Maltipoo

The Maltipoo would suit an owner or a family with older sensible children who may have a smaller property or just want a fun companion who doesn’t need or want a great deal of exercise - but will still enjoy joining in all the family’s activities. They do not like to be left alone and so would need an owner who is either at home most of the time or can take their dog with them wherever they go.

One aim with crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within one or other of the breeds. This dilution or elimination is only likely if only one parent is the carrier of any particular condition, and where this is a first cross (F1). As this can’t always be guaranteed, all parents should be health tested prior to breeding:

Maltese - there are no required health tests but eye testing should be considered. Many small breeds can also be prone to luxating patellas.

Poodle - eye tests and hip scoring should be done.

Information on health tests for both breeds can be found on the Kennel Club’s website.

Separation related behaviour problems are very common with Maltipoos.

The Maltipoo can be a bit of a barker - especially if bored or if left alone.

Like many toy dogs, toilet training can be slow in this crossbreed and so owners need to be patient and consistent.

While this is a surprisingly active small dog, the Maltipoo will be happy with half an hour’s walking each day, as long as they have plenty of games and owner interaction.

This is a small dog who can live in a flat or a smaller property as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks.

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. Their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Maltipoo coats can be anything from Poodle curls to the long silky coat of the Maltese, so they can vary from soft and silky to thick and wavy. They are unlikely to shed much if at all, but they will require trimming as well as grooming every other day.

Find a good local groomer who can either look after your Maltipoo’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself as their coat develops.

Dog ear care is extremely important as Poodles can have problems with excessive hair inside the ears which can cause infections or sore ears.

The Maltipoo is far cleverer than many people think and they will enjoy learning tricks and games. They can be trained to walk on a lead and harness as well as come back when called. While this may look like a cute fluffy dog, the Maltipoo can be surprisingly game when out and can chase squirrels and even the neighbour’s cat!

This is a breed that needs early and ongoing dog socialisation so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.

The Maltipoo makes a fun family companion but as they are small and rather delicate, they suit families with older sensible children.