Maltipoo
Hybrid / Designer Dog · Tiny & Loving · Low-Shedding Apartment Champion
5–20 lbsWeight
8–14"Height
12–16 yrsLifespan
Maltese + PoodleParents
★★★★☆Family Dog
Hybrid / Designer Dog · Tiny & Loving · Low-Shedding Apartment Champion
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Maltipoo — see the hybrid in action before diving into the details.
The Maltipoo is one of the most popular toy hybrid dogs in the world — a cross between the ancient Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both parent breeds were developed purely for human companionship, making the Maltipoo the ultimate expression of that purpose: a tiny, loving, low-shedding dog with an enormous capacity for affection.
Maltipoos have exploded in popularity over the past two decades, beloved by celebrities, seniors, city dwellers, and allergy sufferers alike. Their small size, cheerful personality, and near-hypoallergenic coat make them ideal for apartment living and for people who want all the joy of a dog without the fur everywhere.
Real Maltipoos — coat types and colors vary widely depending on which parent's genes dominate.
Maltipoos are affectionate, playful, and deeply attached to their people. They combine the Maltese's gentle, devoted nature with the Poodle's lively intelligence and enthusiasm. They thrive on attention and interaction, and they'll follow their favorite person from room to room all day if allowed.
Maltipoos need light daily exercise — about 20–30 minutes of walking and play is plenty for most. Their small size and moderate energy level make them perfect apartment dogs. They enjoy indoor games just as much as outdoor walks, and they tire more quickly than larger breeds.
Maltipoos are among the very best travel dogs. At 5–20 lbs, they easily fit in airline-approved under-seat carriers for in-cabin travel on virtually any airline. Their adaptable, cheerful nature means they settle quickly in new environments. They're practically designed for the modern traveling dog owner.
The Maltipoo's soft, wavy coat is very low-shedding — but it grows continuously and mats easily without regular brushing. Like both parent breeds, Maltipoos need professional grooming every 4–8 weeks to keep their coat tidy. Their teeth and ears need special attention given the small-breed risks of dental disease and ear infections.
Maltipoos are bright and quick to learn — the Poodle's intelligence shines through clearly. They're enthusiastic in training sessions, especially when treats are involved. However, they can be stubborn at times (a Maltese trait), and house training requires patience and consistency. Early training prevents excessive barking.
Maltipoos are generally long-lived and healthy, benefiting from hybrid vigor. Their main health concerns come from both parent breeds: White Shaker Syndrome and hypoglycemia from the Maltese side; progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy from the Poodle side. Their tiny size also makes them vulnerable to injury from falls and rough handling.
Maltipoos are ideal for seniors, apartment dwellers, singles, allergy sufferers, and anyone who wants a small, deeply loving companion. They're not the best choice for families with toddlers (too fragile) or people who are away from home all day (separation anxiety). They need grooming investment and daily companionship.
Maltipoos are tiny dogs with fast metabolisms — they need calorie-dense, high-quality small-breed kibble split into multiple small meals. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a serious risk in Maltipoo puppies and very small adults, so skipping meals is dangerous. Their beautiful coat also benefits from omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
| Life Stage | Daily Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (2–12 mo) | ¼ – ½ cup/day | 3–4 tiny meals/day; watch for hypoglycemia signs |
| Adult (1–10 yr) | ¼ – ¾ cup/day | 2–3 meals/day; small-breed formula; omega-3 supplement |
| Senior (10+ yr) | ¼ – ½ cup/day | Reduce if less active; soft food if dental issues develop |
Always provide fresh water. Keep treats to ≤10% of daily calories. Avoid chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol — all toxic to dogs.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy from Breeder | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Monthly Food | $30 – $50 |
| Annual Vet Care | $400 – $900 |
| Professional Grooming | $55 – $90/visit (every 4–8 weeks) |
| Dental Cleanings | $200 – $400/year (critical for this breed) |
| Tear Stain Treatment | $10 – $25/month |
Adopt from a Maltipoo or Doodle rescue for $100–$300. Food costs are minimal for this tiny breed. The biggest ongoing expenses are grooming and dental care. Brush teeth daily from puppyhood — it's the single most impactful thing you can do for their long-term health and vet bill reduction.
Maltipoo generations describe the ratio of Maltese to Poodle genetics. Because both parent breeds are already small and low-shedding, generation differences are less dramatic than in larger Doodle breeds — but they still affect coat type, size, and shedding level.
| Generation | Makeup | Shedding | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 50% Maltese + 50% Poodle | Very Low | Classic Maltipoo; soft wavy coat; gentle personality blend |
| F1B | 25% Maltese + 75% Poodle | Near Zero | Curlier coat; lowest shedding; best for severe allergies |
| F2 | 50/50 second generation | Very Low | Consistent results; established temperament |
| Multigen | Multiple Maltipoo generations | Near Zero | Most predictable; smallest and lowest-shedding lines |
Since both Maltese and Poodles are already very low-shedding, even F1 Maltipoos shed very little. For severe allergies, an F1B or multigen with more Poodle genetics offers the most allergen-friendly coat. Focus on health testing over generation when choosing a Maltipoo breeder.
Maltipoos have been owned by Ellen DeGeneres, Rihanna, Blake Lively, and numerous other celebrities — fueling their popularity and establishing them as the quintessential Hollywood small dog. Their photogenic looks and manageable size make them perfect for high-profile lifestyles.
The Maltese has been a companion dog for over 2,800 years. The Poodle has been refined for centuries as a working and companion breed. The Maltipoo combines two of the world's oldest and most devoted companion dog lineages into one tiny package.
Maltipoos are among the lowest-shedding of all hybrid breeds — both parent breeds already produce minimal dander. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Maltipoos are among the safest choices for people with mild to moderate dog allergies.
Maltipoos love an audience. They inherit the Maltese's historic tradition of performing (Maltese were once circus dogs) and the Poodle's love of showing off. They'll learn tricks enthusiastically and perform them on command for anyone willing to watch and applaud.
Maltipoos regularly live 12–16 years — occasionally even longer. Combining the Maltese (one of the longest-lived small breeds) with the Poodle (also long-lived) creates a hybrid with exceptional longevity. Budget for a 15-year commitment when bringing one home.