Maltipoo
From United States, first bred on purpose within roughly the last 20 to 30 years as a designer companion dog.1
At a glance the quick version
About 5-20 lb (2.3-9.1 kg); size depends on the Poodle parent.
Coat and looks how to spot one
soft, medium to long; straight and silky to curly
A soft, medium to long coat that may be curly like a Poodle's or straight and silky like a Maltese's, often somewhere in between. It sheds very little.21
Personality what they are like
A charming, happy little dog that is sweet with people of all ages and friendly with other pets once socialised. Maltipoos are clever, alert and a bit sensitive, and they respond best to kind, gentle handling.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate: a daily walk plus some play at home or in the garden is plenty.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs daily brushing and a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Bathe about monthly, check nails monthly and brush teeth at least twice a week.21
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to apartments and small homes; happiest where family members are home for much of the day.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete small-breed food with carefully measured portions. Puppies eat up to four times a day, moving to two meals as adults.2
Company who they like around
Bonds strongly with its people and prefers not to be alone often. Gets on well with children, adults, seniors and other pets.2
The story where it all began
The Maltipoo was developed in the United States as a designer crossbreed within the past few decades, pairing the Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Breeders wanted a small, affectionate companion with a low-shedding coat, and it quickly became one of the most popular designer dogs.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Major kennel clubs
- A crossbreed, not recognised as a breed by the major kennel clubs.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Maltipoo. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Parents and lookalikes
Maltese
Cavapoo
Cockapoo
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Daily Paws: Maltipoo dailypaws.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, fun facts
- PetMD: Maltipoo petmd.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.