Maltipoo Pros and Cons: Is a Maltipoo the Right Dog for You?

Maltipoos are a charming hybrid breed that, as their name suggests, combines the Maltese with a miniature or toy poodle. If you’re wondering how this adorable pint-sized pup would fit into your family or lifestyle, check out our Ollie review of Maltipoo pros and cons. 

About the Maltipoo Dog Breed

As a designer dog, the Maltipoo breed does not have a lengthy origin story. However, while this mixed breed is relatively new, their popularity is skyrocketing.

The best way to become familiar with the Maltipoo breed is to learn about the parent breeds. You need to consider the common Maltipoo health issues this mixed breed has inherited from the poodle and the Maltese, including digestive issues, allergies, epilepsy, and luxating patellas (i.e., slipping kneecaps). However, mixed-breed dogs also experience hybrid vigor, a health advantage that  makes them less likely to suffer from their purebred ancestors’ health issues.

Maltipoos’ coats are beautiful and colorful, and come in various textures, characteristics attributable to their unique parentage. Similar to poodles, Maltipoos are low shedding, which makes them an ideal pet for allergy sufferers.

Finally, a Maltipoo’s adult size depends on their parentage. The breed varies greatly in height (4 to 14 inches at the shoulder) and weight (3 to 20 pounds), depending on whether their poodle parent was a toy or miniature. And like most small breeds, what the Maltipoo lacks in size they make up for in longevity, with an average life span of 10 to 15 years.

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Pros and Cons of Malitpoos

Before you decide if a Maltipoo is the perfect pup for your family, you should learn about some of the most commonly reported pros and cons of this dog breed:

Pros of Maltipoos

1. Good for Apartments

The Maltipoo is a small breed that is ideal for apartment living. Many apartment and condo complexes restrict pets who weigh more than 25 or 50 pounds, making the Maltipoo a welcome companion almost anywhere. In addition, the Maltipoo’s small stature makes providing adequate exercise, play, and physical activity easy, even when they are limited to indoor spaces because of weather, location, or lifestyle.

2. Low Shedding

Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, adults and children who are allergic to pet dander appreciate the Maltipoo’s low shedding coat. Similar to other poodle mixes, Maltipoo owners who are generally allergic to dogs can comfortably share their life—and home—with this lovable designer breed.

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3. Friendly

Maltipoos are friendly pups and can be great companion dogs for children and seniors alike. They often also thrive as therapy dogs, happily providing comfort and cheer to anyone in need. Although Maltipoos are generally good-natured and gentle, an adult should always supervise all interactions between dogs and children. 

4. Breed Availability

Unlike some purebreds, Maltipoos are generally available for purchase or adoption. Their consistent popularity is likely a testament to the breed’s benefits. The best resources for finding your future pup include:

• Breed-specific rescue groups — If no Maltipoo-specific organizations are in your area, contact local or regional Maltese, poodle, or small-breed dog rescues. These groups usually take in Maltipoos.
• Shelters and humane societies — Although many dog lovers consider the Maltipoo to be a perfect fit, many of this mixed breed’s puppy and adult dogs are still routinely surrendered to shelters. Ask local animal shelters to notify you if a Maltipoo becomes available for adoption.
• Reputable breeders — Responsible breeders are able to provide detailed information about their litters, including each parent’s health testing results, and veterinarian and previous puppy adopter references. In addition, Maltipoo breeders should encourage you to visit their home or kennel and meet the dogs.

Cons of Maltipoos

1. Sensitive Temperament

Maltipoos are generally highly sensitive to their environment. Loud or sudden noises, negative social interactions (e.g., scolding or shouting), and chaotic or unpredictable households can easily trouble these dogs. The breed’s perceptive nature can make them appear shy, anxious, or scared, when they’re actually suffering from stress. If you frequently travel, relocate, or live in a busy, noisy, or hectic home, the Maltipoo may not be the right fit for your family.

2. Prone to Separation Anxiety

While separation anxiety may be true of many puppies adopted during the pandemic, the Maltipoo is particularly prone to separation anxiety. Fortunately, through consistent positive training, you can help prevent your dog from developing this condition. By teaching your puppy from a young age that their crate is a safe space and that you’ll always come back—maybe with a tasty treat—you help your dog build confidence and learn. Always remember to be consistent and kind, and to enlist a professional trainer’s help if necessary.

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3. Coats Require Some Maintenance

The Maltipoo’s coat needs regular brushing and trimming. If you don’t want to enlist a pro for a costly grooming session every few months, you can learn to groom your dog at home. Be careful not to cut your pup or trim their hair too short, especially during the winter.

4.  Puppies Can Be Expensive

Although the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the breed as being purebred, puppies can still cost upward of $4,000, which is driven by consumer demand. As an increasing number of dog lovers are discovering Maltipoos’ appeal, some unscrupulous breeders are cashing in, and you need to research breeders thoroughly to ensure you aren’t purchasing your puppy from a puppy mill. In addition to supporting unethical breeding practices—and potentially substandard living conditions—puppy mills are likely to sell sick or unhealthy dogs.

5. Prone to Barking

The Maltipoo is known as a vocal breed. Whether they are bored, excited, or responding to a change in their environment, the Maltipoo will bark to let you know how they’re feeling. Unfortunately, this self-reinforcing behavior can be problematic for owners, especially apartment dwellers. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure nuisance barking doesn’t become a habit.

Tips for Preparing Your Home for a Maltipoo Puppy

If you’ve decided a Maltipoo is the breed for you, get ready for your puppy’s arrival so they feel secure the minute they walk through your door. To ensure your home and daily routine are ready to accommodate a new puppy, follow these tips:

• • Puppy-proof your home — To puppy-proof your home effectively, you need to consider each room from your puppy’s eye-level perspective and remove potential dangers such as electrical cords, breakable decor, choking hazards, and household toxins. Ensure harmful items are out of reach or kept in an inaccessible room.
  • Gather supplies — Puppies need a lot of care items including a nutritious diet, food and water bowls, crate, bed, appropriate toys, treats, and a leash and collar. Other items may include grooming tools, puppy gates, and cleaning supplies for accidents.
  • Set up your puppy’s den and play area — Establish a confined area in which your puppy can safely play, rest, and learn independence, so they become less likely to suffer from separation anxiety. This area should be centrally located (e.g., the kitchen or living room), so you can monitor your puppy’s activities at all times. 
  • Find a groomer, trainer, and veterinarian — Contact area pet professionals and register your puppy for necessary services and classes. This proactive step ensures your puppy will have a great start toward a long, healthy, and happy life.

Is a Maltipoo a Good First Dog?

The Maltipoo can be a great first pup for a new dog owner. They are well-mannered, friendly, and easy to train. As with any breed, raising a well-adjusted, happy, and healthy Maltipoo puppy takes time and effort. From teaching your puppy to be comfortable in a crate and go to the bathroom outside, to managing their puppy energy and surviving the teething stage, a new Maltipoo parent has a lot to do, learn, and experience. However, the work comes with great rewards, and the training and care you provide your new puppy will help strengthen your pet-owner bond and ensure your cute puppy grows up to be a well-mannered and delightful companion.

10 Benefits of Fresh Dog Food

Maltipoos are generally healthy pups, but they need good nutrition—and lots of love—to truly thrive. At Ollie, we know a thing or two about feeding Maltipoos since this breed is one of the 10 most popular among our customers. Our recipes are created by a veterinary nutritionist with these pups’ health and taste buds in mind. Our Ollie recipes are made with carefully selected human-grade proteins and superfoods, such as blueberries, kale, and spinach. Maltipoo parents love how much their beloved pups enjoy eating Ollie.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.