Most important facts
- Group
- Crossbreed
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 3–9 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Wavy to curly, single-layer
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- 20–35 cm
- Colours
- White, cream, apricot or silver
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£13/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, soft-bristle grooming brush, lightweight step-in harness
Typical dry food, adult
About the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a modern designer cross between the Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Breeders, mainly in the United States, have made it deliberately from the 1990s onwards to pair the Maltese's gentle devotion with the Poodle's cleverness and low-shedding curl. It has become one of the most popular toy crosses, though with no Kennel Club recognition, size and coat still vary noticeably between litters.
Maltipoos are typically affectionate, sociable and eager to please, bonding closely with their family and sometimes struggling with long periods alone. They tend to be alert and can be vocal towards strangers, but settle well once introduced, and the intelligence inherited from the Poodle side means they respond well to reward-based training.
Confidence and independence vary considerably from one Maltipoo to another, depending on which parent's traits come through in that litter, so meet the puppy's parents where possible and ask the breeder about temperament. Consistent routines, including predictable mealtimes, help many Maltipoos feel secure and reduce anxious or attention-seeking behaviour.
Common health conditions
Things Maltipoo owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Luxating patella
Small and toy dogs often get a slipping kneecap, crossbreeds included. Keep the Maltipoo at a lean, correct body condition through accurately portioned food.
Dental disease
Small jaws mean crowded teeth and a higher risk of plaque and gum disease. Use dental-support kibble textures and chews alongside daily brushing.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition seen in both Maltese and Poodle lines. Choose health-tested parent dogs and keep up regular eye checks.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
An uncommon hip condition of small breeds affecting blood supply to the femoral head. Discuss any lameness in a growing puppy with a vet promptly.
Skin and coat sensitivities
Some Maltipoos develop mild skin irritation or tear staining. To support the skin and coat, feed balanced omega fatty acids alongside protein of good quality.
Feeding a Maltipoo
Maltipoos have small stomachs relative to their energy needs, so a calorie-dense, nutrient-rich small-breed food is the right base. Split the daily amount into two or three meals, which suits them better than one large meal and guards against the low blood sugar tiny puppies can be prone to. Because adult weight varies so much, set portions from body condition rather than a single fixed guideline, weighing meals on scales.
Given the tendency towards dental crowding, a kibble shape that encourages chewing, alongside appropriate dental chews, supports oral health from a young age. Watch total calories carefully, including training treats, since Maltipoos are small enough that modest overfeeding shows up quickly and strains knees already prone to luxation.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Maltipoo needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
3–9 kg
Est. daily calories
190–580 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Maltipoos eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.43
- Per month
- ~£13
- Per year
- ~£155
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Maltipoo
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Maltipoo by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs5/10
- Appetite6/10
- Trainability7/10
- Good with children6/10
- Shedding2/10
- Tolerates being alone3/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Low-shedding coat suits many allergy-conscious households
- Affectionate, people-focused temperament
- Compact size suits flats and smaller homes
Worth knowing
- Coat needs frequent brushing and professional trimming to prevent matting
- Small jaw is prone to dental crowding, so oral care needs consistency
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed my Maltipoo?
There's no single answer because adult Maltipoos range widely in size. Start from the feeding guide on the packaging for the dog's current weight, then adjust with regular body condition checks, feeling for but not seeing the ribs. Our Food Finder can help match a portion and recipe.
Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Maltipoos shed very little and produce less loose hair and dander than many breeds, which is why they're popular with allergy-conscious owners. Regular grooming and bathing reduces allergen spread further.
Why is my Maltipoo such a fussy eater?
Small breeds are commonly selective eaters, and Maltipoos are no exception. Keep meals at consistent times, avoid excessive treats and scraps, and choose a palatable, nutrient-dense small-breed food. Have persistent appetite loss checked by a vet to rule out dental pain.
How much exercise does a Maltipoo need?
Walk them 30 to 45 minutes a day, split into shorter sessions, and add mental stimulation such as training games or puzzle feeders. They're livelier than their lapdog reputation suggests, but don't need the mileage of a larger breed.