Maltipoo
From United States, first bred on purpose within roughly the last 20 to 30 years as a designer companion dog.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
About 5-20 lb (2.3-9.1 kg); size depends on the Poodle parent.
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.21
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.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate: a daily walk plus some play at home or in the garden is plenty.21
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.21
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to apartments and small homes; happiest where family members are home for much of the day.2
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.2
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.2
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.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Major kennel clubs
- A crossbreed, not recognised as a breed by the major kennel clubs.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Maltipoo. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.23
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.24
How often should I bathe a Maltipoo?
A monthly bath works well, or every 8 weeks as Furry Diary suggests. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.25 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Maltipoo need brushing?
Brush your Maltipoo daily to prevent tangles and mats, as their soft coat can mat easily. Furry Diary suggests at least weekly, but daily is ideal for this coat type.25 Furry Diary 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.25 Furry Diary 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.2 Furry Diary 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.25 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Maltipoo live?
A Maltipoo typically lives between 10 and 16 years, bringing many happy years of companionship.21
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.21
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.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Parents and lookalikes
Maltese
Cavapoo
Cockapoo
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Daily Paws: Maltipoo dailypaws.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, fun facts
- PetMD: Maltipoo petmd.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.