Pet Wiki

Maltipoo

A charming, happy little dog that is sweet with people of all ages and friendly with other pets once socialised.

SizeToy
Weight2.3 to 9.1 kg (5 to 20 lb)12
Height20 to 36 cm (8 to 14 in)12
Lifespan10 to 16 years12
CoatSoft, medium to long; straight and silky to curly
OriginUnited States, first bred on purpose within roughly the last 20 to 30 years as a designer companion dog.2
Last checked2026-10-01
CrossbreedShort profile
gentle and affectionate
cheerful and playful
bright and eager to please
12

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.12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Maltipoo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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.12

Colourswhitecreamblackgreybrowngoldbicolourtricolourmarbled12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate: a daily walk plus some play at home or in the garden is plenty.12

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.12

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to apartments and small homes; happiest where family members are home for much of the day.1

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.1

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.1

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.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Most Maltipoos are white or cream, but the coat can come in almost any colour, including bicolour and tricolour.2

  2. 2

    Even though it is a fairly new cross, it counts among the most popular designer dogs.2

  3. 3

    Its coat can take after either parent: Poodle curls or Maltese silk.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Maltipoo' is a portmanteau of its parent breeds: the Maltese and the Poodle (often a Toy or Miniature Poodle).1

Name ideas for your new friend

PixieCocoBellaMaxMiloLunaCharlieDaisyRockyZoeTeddyRosie

A day in the life told by a Maltipoo

I start my day with a little dance when I see my human's feet hit the floor. We go for a short walk, and I say hello to all my doggy friends. Back home, I play fetch with my squeaky toy and then snuggle on the couch while my human reads. In the afternoon, we practice tricks, and I get treats for being so clever. At night, I curl up in my bed, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Major kennel clubs
A crossbreed, not recognised as a breed by the major kennel clubs.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Maltipoo tip

Maltipoos are prone to dental disease, so choose dental-support kibble or vet-recommended oral-care diets. Because they can be sensitive to chicken and beef, novel protein treats like fish or lamb may be kinder to their tummy.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Maltipoo, and at what times?

Feed puppies up to four small meals a day, then two meals as an adult. Consistent times like morning and evening work well. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.13

What should a Maltipoo eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete small-breed dog food with measured portions is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Check with your vet for any dietary concerns.14

How often should I bathe a Maltipoo?

A monthly bath works well, or every 8 weeks as Pet Wiki suggests. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.15 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Maltipoo need brushing?

Brush your Maltipoo daily to prevent tangles and mats, as their soft coat can mat easily. Pet Wiki suggests at least weekly, but daily is ideal for this coat type.15 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Maltipoo's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time and stop before the pink quick to avoid pain.15 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Maltipoo need?

A daily walk and some playtime at home or in the garden is plenty. They have moderate energy and enjoy being active with you.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Maltipoo's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth at least twice a week, daily is even better, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.15 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Maltipoo live?

A Maltipoo typically lives between 10 and 16 years, bringing many happy years of companionship.12

Is a Maltipoo good with children and other pets?

Yes, Maltipoos are sweet with children and friendly with other pets when properly socialised. They are gentle and adapt well to family life.12

Can a Maltipoo be left alone?

Maltipoos bond closely with their family and dislike being left alone for long periods. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the day.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

MalteseCavapooCockapooYorkipoo

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. PetMD: Maltipoo petmd.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs
  2. Daily Paws: Maltipoo dailypaws.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, fun facts
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.