Draft — source-backed Updated 2026-06-20
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Maltipoo

Size small
Energy medium
Weight 0.9–3.2 kg
Annual cost ~$1,900

Popular Maltese-Poodle designer mix; low-shedding, affectionate, and apartment-friendly — but coat, temperament, and health vary significantly between individuals due to hybrid genetics.

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Adorable poodle mix enjoying a sunny day outside in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Photo by Jay Brand on Pexels

Quick facts: Maltipoo

Size
Small
Weight
0.9–3.2 kg
Origin
United States (designer cross)
Life span
13–16 years
Temperament
Affectionate, gentle, playful, social
Energy level
Medium
Grooming needs
High
Trainability
Low
Apartment fit
Very‑high
Typical annual cost
~$1,900

Is the Maltipoo right for you?

Best for

  • Apartment dwellers wanting a low-shedding, sociable small companion
  • First-time owners looking for a trainable, gentle small breed
  • Households without very young children

Not ideal if

  • Those expecting consistent coat or temperament (F1 hybrids vary widely)
  • Owners wanting a breed with a well-established, predictable health profile
  • Those unable to manage regular professional grooming
  • Households with toddlers (tiny dogs can be fragile)

A popular apartment companion with low shedding and friendly temperament — research the specific cross generation and breeder carefully, as trait consistency varies more than in purebreds.

Continue to Traits

Trait snapshot

Size small
Energy medium
Grooming high
Training low
Apartment fit very‑high
Kid-friendly medium
Alone-time tolerance low
Barking tendency medium
Heat sensitivity medium
Cold tolerance low
Shedding very‑low
Weight 0.9–3.2 kg

What owners actually say

Maltipoo owners describe charming, affectionate companions — and consistently note that hybrid trait consistency varies much more than with purebreds.

  • General

    Affectionate and sociable. Owners describe a dog that wants to be involved in everything and bonds very strongly. Many describe the breed as a perfect lap dog that is also active enough to be interesting.

  • Shedding

    Low shedding is the most commonly cited advantage. Owners from allergy-sensitive households describe successful experiences, though individual dogs vary. F1B litters (75% Poodle) tend to shed less than F1.

  • Grooming

    Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is required for most coat types. Owners describe this as a significant ongoing cost that is often underestimated before purchase.

  • Health reality

    Dental disease is a consistent issue. Owners describe starting dental care early as essential. Small jaw crowding means teeth problems develop faster than owners expect.

  • Training

    More trainable than either parent alone, according to many owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning. Early training while small makes management much easier as they mature.

Editorial summary. Phase 3 will add structured owner survey data.

Continue to Cost

Cost snapshot

Typical annual
$1,900

Range $1,100–$3,200

First year
$4,000

Range $2,200–$6,500

Monthly average
~$158

After first year

Annual breakdown

Food
$418
Vet
$513
Grooming
$342
Supplies
$228
Other
$399
Methodology Medium confidence

Assumptions used:

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks required
  • Dental care costs ongoing from early age
  • Designer breed prices are often higher than purebreds without the health testing foundation — vet parent health certificates before buying

Last reviewed: 2026-06-20

Read full methodology →
Full cost breakdown → Customise estimate →
Calculate food needs for your Maltipoo → Check weight & body condition →
Continue to Health

Health watchlist

Health information is educational only. Always consult your veterinarian.

Elevated

Dental disease

Very small dogs are prone to dental overcrowding and early dental disease. Daily brushing and regular professional cleanings from a young age are important. Consult your vet.

Monitor

Patellar luxation

Common in small breeds and both parent breeds. OFA patellar examination is available. Ask breeders about parent health testing. Consult your vet.

Monitor

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Inherited from both parent breeds. DNA testing of parent dogs (ideally both Maltese and Poodle parents) is available and should be requested from responsible breeders. Consult your vet.

Monitor

Epilepsy

Can be inherited from the Poodle side. Learn to recognise seizure signs. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.

Track Maltipoo's weight and body condition →
Continue to Fit check

Check your fit

Answer a few questions to see how a Maltipoo fits your household.
Continue to FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is a Maltipoo hypoallergenic?
They tend to be low-shedding, but individual coat type varies — F1 crosses (first-generation) can lean toward either parent's coat. No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Those with allergies should spend time with the specific dog before committing.
What are the differences between F1, F1B, and F2 Maltipoos?
F1 (50% Maltese, 50% Poodle) have the most variation in coat and temperament. F1B (75% Poodle) typically shed less but need more grooming. F2 (second-generation cross) characteristics are less predictable. For low-shedding priority, F1B tends to be more consistent.
Are Maltipoos good with children?
Better with older children who understand gentle handling. Maltipoos are small and can be injured by rough play or being dropped by young children. They are not naturally fragile in temperament, but their physical size makes them unsuitable as toddler pets without close supervision.
How long do Maltipoos live?
Typically 13–16 years, benefiting from the longer lifespans of both parent breeds. They are generally healthy dogs when sourced from breeders who health-test both parent lines.
How much does it cost to own a Maltipoo?
Annual ownership costs for a Maltipoo typically range from $1,200 to $3,500 depending on your location and lifestyle tier. Food, routine veterinary care, and grooming are the main ongoing costs. First-year costs are higher due to spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, and supplies. Use our Dog Cost Calculator for a personalised estimate.
What health problems are Maltipoos prone to?
Key health concerns for the Maltipoo include Dental disease, Patellar luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Responsible breeders screen for hereditary conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy weight, and appropriate exercise help reduce risk. Ask your vet about breed-specific screening tests.
How much grooming does a Maltipoo need?
Maltipoos have a relatively low-maintenance coat, though regular brushing helps manage shedding. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care should be part of the routine regardless of coat type. Use our Grooming Schedule Generator for a personalised grooming plan.
Are Maltipoos easy to train?
Maltipoos are can be independent-minded and may require patience and experienced handling. Early socialisation and puppy classes set the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog. Short, engaging training sessions work better than long repetitive ones. Reward-based methods are always recommended.
Are Maltipoos good apartment dogs?
Maltipoos can adapt to apartment living if given adequate daily exercise and outdoor time. Noise levels, exercise needs, and the dog's individual temperament all factor in. Regardless of living space, all dogs need daily walks and mental enrichment.
Are Maltipoos good for first-time owners?
Maltipoos can be a good match for dedicated first-time owners who are prepared for the breed's specific needs, though some experience helps. Research the breed thoroughly, commit to training classes, and ensure you can meet their exercise, grooming, and veterinary needs before deciding. Our Breed Selector Quiz can help assess your readiness.
Continue to Explore more

Tools for Maltipoo owners

Fit check Score a Maltipoo against your lifestyle Cost estimator Personalised Maltipoo ownership costs
Grooming schedule →Food calculator →Insurance estimator →Crate & bed size →

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Compare & learn more

Head-to-head comparisons

Maltipoo
Labradoodle
Maltipoo vs Labradoodle Detailed trait comparison Compare any breeds Side-by-side analysis tool

Relevant guides

Grooming guide At-home grooming techniques Find a groomer Browse local groomers near you
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