Malti-Poo by Janice Jones |Updated December 2025
A Malti-Poo (also spelled Maltipoo, Malt-A-Poo, or Malti Poo) is a popular small designer dog created by crossing a Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature) with a Maltese.
Loved for their affectionate personality, soft low-shedding coats, and petite size, Maltipoos have become one of the most sought-after companion dogs in the last 20 years.
Solid Black Malti-PooWhat Exactly Is a Maltipoo?
While many Maltipoos are first-generation hybrids (50% Poodle and 50% Maltese), not all breeders follow this model.
Some use multi-generation crosses, such as:
- Maltipoo × Poodle
- Maltipoo × Maltipoo (F2 or F3 generations)
- Maltipoo × Maltese
Because of this, appearance and temperament can vary, even within the same litter.
For families wanting predictable traits, first-generation puppies often offer the most consistency.
Maltese vs Poodle vs Maltipoo
| Characteristic | Maltese | Poodle (Toy/Mini) | Maltipoo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 4–7 lbs | Toy: 4–6 lbs Miniature: 10–15 lbs |
4–10 lbs, depending on Poodle parent |
| Coat Type | Silky, straight, long | Curly, dense, low-shedding | Wavy to curly, soft, low-shedding |
| Coat Colors | Always white | Wide range (black, apricot, red, silver, cream, brown) | Any Poodle color or combination |
| Grooming Needs | High—daily brushing & frequent trims | High—mat-prone coat requires routine care | Moderate to high—depends on coat type |
| Temperament | Gentle, affectionate, people-oriented | Highly intelligent, active, alert | Friendly, smart, playful, affectionate |
| Energy Level | Low to moderate | Moderate to high | Moderate—varies by genetics |
| Trainability | Moderate—can be stubborn | Excellent—very fast learners | High—responsive and eager to please |
| Shedding Level | Low | Very low | Low to very low |
| Good for Allergy Sufferers? | Often, but not guaranteed | Yes—one of the best options | Often—depends on coat & genetics |
| Good with Children? | Yes, with supervision due to size | Yes—especially Miniatures | Yes, but best with gentle or older children |
| Common Behavior Challenges | Separation anxiety, picky eaters | Barking, high energy, needs stimulation | Barking, separation anxiety, variable energy |
Quick Facts About the Maltipoo
Good with children: Yes, with supervision
Hypoallergenic tendencies: Yes, low-shedding
Grooming needs: Moderate
Watchdog ability: Good
Expected size: 4–10 pounds (depending on Poodle parent size)
Coat colors: Black, White, Apricot, Red, Silver, Brown, Cream, Gray, Beige, or combinations
Why Are Maltipoos So Popular?
Designer mixes such as the Maltipoo are cherished because they often combine the best qualities of both parent breeds:
- Friendly and people-oriented
- Intelligent and quick to learn
- Playful yet gentle
- Small and apartment-friendly
- Low-shedding coat suitable for many allergy sufferers
However, because genetics are unpredictable, no breeder can guarantee that every puppy will inherit the ideal traits of both breeds.
Even littermates can look or behave differently depending on which genes “turn on.”
Black and White Maltese and Toy Poodle HybridHealth & Genetics Considerations
One common belief is that first-generation hybrids are healthier due to hybrid vigor.
While this can be true, especially when avoiding inbreeding, it is not a guarantee.
A Maltipoo’s health, temperament, size, and activity level are influenced by:
- The parents’ health testing
- Breed-specific genetic risks
- Multi-generation breeding choices
- The size of the Poodle parent (Toy vs Miniature)
First-generation Maltipoos (Maltese × Poodle) tend to be more predictable in size and appearance, while multi-generational lines can sometimes drift toward looking more Poodle-like or Maltese-like.
Maltipoo Personality
The typical Maltipoo is:
- Affectionate and people-loving
- Very loyal
- Smart and eager to please
- Playful well into adulthood
- Energetic but manageable indoors
But individual temperament varies. For example:
- Some are calm lap dogs.
- Others are lively and curious, making training sessions short and sweet.
- Many are vocal, barking to alert you of anything unusual.
Because they thrive on human companionship, they may develop separation anxiety without early training.
Families with young children should supervise carefully due to the Maltipoo’s tiny size; homes with older children tend to be ideal unless the Poodle parent was a Miniature (resulting in slightly larger puppies).
Maltipoo Appearance
Apricot Colored Maltese and Poodle MixA Maltipoo’s appearance varies depending on which parent they favor.
Coat Texture
- Curly or woolly (more like a Poodle)
- Silky and straight (more like a Maltese)
- Wavy, soft combination (most common)
Because coats tangle easily, most owners keep their Maltipoo in a puppy cut for easier daily maintenance.
Coat Colors
Any Poodle color can appear, including:
- Black
- White
- Apricot
- Red
- Cream
- Beige
- Silver
- Gray
- Brown
- Parti-color combinations
Is a Maltipoo Right for You?
A Maltipoo might be a perfect match for you if:
- You want a small, affectionate companion who adores people.
- You prefer a low-shedding dog that may be easier for mild allergy sufferers.
- You enjoy training and interacting with your dog daily.
- You have time for regular grooming and don’t mind professional trims.
- You can provide company—Maltipoos do best in homes where someone is around much of the day.
- You want a playful dog who will follow you from room to room and snuggle on the couch.
A Maltipoo may not be ideal if:
- You work long hours, and the dog would spend a lot of time alone.
- You want a dog with a predictable size, coat, or temperament (hybrids vary).
- You are looking for a quiet, low-bark breed.
- You have very young children who may accidentally injure a tiny dog.
- You prefer a low-maintenance coat; Maltipoos require frequent brushing and trims.
Bottom line:
The Maltipoo is a loving, fun, and charming companion for individuals, seniors, and families who enjoy being actively involved with their dog. If you want a cuddly, intelligent small dog who thrives on affection, this hybrid could be the perfect fit.
Registries for Hybrid Dogs
Since these dogs are hybrids, they cannot be registered with clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), but for those that want a registered dog, there are several agencies that register hybrids including:
American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry.
International Designer Canine Registry
Maltipoo Pin for Future Reference
Curious about the Maltipoo? Discover the traits, size, temperament, and care needs of this adorable Maltese–Poodle mix. A complete beginner-friendly guide for anyone considering a Maltipoo puppy.Final Notes
Maltipoos are charming, affectionate, intelligent little dogs ideally suited for individuals, seniors, and families with gentle children. With the proper training, grooming routine, and breeder selection, a Maltipoo can be a joyful companion for many years.
More Designer Dogs
If you enjoy small hybrid breeds, you may also want to explore:
Mal-Shi (Maltese × Shih Tzu)
Morkie (Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier)
Shorkie (Shih Tzu × Yorkie)
About Janice (author and voice behind this site)
Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, Janice served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.
Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master’s in Mental Health Counseling.
She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu, but she has also lived with Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, English Bulldogs, Carin Terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel.
When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu and Smart-Knit-Crocheting
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