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Everything you need to know about the Maltipoo — one of the most
popular and beloved designer dog breeds in the USA. From size and
coat types to temperament, health, and care, this guide covers it all.
About the Breed
What is a Maltipoo?
A Maltipoo is a designer hybrid dog — a cross between a purebred
Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. First bred in the United
States in the 1990s, the Maltipoo was developed to combine the
gentle, affectionate nature of the Maltese with the intelligence
and low-shedding coat of the Poodle.
The result is an intelligent, playful, and deeply loving companion
dog that adapts equally well to apartment living and family homes.
Maltipoos are not recognised by the AKC as a purebred, but both
parent breeds are fully AKC registered — and reputable breeders
like MaltipoosHome health-test all parent dogs before breeding.
Maltipoos are one of the most sought-after companion dogs in the
USA for good reason: they are small enough to travel with, smart
enough to train easily, gentle enough for families with children,
and low-shedding enough for many allergy sufferers.
Hypoallergenic
Low-Shedding
Size
5–20 lbs / 8–14 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Coat
Soft, wavy or curly
Exercise
~30 min/day
Temperament
Gentle, playful, loving
Trainability
High (Poodle intellect)
Are Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?
Maltipoos are widely considered one of the most hypoallergenic
dog breeds available. They inherit the low-shedding, low-dander
coat of the Poodle parent, which is the primary reason allergy
sufferers tend to tolerate them far better than other breeds.
It is important to understand that no dog is 100% allergen-free.
All dogs produce some level of Can f 1 — the protein found in
dog saliva, urine, and dander that triggers most human allergies.
However, because Maltipoos shed very little and produce less
airborne dander than most breeds, the allergic response in
sensitive owners is significantly reduced.
The more Poodle genetics in the cross — such as F1B Maltipoos
(75% Poodle) — the more hypoallergenic the coat tends to be.
F1 Maltipoos (50% Poodle) are also very well-tolerated by most
allergy sufferers.
If you have severe dog allergies, we recommend spending time
with a Maltipoo puppy before committing. We are happy to arrange
a video call and discuss the coat type of any available puppy
to help you make the right choice.
Maltipoo Size & Weight
Maltipoos come in several size categories, and understanding the
differences will help you choose the right puppy for your home
and lifestyle. Size is primarily determined by whether the Poodle
parent is a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Poodle — and by the
generation of the cross (F1, F1B, or F2).
Toy Maltipoo
The toy Maltipoo is the most popular size category. They
typically weigh between 5 and 10 lbs (2.3–4.5 kg) and stand
8 to 10 inches tall at full maturity. Toy Maltipoos are
bred from Toy Poodles crossed with Maltese and strike the
perfect balance between tiny and sturdy.
They are confident, energetic, and easier to handle than
Teacup sizes while still being small enough for apartment
living. Most of the puppies available at MaltipoosHome fall
within the Toy Maltipoo range.
Best for: Apartments, couples, families with older children, and first-time dog owners.
Teacup Maltipoo
The Teacup Maltipoo is the smallest size category, typically
weighing under 5 lbs (under 2.3 kg) at full maturity. They
usually stand between 6 and 8 inches tall. Teacup Maltipoos
are bred from the smallest Toy Poodles and the smallest Maltese
parents, making them exceptionally tiny and portable.
They are ideal for apartment living, frequent travelers, and
owners who want a dog they can carry comfortably. However,
Teacup Maltipoos require extra care — their small size makes
them more delicate, and they are prone to low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia) if feeding schedules are not kept consistent.
Best for: Singles, apartment dwellers, experienced small dog owners.
Micro Maltipoo
The Micro Maltipoo sits between Teacup and Toy in terms of
size, typically weighing between 3 and 5 lbs (1.4–2.3 kg)
at full maturity. The term “Micro” is used by breeders to
describe puppies that are slightly larger than a true Teacup
but still exceptionally small.
Like Teacup Maltipoos, Micro Maltipoos require attentive
care and consistent feeding schedules. They are best suited
for calm, experienced households rather than homes with
young children or larger dogs.
Best for: Calm households, seniors, experienced small dog owners.
Mini Maltipoo
The Mini Maltipoo — sometimes called the Miniature Maltipoo —
is bred from a Miniature Poodle rather than a Toy Poodle.
They typically weigh between 10 and 20 lbs (4.5–9 kg) and
stand 10 to 14 inches tall at maturity.
Mini Maltipoos are slightly more robust than their Toy
counterparts, making them a great choice for families with
young children or homes with more active lifestyles. They
still shed minimally and carry the same hypoallergenic coat
qualities as smaller Maltipoos.
Best for: Families with young children, active owners, suburban homes.
📊 Maltipoo Size Comparison Table
| Size | Weight | Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacup | Under 5 lbs / under 2.3 kg | 6–8 inches | Apartments, travelers |
| Micro | 3–5 lbs / 1.4–2.3 kg | 7–9 inches | Calm households, seniors |
| Toy | 5–10 lbs / 2.3–4.5 kg | 8–10 inches | Apartments, families |
| Mini | 10–20 lbs / 4.5–9 kg | 10–14 inches | Active families, suburban homes |
Maltipoo Temperament & Personality
Maltipoos are celebrated for their warm, affectionate, and
deeply social personalities. They are not a breed that does
well in isolation — they thrive on human companionship and
form extremely strong bonds with their owners and families.
Key personality traits include:
Affectionate: Maltipoos love to be held, cuddled, and included
in daily activities. They are true lap dogs at heart but also
enjoy playtime and short bursts of energy throughout the day.
Intelligent: Inheriting the Poodle’s exceptional intelligence,
Maltipoos are fast learners. They respond very well to
positive reinforcement training and can master basic obedience
commands quickly, even as young puppies.
Gentle: The Maltese influence makes Maltipoos naturally gentle
and calm. They rarely show aggression and are well-suited to
homes with children, elderly family members, and other pets.
Social: Maltipoos are friendly by nature and typically get
along well with strangers, other dogs, and cats when properly
introduced. Early socialisation from puppyhood — which all
our puppies receive — reinforces this naturally open temperament.
Alert: Despite their small size, Maltipoos make surprisingly
effective watchdogs. They will alert their owners to strangers
or unusual sounds, though they are not excessive barkers when
properly trained.
One important note: Maltipoos can develop separation anxiety
if left alone for extended periods. They are best suited to
households where someone is home for most of the day, or
where a gradual alone-time training routine is established
from puppyhood.
Maltipoo Coat Types
One of the most variable characteristics of the Maltipoo is
their coat. Depending on which parent they take after more
closely, Maltipoo coats can range from straight and silky
to tightly curled — and every variation in between.
Straight / Silky Coat
More common in puppies that inherit stronger Maltese genetics.
This coat is soft and fine, lies flat, and has a subtle sheen.
It requires regular brushing (every 2–3 days) to prevent
matting and tangles. Straight-coated Maltipoos tend to shed
very slightly more than their wavy or curly counterparts.
Wavy Coat
The most common coat type in F1 Maltipoos. Wavy coats are
soft, fluffy, and low-shedding. They are easy to maintain
with regular brushing 2–3 times per week and a professional
groom every 6–8 weeks. This coat type is the most forgiving
for first-time Maltipoo owners.
Curly Coat
More common in F1B and F2 Maltipoos that inherit stronger
Poodle genetics. Curly coats are the most hypoallergenic
and the lowest shedding of all three types. They do require
more frequent grooming — brushing every 1–2 days and a
professional groom every 4–6 weeks — to prevent the tight
curls from matting close to the skin.
Coat Colour
Maltipoos come in a wide range of coat colours including
cream, white, apricot, caramel, red brown, chocolate,
black, parti-colour, and phantom. Coat colour does not
affect temperament or health. At MaltipoosHome our puppies
are predominantly caramel, red brown, and pearl caramel —
colours that tend to hold beautifully into adulthood.
F1 vs F1B vs F2 — Maltipoo Generations Explained
The generation of a Maltipoo refers to the breeding combination
used to produce it. Understanding generations helps you predict
coat type, shedding level, and hypoallergenic qualities.
F1 Maltipoo — First Generation
Parents: Purebred Maltese × Purebred Toy or Miniature Poodle
Genetics: 50% Maltese / 50% Poodle
The most common generation. F1 Maltipoos benefit from hybrid
vigour — the genetic diversity that comes from crossing two
distinct purebred lines. This typically results in a healthier,
more robust dog with fewer inherited conditions than either
parent breed alone. Coat type varies between wavy and curly.
Low-shedding and well-tolerated by most mild allergy sufferers.
F1B Maltipoo — First Generation Backcross
Parents: F1 Maltipoo × Purebred Poodle
Genetics: 25% Maltese / 75% Poodle
The F1B is bred back to a Poodle to increase the Poodle
genetics in the cross. The result is a curlier, more
consistently low-shedding coat that is the most hypoallergenic
of all Maltipoo generations. Ideal for owners with moderate
to severe dog allergies. Temperament remains gentle and
affectionate with strong Poodle intelligence.
F2 Maltipoo — Second Generation
Parents: F1 Maltipoo × F1 Maltipoo
Genetics: 50% Maltese / 50% Poodle (average)
F2 Maltipoos are bred from two F1 parents. Coat type in F2
litters can be more variable than F1 litters — some puppies
may inherit a straighter coat closer to the Maltese side.
F2 Maltipoos are a great choice for owners who want the
second-generation temperament and are less concerned about
maximum hypoallergenic qualities.
Which generation is right for you?
If allergies are a concern — choose F1B.
If you want the benefits of hybrid vigour — choose F1.
If you want a second-generation Maltipoo with proven parent
temperaments — choose F2.
All three generations are available at MaltipoosHome. Every
puppy listing clearly states their generation so you can
make an informed choice.
Maltipoo Lifespan & Health
Maltipoos are a generally healthy and long-lived breed.
With proper care, a healthy diet, regular veterinary
check-ups, and an active lifestyle, a well-bred Maltipoo
can live between 12 and 16 years.
Average Lifespan: 12–16 years
Common Health Considerations
Like all dog breeds, Maltipoos can be predisposed to certain
inherited health conditions. Responsible breeding significantly
reduces these risks. At MaltipoosHome, all of our parent
dogs are DNA health tested for the following conditions
before being used in any breeding programme:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic condition
causing gradual vision loss. DNA testing of parent dogs
eliminates the risk of producing affected puppies.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: A blood clotting disorder found
in some Poodle lines. All our Poodle parents are tested
clear before breeding.
Patellar Luxation: A common small-breed condition where
the kneecap slips out of position. Selecting breeding
dogs with sound joint structure reduces the risk.
Hypoglycemia: Particularly relevant in Teacup and Micro
sizes. Small puppies can experience blood sugar drops if
not fed on a consistent schedule. We provide full guidance
on puppy feeding schedules to all new owners.
Dental Disease: Small breeds are prone to tartar build-up
and gum disease. Regular dental care — including tooth
brushing and annual veterinary dental checks — is
important for all Maltipoos.
Our Health Guarantee
Every MaltipoosHome puppy comes with a 2-year genetic
health guarantee. If your puppy develops a heritable
condition within 2 years of purchase, we will work with
you on a replacement or full refund. No questions asked.
Care & Grooming
Maltipoos are a relatively low-maintenance breed in terms
of exercise but do require consistent grooming to keep
their coats healthy and tangle-free.
Exercise
Maltipoos need approximately 20–30 minutes of exercise
per day. This can be split into two short walks plus
indoor playtime. They are energetic and playful indoors
and do not require a garden or outdoor space to thrive —
making them ideal for apartment and city living.
Grooming
Brushing: 2–3 times per week minimum for wavy coats.
Daily brushing recommended for curly coats to prevent
matting. Use a slicker brush and a metal comb for best
results.
Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks for wavy coats.
Every 4–6 weeks for curly coats. Common clip styles
for Maltipoos include the Teddy Bear cut, the Puppy
cut, and the Lamb cut.
Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo
formulated for sensitive skin. Maltipoos can be prone
to skin sensitivity, so avoid harsh or heavily
fragranced products.
Eye care: Maltipoos are prone to tear staining — a
reddish-brown discolouration beneath the eyes caused
by excess tear production. Wipe the eye area daily
with a damp cloth and use a tear stain remover
solution as needed.
Ear care: Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or
excess wax. Poodle-type ears can be prone to moisture
build-up and infection if not kept clean and dry.
Dental care: Brush your Maltipoo’s teeth 2–3 times
per week using a dog-safe toothpaste. Supplement
with dental chews and annual professional cleanings.
Feeding
Feed a high-quality small-breed dry kibble appropriate
for your puppy’s age and size. Teacup and Micro
Maltipoos should be fed 3–4 small meals per day to
maintain stable blood sugar levels. Toy and Mini
Maltipoos can transition to 2 meals per day from
around 6 months of age.
Training
Maltipoos are highly trainable thanks to their Poodle
intelligence. Begin basic obedience training from 8
weeks using positive reinforcement — small treats,
praise, and play rewards. Avoid harsh corrections.
Crate training and a consistent routine from day one
will make potty training significantly easier.
Ready to find your perfect Maltipoo? Browse our available puppies — we have F1, F1B, and F2 Maltipoos in Teacup, Toy, and Mini sizes, in a range of coat colours including caramel, red brown, and pearl caramel. Every puppy comes health certified, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to travel to your family anywhere in the USA.
