Maltipoo

Maltipoos aren’t a good match for families with very young children, as they’re emotionally sensitive in nature. The noise, hustle and bustle that goes with having a young family may be too much for a dog that wants to be the centre of attention. Another thing to consider is their small size and cute fluffy appearance. It’s almost impossible for a young child to resist the urge to pick them up. This could lead to the dog becoming scared of the child/children, or even injury if they were to be dropped.

These dogs would be a better fit in a home with slightly older children who know how to interact with dogs in a responsible way. They would also suit a retired person/couple or someone who works from home.

Yes! Giving and receiving affection is vital for a Maltipoo to feel safe and secure. They’re very much lapdogs and bed warmers. It’s fair to say they love nothing more than snuggling down with you on the sofa. They’ll rarely be far from your side, whether you’re working from home or doing house chores!

So if you’re looking for a fun companion/shadow, a Maltipoo could be the dog for you. But if you want a dog with a bit more of an independent streak, you might want to keep looking.

Yes! Maltipoos are heaps of fun and love to play. They can turn their paw to all sorts of games. From chase, retrieving toys and tug of war to seek and find games – even mini agility!

These dogs demand a lot of interaction, which underlines their need for companionship and attention. 

Both the Maltese and the Miniature/Toy Poodle don’t hold back when it comes to using their voice. So it stands to reason that the Maltipoo follows suit. This is not to say they’re nuisance barkers. But they’ll certainly let you know if there’s a knock on your door, or if they think someone is lurking about. They also won’t shy away from using their voice if they aren’t getting enough attention.

So if you’re looking for an intruder alarm that’s not much bigger than a cat, a Maltipoo could be a great choice. But if a high-pitched bark might set your teeth on edge, maybe you should continue your search.

If a Maltipoo’s needs are met, you’ll have a great furry friend. But it’s a different story when their needs aren’t met. So it’s important to ensure they have the right amount of physical and mental exercise. And it’s equally vital they have kind, fair and effective training, and, of course, companionship. Otherwise you can expect to see behaviourial issues such as separation related problems, excessive barking, attention seeking behaviours and general nervousness.

These are big dogs trapped in small bodies, so please don’t be tempted to skip any of their essential needs.

The number one thing this breed needs from a home is time dedicated to companionship. A lonely Maltipoo is an unhappy Maltipoo.

Because of their small stature, Maltipoos are suitable for any size of home. But access to an enclosed garden is important. They have small bladders and will need regular toileting opportunities, along with their daily walks.

Maltipoos can live happily alongside cats and dogs if they’re socialised appropriately (taught how to interact in an appropriate way with people and other dogs). Both of the ‘parent breeds' were created to be companions, so they need company to be happy.

You should also give consideration to the size of their potential canine companions or playmates. They’re a fragile little dog and can easily get injured if jumped on during an energetic play session!

Maltipoos need between 30 minutes to one hour of exercise daily.  They love running and playing in green spaces. If well socialised, they’ll also enjoy walks to the local shop or garden centre and dog- friendly cafes. As long as they’re with you, they’re pretty much happy!

It’s not just their little legs that need exercising, these dogs’ brains need a good workout too. Puzzle feeders and activity toys will help to stimulate them.

If the weather isn’t great, Maltipoos are small enough to entertain and exercise at home – but access to a garden for toileting is a must.

This depends on the amount of Poodle in a Maltipoo. Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds and they love to learn!

All puppies need training and Maltipoos are no exception. It’s easy to think their small size means they won’t be a problem if you don’t train them, but don’t fall into that trap!

For these dogs to be able to enjoy off-lead exercise, they need to be taught how to come when they are called.

Maltipoos can struggle to cope home alone, so this training needs to be taken slow and steady.

To play nicely with toys, teaching a retrieve would be beneficial (bringing their toys back to you).

A Maltipoo’s glorious coat takes a lot of management, so getting them used to being handled, picked up for grooming, or examined at the vets is essential.

Using food and toys as rewards when training a Maltipoo will ensure that you both enjoy the learning process.

Remember that adolescence can be challenging for any dog breed. So hang in there and you’ll reap the rewards once they hit maturity!

A Maltipoo’s coat generally needs a lot of attention. But this can vary depending on how much Maltese or Poodle genes are in them. They could be curly, wavy, straight, or silky. Whatever their coat type, they’ll needs daily grooming to prevent matting.

You’ll need a slicker or pin brush, a comb, and a pair of scissors. Detangling spray will also be your friend!

Maltipoos have sensitive skin, so care must be taken not to hurt them. Use high value treats such as small pieces of cheese or hotdogs to help them enjoy the experience.

This crossbreed benefits from visiting a professional groomer every six weeks (approximately), for a proper trim, nail clipping and ear cleaning. This keeps them looking and feeling their best!

It’s vital that you stay on top of your Maltipoo’s coat management.  They can matt quickly and this can be painful. Their coats also attract twigs and seeds, which can cause injury. As well as keeping their coat healthy, grooming sessions also give you the opportunity to check for lumps, grazes or parasites.

Whilst Maltipoos are classed as low shedders, they’re not hypoallergenic. In fact, no breed is! People can be allergic to a dog’s saliva and skin flakes, as well as their coat.

A well-bred Maltipoo who lives a healthy lifestyle can live up to fifteen years of age.

Being a crossbreed, you need to be aware of health conditions that can affect both breeds in these dogs. These include:

• Luxating patella: occurs when the kneecap slides or pops out place
• Allergies
• Shaker syndrome (tremors)
• Cushing's disease: this causes a dog to produce too much of the hormone ‘cortisol’
• Dental issues
• Liver shunt: this affects the blood supply to the organ.
• Corneal (eye) ulcers
• Eye cataracts
• Addison’s disease: a condition where the body stops producing two vital hormones
• Femoral head necrosis: a condition where the hip doesn’t function correctly
• Epilepsy
• Hip dysplasia: a genetic condition affecting the joints, leading to pain and mobility issues

Some of these conditions can be tested for by responsible breeders, while others can’t.

You can help keep your dog in tip-top shape with regular health checks, a good diet and exercise.