At a glance
The Maltipoo lives 12 to 15 years, weighs 2 to 9 kg, and stands 20 to 35 cm tall. Affectionate, smart, and low-shedding, it was developed in the US from a Maltese and Toy Poodle cross to be a compact companion with minimal coat allergen load. The curly or wavy coat needs professional trimming every 6-8 weeks. In the UK, a puppy from a responsible breeder costs £1,500 to £3,000; in the US, $1,000 to $3,500.
Characteristics
The Maltipoo is a charming mix of Maltese and Poodle, which is reflected in its cute, often slightly curly or wavy coat. The coat texture can vary depending on genetics but is usually soft and fluffy. Color-wise, the Maltipoo comes in various shades, including cream, white, apricot, or even a combination of these tones. Its expressive face with large, dark eyes and soft drop ears gives it a friendly and alert look. The body is compact and well-proportioned, giving it an elegant yet playful appearance.
Information
The Maltipoo is a cheerful and intelligent companion known for its affectionate and loving nature. It bonds closely with its caregivers and enjoys spending time with its family. Due to its friendly temperament, it generally gets along well with children and other pets. Its alert and curious nature makes it eager to learn and adaptable, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced dog owners. At the same time, the Maltipoo has a playful side and loves romping around with its people or learning new tricks. Despite its small size, it often displays a confident demeanor and can be quite alert without being aggressive.
Nutrition
The Maltipoo is an active and playful dog whose diet should be carefully tailored to its needs. A high-quality, balanced diet contributes significantly to its health and well-being. High-quality wet food is particularly well suited, as it has a high moisture content that helps with hydration. This can be especially beneficial for dogs that tend to drink little. Good wet food also often contains fewer artificial additives than dry food and is generally more digestible. It is important to pay attention to a balanced composition with a high meat content and valuable nutrients to optimally meet the energy needs of this small, lively dog. Regular feeding times adapted to the Maltipoo's age and activity level also support healthy digestion and stable weight.
Care
The Maltipoo is a friendly and adaptable companion suited for both families and individuals. Due to its curly or wavy coat, it requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Daily brushing helps keep the soft coat in good condition, and regular visits to a professional groomer ensure a well-maintained appearance. Since the Maltipoo is very people-oriented, it should not be left alone for long periods. It feels comfortable in both an apartment and a house with a garden, as long as it receives enough attention and stimulation. Walks, short play sessions, and mental challenges are important to keep it physically and mentally engaged. As an intelligent and eager-to-learn breed, it is well suited for various dog sports or learning tricks. Loving but consistent training helps develop a balanced and well-socialized companion.
Accessories
The Maltipoo is a small, lively dog with both playful and cuddly sides. To ensure its complete well-being, its accessories should be carefully selected. A soft dog bed provides a cozy retreat, while a well-padded leash and a fitting harness ensure comfortable walks. Due to its soft, curly coat, a high-quality brush is essential for preventing matting and making grooming pleasant. The Maltipoo also enjoys interactive puzzle toys that mentally stimulate and spark its curiosity. Since it loves company, a cozy dog blanket or small travel carrier can also be helpful for taking it along comfortably everywhere.
History
The Maltipoo is a lovable hybrid breed created from crossing the Maltese with the Poodle. Originally, this mix was bred to create a small, intelligent, and hypoallergenic companion dog suitable for both families and individuals. The intentional breeding of the Maltipoo began primarily in the USA, where designer dogs became increasingly popular. Through the combination of the positive traits of both parent breeds, a friendly, playful, and adaptable dog emerged that quickly established itself in households around the world. Despite its relatively young history, the Maltipoo enjoys steadily growing popularity and is cherished for its charming personality and fluffy coat.
Health
The Maltipoo is a robust and active hybrid breed that generally enjoys good health. However, as with many small dogs, certain health issues can occur. Possible hereditary conditions include patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, as well as dental problems, since small dogs often have crowded or irregular teeth. Additionally, the Maltipoo can be sensitive to certain environmental factors, which may manifest as skin problems or allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups along with appropriate nutrition and care help maintain the dog's well-being and prevent potential health issues early on.
Trainability
The Maltipoo is a lively and playful mix of Maltese and Poodle, distinguished by its cheerful nature and high adaptability. These dogs typically have a moderate to high energy level and need regular exercise as well as mental stimulation to stay balanced. They love interacting with their people, whether through walks together, games, or short training sessions. Due to their intelligence and desire to please, they are usually easy to train. Consistency and positive reinforcement are particularly important, as they can be sensitive to harsh tones. Their quick comprehension makes them ideal candidates for tricks and small tasks, which they perform with enthusiasm.
Maltipoo price: what to expect and why it varies
The Maltipoo is not a recognised breed by the AKC, the Kennel Club, or the FCI. That absence of an official standard means there are no mandatory health-testing requirements for breeders and no studbook to verify lineage. Prices therefore vary far more widely than for pedigree dogs, and the gap between a responsible breeder and a backyard operation can be several hundred pounds or dollars.
Generation matters significantly. An F1 Maltipoo (50% Maltese, 50% Toy Poodle) is the most variable: coat texture, shedding level, and size can differ considerably even within the same litter. An F1B (25% Maltese, 75% Poodle) tends to have a curlier, lower-shedding coat and commands a premium because allergy-conscious buyers seek it out. F2 and multi-generation crosses are less common in Europe but more established in North America.
Prices by country (2026)
| Country | Typical range | Responsible breeder minimum |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £1,500-£3,000 | £1,200 |
| United States | $1,000-$3,500 | $800 |
| Canada | CAD 1,500-3,500 | CAD 1,200 |
| Australia | AUD 2,000-5,000 | AUD 1,500 |
| Ireland | 1,500-3,000 EUR | 1,200 EUR |
A responsible breeder will provide health records for both parents (patellar and eye screening as a minimum), microchipping, first vaccinations, and a minimum 8-week weaning period. Puppies advertised significantly below the floor prices above without documentation typically come from high-volume operations with no health guarantees.
Monthly running costs
Beyond the purchase price, budget roughly £100-£180 per month in the UK (or $120-$220 in the US). Quality small-breed food runs £30-£60 monthly; pet insurance for a small dog costs £20-£50. The biggest ongoing outlay is grooming: professional trimming every 6-8 weeks runs £45-£90 per session in the UK, $60-$120 in the US, depending on coat condition and location. Year-one total costs including purchase, basic equipment, neutering, and vaccinations realistically reach £3,000-£5,000 in the UK.
