

The Maltipoo is a people-oriented, charming companion dog mix—a deliberately bred surprise bag between the affectionate Maltese and the clever, active Poodle. It is precisely this mix that makes them a popular, yet often unpredictable companion in terms of energy levels.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Maltipoo fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
20–35 cm
Weight
2–6 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Maltipoo, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Maltipoo — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Maltipoo is not a finished plush toy from a catalog, but a genetic surprise package. You are buying a lucky dip: sometimes the stoic calm of the Maltese dominates, other times the reactive, lightning-smart work ethic of the Poodle. If you are prepared to train the specific dog that ends up in front of you—and not just the cute picture from the internet—you will get a fantastic companion.
An adorable cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, the Maltipoo is a small to medium-sized dog breed known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and distinctive curly coat. They are not recognized by the FCI, but that doesn't make them any less lovable or desirable. Maltipoos typically have a round face with large, expressive eyes and a black or brown nose. Their ears droop and are often covered in curly fur that extends over their entire body. They have a robust but delicate body structure that reflects their lively and agile nature.
Maltipoos are known for their lively and loving personalities. They are very people-oriented and love spending time with their families, making them excellent companion dogs. This breed is also very intelligent, which, combined with their desire to please, tends to make training a pleasant experience for everyone involved. Maltipoos are very playful and enjoy a variety of activities, from long walks to indoor games. Despite their playfulness, they are generally not hyperactive dogs and are quite capable of enjoying quiet moments. When it comes to their ability to stay alone, it is important to remember that Maltipoos, like many other breeds, form close bonds with their owners and therefore may have difficulty staying alone for long periods of time. It is therefore important to teach them how to self-soothe and relax when they are alone. When it comes to hunting behavior, Maltipoos are generally not known as hunters. However, they may show some interest in smaller animals, which can be controlled with good socialization and training. In terms of their alertness, Maltipoos can be quite alert and are known to bark when they notice something unusual. However, this can be minimized through training, especially when done from an early age. When it comes to their temperament, Maltipoos can be quite active, although they are not hyperactive. They enjoy walks and playtime, but don't require as much exercise as larger or more athletic breeds. However, it is important to keep them occupied both physically and mentally, otherwise they may be prone to developing unwanted behaviors. Maltipoos are quite intelligent and learn quickly. This, coupled with their desire to please their people, makes them a good choice for first-time owners who are willing to dedicate the time and energy to basic education and training for their dog.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the name Maltipoo is a combination of the names of the two parent breeds, Maltese and Poodle?
The first Maltipoos were bred as pets by American breeders 30 years ago. Many Maltipoos are white, but there are also black, brown, and red Maltipoos. Maltipoos should be kept indoors and not allowed to be outside for too long. They should only be allowed outside to go to the toilet, to play or to exercise. Maltipoos should be bathed every 3 weeks to a month. Maltipoos shed little to not at all, making them a good pet for people with allergies.
Maltipoos are very adaptable dogs and can live well in both the city and the country. They are small enough to be kept indoors, but require daily walks and playtime. Maltipoos are very people-oriented and should not be left alone for long periods of time. They typically get along well with children and other pets, although interactions should always be supervised to ensure no one gets hurt.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Maltipoos are very intelligent dogs and learn quickly. They love learning and respond well to positive reinforcement and rewards. Maltipoos can learn a variety of commands and are often good candidates for dog sports such as agility or obedience. However, it is important not to overwhelm the Maltipoo as they may tend to become anxious or insecure under pressure. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important aspects of raising a Maltipoo and should be encouraged early on.
In terms of nutrition, the Maltipoo has no special requirements and can be fed high quality commercial dog food. However, it is important to maintain a balanced diet as Maltipoos can be prone to obesity. Grooming Maltipoos can be demanding. Their curly fur tends to become matted and should therefore be brushed regularly. A regular visit to the dog groomer may also be necessary to keep their coat short and well-groomed. Maltipoos have no undercoat and therefore shed little, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. However, their fur offers little protection from the cold, which is why they may need a coat or sweater during the cold months in Germany.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid
Health grade
In the Maltipoo, there are breed-typical risks for patellar luxation (PL), cataracts, and von Willebrand disease type I (vWD1). A responsible breeder has their parent animals specifically screened for these diseases prior to mating to reduce the risk of inherited predispositions. Ask to see the veterinary certificates before purchasing: both parents should have a PL 0 result and be ophthalmologically examined for cataracts. For von Willebrand disease type I, it must be proven that the parent animals are genetically clear or that a carrier was mated exclusively with a clear partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
With consistent dental care, maintaining a healthy weight to protect the knees, and paying attention to any breathing sounds, you can make a big difference in daily life.
Responsible breeders screen for patellar luxation (PL) with a limit of PL 0, have the eyes examined for cataracts, and test for von Willebrand disease type I (vWD1) to reduce the risk.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Maltipoo costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €300, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,810 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€30,600.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€150 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€5,810
Across the dog's life
~€30,600
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €2,000 – €4,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

Illustrative image
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Illustrative imageThe history of the Maltipoo is quite recent and can be traced back to the late 1990s in the USA. They were originally bred as a designer dog to create a hypoallergenic, family-friendly breed that combines the best characteristics of the Maltese and Poodle. They remain a very popular choice for people looking for a small, easy-care and intelligent companion dog.
The Maltipoo was created by crossing Maltese and Poodle to create an allergy-friendly companion dog with a friendly nature.
USA
1990er
Many owners value the Maltipoo as a very cuddly, outgoing, and adaptable family dog and companion. Reports repeatedly highlight how friendly these dogs are with people and other dogs, and how well they suit both city apartment life and everyday life with children. Their handy size and often sunny nature make them popular companions you can easily take anywhere.
At the same time, experienced owners highlight one central issue: their very strong attachment. Because Maltipoos tend to follow their people everywhere (the "shadow dog" effect), they often find it very hard to be left alone. Many owners report that it took months of training in small steps before the dog could stay home alone calmly for a few hours without howling or keeping a restless watch at the door. Some dogs are also quite watchful and are quick to bark at noises in the stairwell or at the front door.
Sources:kiezdogs.comwelpen.dedogforum.deirish-pure.depeqaboo.com
Owner accounts of training often stress how smart and eager to learn Maltipoos are. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, they often pick up new commands and tricks in no time and join in with great enthusiasm. Owners mostly describe training as easy and playful, which is why these dogs are often recommended to first-time owners.
Many owners warn, however, against dismissing the breed as a mere "lap dog." Their intelligence also means they want mental challenges; under-stimulated dogs quickly find their own things to do or demand attention persistently. Another often-mentioned point is owners' tendency to pamper the little dog because of its cute looks. If clear structure and consistency aren't modeled from puppyhood on, some Maltipoos develop insecurity, leash reactivity, or controlling behavior at home.
Sources:welpen.deirish-pure.depeqaboo.comdogforum.deginodermaltipoo.de
A recurring topic in forums is coat care, which many new owners underestimate at first. Maltipoos usually shed very little, but the mix of Poodle curls and soft Maltese hair is very prone to matting, especially in the armpits, behind the ears, and on the belly. Many owners stress that daily brushing is a must and that a trip to the groomer, or clipping the dog yourself, has to be planned every six to eight weeks.
On health, owners and breed experts advise great caution when getting one, since Maltipoos, as hybrid dogs, are not bred under traditional breed-club rules and health screening of the parents is often missing. The typical weak spots named in owner accounts are mainly patellar luxation (kneecap problems), sensitive digestion, watery eyes, and tartar buildup. From a reputable source and with good care, however, they are considered hardy, long-lived dogs.
Sources:kiezdogs.comwelpen.deirish-pure.depeqaboo.comginodermaltipoo.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Maltipoo is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Maltipoo is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Maltipoo grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Maltipoo can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Maltipoo comes in these colors: White, Cream, Apricot, Red, Black, Brown, Silver, Grey, Sable, Bicolor, Tricolor, Merle. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
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