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Hound Handbook
Breed profile

Maltipoo

A Maltese crossed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Usually small, affectionate and vocal, but size, coat and temperament vary widely.

Apricot Maltipoo with a soft wavy coat lying on a wooden floor, looking at the camera
A Maltipoo (Maltese x Poodle)Photo: Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
3–9 kg7–20 lb
Height
20–34 cm8–13 in
Lifespan
13–15 yrs
Group
Crossbreed
Origin
United States
Popularity
—Crossbreed (not ranked) ·

Known for: Flat-friendlyLap dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Affectionate, Playful, Clever, Vocal.

Health problems to know about

  • Patellar luxation
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Dental disease

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Brush daily or nearly daily, with a professional trim every 4–6 weeks for curlier coats. Short walks and play. Daily tooth brushing. Ask for health tests on both parents.

A good fit for

Flat dwellers and adult or older-child households who want a small, people-focused companion.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with toddlers, owners who are out all day (separation anxiety is common), or anyone relying on a hypoallergenic promise.

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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