Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Miniature or Toy Poodle — a combination that produces a small, cheerful, and deeply people-oriented companion. Known for their low-shedding coats and outgoing personality, Maltipoos have become one of the most popular designer dog breeds in the country. They adapt well to apartments, bond closely with their families, and get along with children, seniors, and other pets. Their natural watchdog instincts also make them vocal — Maltipoos tend to bark at unfamiliar sights and sounds, which is worth factoring in for close-quarters living situations.
Breed Profile
Height
8-14
Inches
Weight
5-20
Pounds
Life Span
10-13
Years
Health
health
Shaker Syndrome
What is it?
Sometimes called “white shaker syndrome,” shaker syndrome is a condition common in small dogs, including the Maltipoo.
A dog with shaker syndrome experiences tremors in one or more parts of its body. These tremors can be compared to shaking, shivering, or sometimes spasms in more extreme cases. Tremors are more likely while your dog is active.
Mild tremors may not interrupt much of your dog’s life or threaten further issues, but severe cases could inhibit activity.
Treatment is usually effective, but long-term monitoring is always necessary.
Clinical signs:
Tremors (involuntary shaking) in one or more areas of the body, which may also include inhibited vision or spasmodic eye movements (nystagmus)
Treatment:
Prednisone (typically a higher dose for 1-2 weeks followed by long term low dosage), or alternative medications
Other risks:
Unknown
Eligible vet bill
$400
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Maltipoos combine the Maltese’s gentle, loving nature with the Poodle’s intelligence — a pairing that makes them warm, eager to please, and quick to train. Key traits:
Affectionate — Maltipoos form deep bonds with their families and love being close; expect a dog that wants to be in your lap or at your side throughout the day
Gentle — Even-tempered and patient with children, seniors, and other pets when properly socialized
Playful — Despite their small size, Maltipoos have a lively, energetic side and enjoy interactive games and short activity sessions
Vocal — Maltipoos are natural watchdogs who alert quickly to unfamiliar people or sounds; consistent training from early on helps keep barking manageable
One important note: Maltipoos thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long stretches. Pet parents who work long hours should plan for a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a companion pet to reduce the risk of anxious behaviors.
Appearance & Size
Coat: Wavy to curly, low-shedding
Colors: White, cream, apricot, silver, gray, brown, and multi-color
Maltipoos have a soft, teddy-bear-like appearance — with a round face, floppy ears, and a fluffy coat that can range from loose waves to tight curls depending on which parent they favor. Size varies based on whether the Poodle parent was Toy or Miniature. The breed is low-shedding but not fully hypoallergenic; pet parents with mild dog allergies often find them more manageable.
Training & Behavior
Maltipoos are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them genuinely enjoyable to train. Their Poodle lineage means they pick up commands quickly, and positive reinforcement — treats, praise, and play — works especially well. Most Maltipoos are manageable even for first-time pet parents.
One area that benefits from early attention is barking. Maltipoos are wired to alert to new stimuli, and without consistent reinforcement, this can become excessive. Socialization during the puppy months — exposing your dog to different people, environments, and sounds — reduces reactivity over time. For guidance on critical developmental windows, see the puppy fear stage.
Because Maltipoos are sensitive dogs, harsh corrections or punishment-based methods tend to undermine training rather than help. Patience and positive consistency are the most effective tools.
Lifetime Care
Maltipoo Health Considerations
Maltipoos are generally long-lived and healthy, but as a cross of two breeds with their own hereditary conditions, they can inherit health issues from either side. Knowing what to watch for helps pet parents recognize early signs and prepare for potential care costs.
Patellar Luxation: The kneecap can slip out of alignment — a common condition in small breeds. According to PetMD¹, patellar luxation in Maltipoos can range from mild and intermittent to severe enough to require surgery. Signs include occasional limping, a skipping gait, or reluctance to put weight on one leg.
White Shaker Syndrome: This neurological condition causes full-body tremors and primarily affects small, white-coated breeds — including those with Maltese and Poodle lineage. According to VCA Animal Hospitals², tremors typically appear between one and two years of age and can range from mild to incapacitating. The prognosis is excellent — most dogs respond well to prednisone and see tremors resolve within one to two weeks of starting treatment.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: A condition in which blood flow to the femoral head is disrupted, causing bone deterioration, pain, and lameness. It’s more common in small and toy breeds and is typically treated surgically; most dogs recover well with appropriate care.¹
Epilepsy and Dental Disease: Maltipoos also carry an elevated risk for epilepsy — a neurological condition causing recurring seizures, managed with medication. Dental disease is one of the most common concerns in the breed; without daily brushing, periodontal disease can progress to tooth loss and systemic infection.¹
Because several of these conditions are hereditary, enrolling in pet insurance before any symptoms appear is especially important for Maltipoo pet parents. Once a condition is diagnosed, it typically becomes a pre-existing exclusion. See the best age to insure your pet and pre-existing conditions and pet insurance for more on timing.
Care Needs
Exercise: Maltipoos have moderate energy and don’t require extensive daily exercise. A short walk and some indoor play or backyard time each day is typically enough to keep them content and healthy. They are not built for distance running or high-intensity activities.
Grooming: This breed requires significant coat maintenance. According to PetMD¹, Maltipoos need daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and eye care for tear stains are also part of routine upkeep.
Dental care: Small breeds like the Maltipoo are highly prone to periodontal disease. Daily toothbrushing with dog-specific toothpaste is strongly recommended — skipping dental care in small breeds often leads to painful infections, tooth loss, and systemic health issues. For typical costs of professional cleanings, see pet dental care costs.
Cost of Caring for a Maltipoo
Maltipoos range from affordable to premium depending on the breeder. According to PetMD¹, puppies from reputable breeders typically cost between $1,000 and $4,000, with price variation based on location, coat color, and lineage. Adoption through rescue organizations is also possible, though Maltipoos are less common in shelters than larger breeds.
Health costs: Patellar luxation surgery, epilepsy management, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes treatment can each run into the thousands of dollars. Pet insurance helps make those costs more manageable when coverage is secured before any condition develops.
Ongoing costs: Daily brushing and professional grooming every four to six weeks are recurring expenses throughout the dog’s life. Routine preventive care, dental cleanings, and annual exams are all important for this breed. For what a typical vet visit costs, see how much does a vet checkup cost.
History & Origin
The Maltipoo is a modern designer breed, developed primarily in the United States during the 1990s. Breeders aimed to combine the Maltese’s gentle, affectionate temperament with the Poodle’s lower-shedding coat and intelligence — creating a companion that worked better for people with mild pet allergies or smaller living spaces.
The Maltese is one of the oldest companion breeds, with roots tracing back more than 2,000 years to the Mediterranean island of Malta, where they were favored by aristocracy and royalty. The Poodle, developed in Germany as a water retriever, contributed intelligence and the breed’s characteristic low-shedding coat. Together, they produce a dog that is gentle enough for apartment life, smart enough to train easily, and affectionate enough to thrive in nearly any household that can meet their need for company and grooming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltipoos good apartment dogs?
Yes — Maltipoos are well-suited to apartment living. They’re small, don’t require a yard, and their exercise needs are modest. The main consideration is their tendency to bark; pet parents in shared buildings should invest time in early bark training and socialization to keep noise levels manageable. Maltipoos also need consistent companionship, so a home where someone is present for most of the day is ideal.
Do Maltipoos bark a lot?
More than many small breeds. Maltipoos have strong watchdog instincts and will bark at unfamiliar sounds, visitors, and activity outside. This tendency is manageable with consistent training from puppyhood — socializing them early to different sights and sounds significantly reduces reactivity. Without training, barking can become a persistent habit.
What are the most serious Maltipoo health concerns?
White Shaker Syndrome and epilepsy are the most significant neurological concerns, both inherited from the parent breeds. Patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are the main orthopedic risks. Dental disease is also a top concern — small breeds develop periodontal problems faster than larger dogs, and daily brushing is genuinely important for this breed. Enrolling in pet insurance before any condition develops gives pet parents the broadest possible coverage window.
To learn more about Maltipoos, read:
References
PetMD. Maltipoo. PetMD Breed Guide.
VCA Animal Hospitals. Shaker Syndrome in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals.