The Maltipoo is a small designer dog that was created by crossing Maltese with Toy Poodles. Designer dogs such as these have become quite popular today as breeders attempt to produce dogs that retain qualities of both parents. The Maltipoo is known by several names including Maltipoo, Malt-a-poo, Maltepoo, Malti-poo, Maltapoo and Malte-poo. Maltipoos were developed in the U.S. in an effort to create a toy-sized companion for people who suffer from allergies. As stated above, breeders accomplished this by crossing Maltese with Toy Poodles. Over the past couple of decades, Maltipoos have become quite popular among people of all social backgrounds. While most Maltipoos were created by crossing pure bred Maltese with pure bred Toy Poodles, many breeders today are breeding Maltipoos with Maltipoos. Since these are not established pure breeds, they are not recognized by any major kennel clubs. However, they are recognized by various designer breed clubs.
Maltipoos are small dogs that can weigh anywhere from five to 20 pounds fully grown. They have medium-length to long hair that can be either slightly curly, wavy or silky. The most common colors seen in Maltipoos are cream, white, silver, apricot, parti and black. However, they can come in a variety of other colors as well. The Maltipoo has medium-length floppy ears, a black nose and sweet-looking dark eyes. Some light-colored dogs may have blue eyes. This is a somewhat square-shaped dog that can have a slightly hooked tail or a tail that curls up and over the back. Additionally, some breeders choose to dock their puppies tails.
Personality
While Maltipoos love spending much of their time relaxing on their owners' laps, they can also be quite playful and active at times. Just as with most other small dogs, they tend to be a bit loud, especially when strangers are around. These are highly intelligent dogs that get along very well with older children and other household pets. Maltipoos are sweet little dogs that make perfect companions for people who want a lovable lap dog. This is a designer breed that is the result of crossing Maltese with Toy Poodles. Although Maltipoos originated in the U.S., they have become quite popular in many other countries today as well.
Breed Characteristics
Life Span: | 10 - 13 years |
Nicknames: | Malti-Poo |
Maltipoo Build Information
Maltipoos are small dogs that can weigh anywhere from five to 20 pounds fully grown. They have medium-length to long hair that can be either slightly curly, wavy or silky. The most common colors seen in Maltipoos are cream, white, silver, apricot, parti and black. However, they can come in a variety of other colors as well. The Maltipoo has medium-length floppy ears, a black nose and sweet-looking dark eyes. Some light-colored dogs may have blue eyes. This is a somewhat square-shaped dog that can have a slightly hooked tail or a tail that curls up and over the back. Additionally, some breeders choose to dock their puppies tails.
Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
While Maltipoos love spending much of their time relaxing on their owners' laps, they can also be quite playful and active at times. Just as with most other small dogs, they tend to be a bit loud, especially when strangers are around. These are highly intelligent dogs that get along very well with older children and other household pets. Maltipoos are sweet little dogs that make perfect companions for people who want a lovable lap dog. This is a designer breed that is the result of crossing Maltese with Toy Poodles. Although Maltipoos originated in the U.S., they have become quite popular in many other countries today as well.
Activity Level: | Low activity level |
Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
Due to the nature of the Maltipoo's coat, you will need to brush your pet at least once each day to prevent tangles from forming. If you wish, you can choose to trim your pet's coat short. You will also want to inspect its ears regularly to ensure that there is no excessive wax buildup. Finally, if your Maltipoo's nails grow too long, you can clip the tips of them using a guillotine-type nail clipper.
Shedding: | Little |
Grooming: | Moderate |
Maltipoo Common Health Conditions
Healthy Maltipoos can live as long as 13 years or more. However, there are some health issues that are common to the breed including patellar luxation, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy and skin allergies. Other problems they may develop include Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, white shaker syndrome and portosystemic shunt.
Maltipoo Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Since Maltipoos enjoy barking so much, you will want to begin training at an early age. Maltipoos can easily become injured by small children or larger dogs. Maltipoos are very sensitive dogs and can become extremely anxious when left along for long periods of time.
Training: | Moderately easy |