully house train. Tips:

1. Consistent schedule — Take them out every 2 hours (every hour for puppies under 4 months)
2. Crate training — A properly sized crate helps immensely. Maltipoos don’t want to soil their sleeping area.
3. Positive reinforcement only — Praise and treats immediately after outdoor elimination. Never punish accidents.
4. Indoor options — Puppy pads or an indoor grass patch are practical for apartment living, especially in bad weather

Socialization

Start early. Maltipoos need exposure to different people, dogs, sounds, and environments between 3-16 weeks of age. Under-socialized Maltipoos become fearful, which often manifests as:

• Fear-based barking
• Hiding from visitors
• Aggression toward unfamiliar dogs

Puppy socialization classes ($100-$200 for a 6-week series) are an excellent investment.

Addressing Separation Anxiety

Since this is the breed’s biggest behavioral challenge, start prevention from day one:

1. Practice short absences — Leave for 5 minutes, return calmly. Gradually increase duration.
2. Don’t make departures dramatic — No long goodbyes. Just leave.
3. Provide enrichment — Puzzle toys, Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, snuffle mats
4. Consider a companion — Some Maltipoo owners find that a second dog reduces separation anxiety significantly
5. Calming aids — Adaptil diffusers, calming treats, anxiety wraps can help mild cases
6. Professional help — For severe cases, consult a certified animal behaviorist

How Much Exercise Does a Maltipoo Need?

Maltipoos are not high-energy dogs, but they’re not couch potatoes either.

Daily Exercise Requirements

• 30-40 minutes of activity per day
• Split into 2-3 shorter walks (10-15 minutes each)
• Indoor play counts — fetch, tug, training sessions
• Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise

Exercise Cautions

• Heat sensitivity — Maltipoos can overheat quickly. Avoid outdoor exercise in temperatures above 85°F.
• Cold sensitivity — Their small size and thin coat (depending on variety) means they need sweaters in cold weather.
• Joint protection — Avoid jumping from heights (off furniture, down stairs) to protect their patellas.
• Leash always — Maltipoos are too small and too friendly to be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas.

How Much Does a Maltipoo Cost?

Purchase Price

First Year Costs

Annual Ongoing Costs

For a broader perspective on pet ownership costs, see our cost of owning a dog in 2026 guide, and compare the best pet insurance options to protect against unexpected veterinary bills.

How Do You Find a Reputable Maltipoo Breeder?

Since Maltipoos aren’t AKC-registered, there’s no breed club registry to search. This means due diligence is even more important.

Green Flags

• Health tests both parents (OFA patellar luxation, eye exams, genetic panels)
• Welcomes you to visit and meet the parents
• Raises puppies in a home environment, not a kennel
• Provides a health guarantee (minimum 1 year)
• Asks YOU questions about your lifestyle and living situation
• Limits the number of litters per year
• Socializes puppies before they go home
• Takes dogs back if you can’t keep them (at any age)

Red Flags

• Multiple breeds available at all times
• Always has puppies available (no waitlist)
• Ships puppies without meeting the buyer
• No health testing documentation
• Won’t let you visit
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Pressure to decide quickly
• No contract or health guarantee

Rescue Options

Maltipoo-specific rescues exist, and mixed-breed rescues frequently have Maltipoos or similar mixes. Check:

• Petfinder.com
• Adoptapet.com
• Local Maltese or Poodle breed rescues (they often take in crosses too)

Our puppy vs. adult adoption guide can help you decide whether a puppy or an adult rescue is right for your situation.

Is a Maltipoo Right for You?

A Maltipoo Is a Great Fit If You:

✅ Want a small, affectionate companion dog ✅ Can be home most of the day (or bring your dog to work) ✅ Are committed to regular grooming (daily brushing + professional grooming) ✅ Live in an apartment, condo, or home of any size ✅ Want a low-shedding dog (though not guaranteed zero-shedding) ✅ Are a first-time dog owner willing to invest in training ✅ Are a senior looking for a manageable, devoted companion

A Maltipoo May Not Be Right If You:

❌ Work long hours and the dog would be alone 8+ hours daily ❌ Have toddlers or very young children (fragility concern) ❌ Don’t want to commit to regular grooming ❌ Want an off-leash hiking or running companion ❌ Prefer a very independent, low-maintenance dog ❌ Are sensitive to barking

Similar Breeds to Consider

If the Maltipoo is close but not quite right, explore:

• Bichon Frise — Similar size and temperament, purebred option
• Shih Tzu — Affectionate lap dog with a different coat type
• Cockapoo — Slightly larger doodle with similar traits
• Yorkshire Terrier — Tiny, spirited companion with different personality

The Maltipoo’s rise in popularity isn’t a passing trend — these dogs genuinely excel as companions for the right owner. If you have the time for grooming, the presence to prevent separation anxiety, and the desire for a dog that will love you unconditionally, a Maltipoo might be your perfect match.