What is a Maltipoo?

A Maltipoo is a popular hybrid or designer breed, created by carefully crossing pedigree Maltese and Poodle dogs. The term "hybrid" or "designer breed" refers to the deliberate crossbreeding of two purebred dogs in order to combine their best qualities.

Maltipoos are known for their adorable appearance, high intelligence, and gentle nature, making them an ideal family dog for various types of owners – from individuals to larger families.

Since it is a hybrid breed, the Maltipoo is not officially recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) or other major kennel clubs, which only register purebred dogs. As a result, it is not possible to obtain an official pedigree for a Maltipoo, although responsible breeders may provide documentation showing the lineage of the parents.

1. Basic characteristics of a Maltipoo

• Size: 7–14 cm in height, 4–20 kg in weight (depending on the parents and generation).
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years.
• Coat: Soft, wavy, or curly, often hypoallergenic and suitable for people with allergies.
• Colors: White, cream, apricot, red, black, brown, gray, and various bi-color and tri-color combinations.

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• Origin: The Maltipoo originated in the United States during the 1990s when breeders aimed to create a small, friendly dog with a gentle, hypoallergenic coat.
• Health considerations: Although hybrid breeds are often healthier, Maltipoos can be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye diseases (e.g., progressive retinal atrophy), dental issues, and breathing problems, especially in smaller dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care are essential to maintain their health.

2. Temperament and personality

Maltipoos are extremely affectionate, playful, and intelligent little dogs. Thanks to their gentle nature and friendly character, they get along wonderfully with children (especially older ones) and other animals. Their beautiful, soft coat and sparkling eyes make them true little treasures in any home. Since they form strong bonds with their owners, they are not suited to being left alone for long periods.

Ideal owners:

• Families, single individuals, or seniors.
• Owners who are often at home or can involve the dog in their daily activities.

Example from daily life: A typical day for a Maltipoo is filled with joy and tenderness. In the morning, they will gently wake you up with a soft nudge of their nose and then happily bounce around the house. They can’t wait for a short walk around the neighborhood, where their adorable looks are sure to attract plenty of admiring glances. During the day, they will happily nap by your feet, play with toys, or simply follow you around. Their happiest moments are spent close to their owner — whether cuddling on the couch or going on an outdoor adventure. A Maltipoo truly shines with happiness when by their owner's side.

3. Grooming and maintenance

Maltipoos require regular and careful grooming:

• Grooming: Frequent brushing (at least 2 times a week) and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. It’s essential to find a reliable local dog groomer who can provide all the necessary guidance and ensure your pup leaves the salon clean, well-groomed, free of mats, neatly trimmed, and wonderfully fresh-smelling.
• Health: Watch for issues such as patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies, and dental problems. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended.
• Nutrition: Transition gradually to new food (over 3–4 weeks) and choose high-quality nutrition suitable for small breeds.

✅ On Živalnik.si - Slovenian Pets Marketplace, in the Marketplace section, you can also find offers from local dog groomers and pet supply online stores! Browse the classified ads and find the perfect groomer for your Maltipoo here — because your dog deserves the best care! 🛁✂️🐾

4. Training and socialization

Due to their intelligence, Maltipoos quickly learn new skills. The most effective method is positive reinforcement, as it helps the dog understand that their efforts are rewarded. Early socialization is crucial in preventing the development of fears, anxiety, and antisocial behavior in adulthood. When puppies are exposed to various people, animals, and environments from an early age, they become more confident and friendly. Enrolling in a puppy school can also be extremely beneficial for developing proper behavioral habits and easier integration into daily activities with their owners.

We also invite all Maltipoo owners to join the Živalnik forum, where you can engage in discussions, ask questions, and share experiences with other animal lovers. Become part of the community and exchange valuable tips! 🐾💬

5. Buying or adopting a Maltipoo

The price of a Maltipoo from a reputable breeder ranges from €2,500 to €6,000, depending on color, pedigree, and other conditions. When buying, it is essential to ask all the desired questions to the breeder and perhaps even meet in person. This is a great opportunity to see the living conditions in which the puppies are raised, meet the parents, and ensure that the breeding environment is suitable and responsible.

A responsible breeder will certainly provide all the necessary health documents, such as the results of health tests for the parents to exclude hereditary diseases (e.g., testing for progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, allergies, etc.). The breeder should also provide information on vaccinations, microchipping, and the breed’s history. When choosing a breeder, you should expect the following:

• Check the health records: The breeder should have all necessary health tests for the parents to ensure the puppies are not prone to hereditary diseases.
• Ask for parent test results: This includes documents proving that tests have been conducted for breed-specific conditions.
• Visit the breeder and check the living conditions: It is important to see the conditions in which the puppies are raised, the environment, and to meet the parents.
• Request information about vaccinations and microchipping: The breeder should guarantee that the puppy is vaccinated, microchipped, and ready for its new home.
• All health documents and contracts: The breeder should provide an appropriate contract and all documents related to the animal’s health and care.

If you are considering buying or adopting a Maltipoo, take your time to research and ask questions to ensure you find a responsible breeder who operates with love for the animals and ethical business practices.

Maltipoo Generations

When looking at Maltipoos, you’ll often see labels like F1, F1B, F2, and so on. These indicate how "pure" the hybrid is and what kind of traits you can expect from a puppy:

• F1 Maltipoo (first generation): a direct cross between a purebred Maltese and a purebred Poodle. Their coat can vary (leaning towards either parent) and they are usually very healthy due to what’s known as hybrid vigor.
• F1B Maltipoo ("backcross" generation): a Maltipoo bred back to a purebred Poodle (or less commonly, a Maltese). They inherit more Poodle traits, like curly, hypoallergenic coats with very little shedding. A great choice for allergy sufferers.
• F2 Maltipoo (second generation): the offspring of two Maltipoos. Traits can be less predictable, as genetics from both sides can mix in different ways.
• F2B, F3, and Multi-Generational Maltipoo: further crossbreeding generations where desired traits like coat type, size, and temperament become more stabilized.

💡 Tip: If you want a Maltipoo with minimal shedding and a highly hypoallergenic coat, an F1B is usually the best choice. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of both parent breeds and don’t have allergy concerns, an F1 might be perfect for you.

In the post, you’ll also get to see photos of the beautiful and sweetest Maltipoo girl – the lovely Lola. Lola is a gentle, independent, and very cuddly little lady who’s also incredibly playful and simply can’t stay away from her owner for too long. She’s extremely social, always happy, and loves going on walks and hiking adventures – as long as she gets to be by her owner's side.

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Find your Maltipoo on Živalnik.si!

Živalnik.si – the first Slovenian and regional Marketplace for pets – offers a wide selection of Maltipoos from across the Adriatic region. Browse our listings and find your perfect canine companion!