Think of a Maltipoo as your own personal furry shadow. This Maltese-Poodle mix loves to be close to you, so expect them to follow you around in search of snuggles and lap time.
But don’t let a Maltipoo’s puppy dog eyes and coat of curls fool you—these dogs are smart and can be strong-willed, so exercise, mental stimulation, and early and consistent training is important. And while their teddy bear-like coat sheds very little, you’ll need to brush your dog every day and schedule regular trips to the groomer.
Maltipoo Appearance
Because Maltipoo dogs are an adorable mix of a Maltese and a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle, their size and appearance can be a bit different from puppy to puppy.
Ears:
Their folded ears hang down next to their head.
Eyes:
A Maltipoo’s eyes are large, round, dark, and expressive. They look like the shiny eyes of a teddy bear amid all that soft fur.
Nose:
Their nose is small, round, and black or brown.
Coat Length:
They have a medium to long coat that’s either curly or wavy. To cut down on grooming time, some pet parents give their pup a shorter (and stylish!) Maltipoo haircut.
Coat Color:
White, gray, cream, and apricot are some of the most popular Maltese colors. But Maltese puppies can also inherit less-common hues from their Poodle parent, like black or brown.
Tail:
The Maltipoo’s tail is long and curled over their back as they wag.
Maltipoo Temperament
These tiny pups are energetic, with no shortage of enthusiasm for playing a game or tussling with a favorite toy. The typical Maltipoo personality is very sweet, loving, and loyal, but they can sometimes be shy, says Sarah Wooten, DVM. But with enough socialization, Maltipoos are social butterflies and affectionate companions with both people and pets, including other dogs and cats.The affable Maltipoo temperament makes them perfect playmate for kids. But it’s important that children know how to properly interact with pets and to play gently. Even a full-grown Maltipoo is small and delicate, so the breed isn’t a good fit for rough-and-tumble play.It’s important for everyone at home to understand that, despite their too-cute-to-be-real looks, Maltipoo dogs are not toys to be carried and cuddled 24/7. E’Lise Christensen, DVM, DACVB, says to always respect a dog’s need for personal space—including honoring when the dog wants to be touched or not. (Use body language cues to tell when your Maltipoo is in the mood for snuggles.)As a companion dog, a Maltipoo bonds tightly with family. As a result, these dogs can experience separation anxiety when left alone. It’s a good idea to teach your Maltipoo puppy to be calm in a crate, which can help them feel safe and happy when you’re away from home. Leaving toys for your pup to play with—like a snuffle mat, a puzzle, or a KONG toy stuffed with goodies—helps, too.
