Often known as the Maltipoo, the Moodle, or the Malt-A-Poo, the Maltese Poodle mix is a designer dog that is a cross between a Toy Poodle and a Maltese. Since these dogs shed little and have a great personality, they have become quite popular.
While the AKC doesn’t recognize them, you can register these dogs with the American Canine Hybrid Club. In many cases, crosses between purebreds often have improved health than purebred dogs, which is another reason to consider a hybrid like the Maltipoo. Here’s a closer look at the Maltipoo, their history, appearance, grooming needs, temperament, health, and more essential information.
Origin and History
For centuries, people have been crossing different types of dogs to get a certain working ability, look, or temperament, and that continues today with the prevalence of designer dogs. Designer dogs, or crossbreeds, such as the Maltese Poodle mix, have become very popular within the past couple of decades as people look for dogs that are very unique. It’s not currently known when exactly the Maltese Poodle mix was first bred, but the hybrid was probably created in the past 20 years. To learn more about the origins of this dog, it’s a good idea to learn more about the parents and their history.
The Toy Poodle is a type of poodle, and the exact history of poodles is not known today. However, we do know that these dogs were actually bred to be retrieving and hunting dogs, as well as companions. They were used in Germany and France as far back as the 1400s. These dogs have been popular for centuries and are still popular today.
The Maltese has a very long history that traces back all the way back to 3500 BC, or perhaps even earlier. These dogs were originally from the island of Malta, and the earliest mentioned Maltese dog was Issa, the dog of a Roman governor of Malta. For a time, these tiny, beautiful dogs became quite rare. However, during the mid 1800s meticulous recordkeeping and breeding began, establishing the pure breed we’re familiar with today. Throughout both the 19th and 20th centuries, these dogs became more popular, both with royals and commoners. The Maltese was first shown in America in 1877, although the breed wasn’t accepted as a member of the American Kennel Club until 1969.
Appearance
Since both the Toy Poodle and the Maltese are small dogs, the Maltese Poodle mix is a very small dog as well. When full grown, the Maltipoo stand between 10 and 14 inches tall and they usually weigh between 2 and 12 pounds. Usually they have fine, wavy or curly hair that is medium or long in length. Their coats can come in many different colors, including apricot, white, gray, chocolate, black, and sable.
Maltipoo Temperament
Both the Maltese and the Poodle are outgoing and friendly, so you can expect your Maltese Poodle mix to also be friendly and outgoing. These dogs are very loving and cuddly, and they love being around people. However, since they love to be with people, they are prone to separation anxiety, so you shouldn’t leave them alone for long periods of time. The Maltipoo is full of spunk and energy, and they love to play. Since they are so friendly and spunky, they are great with kids and with other pets as well.
Since the Maltese Poodle mix is so smart, they need to have mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Playing with toys indoors and outdoors is a great way to wear them out. Taking them on walks is a great idea as well.
It’s important to begin training the Maltese Poodle mix when they are very young. Socialization at a young age is also essential. The best way to train these dogs is with positive reinforcement. They’ll learn quickly with plenty of treats and praise.
Grooming
Because the Maltese Poodle mix has a long, wavy coat, you need to brush them regularly to prevent matting or tangles. They also need professionally groomed monthly. Having their hair clipped from time to time is a great idea and will also help prevent matting and tangles. While the Maltipoo shed very little, they still release dander, which can result in allergies for some individuals. It’s very important to keep the ears of a Maltipoo clean and dry, so they should be cleaned regularly with a vet-recommended cleanser. The nails should be trimmed as needed, and since smaller dogs are more prone to develop periodontal disease, they need to have their teeth brushed several times a week as well.
Health
The Maltese Poodle mix has an average life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years, and since these dogs are usually quite healthy, they often live a long time. While hybrids are usually healthier than purebreds, it’s still important to be aware of the common health problems in the parent breeds so you know about potential health problems. Some of the health risks that may come with a Maltipoo include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Addison’s disease
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Juvenile renal disease
- Epilepsy
- Dental problems
- Hydrocephalus
- Cryptorchidism
- Patellar luxation
- Deafness
- Endocardiosis
- Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis
- Collapsing trachea
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Retinal detachment
- White shaker dog syndrome
- Glycogen storage disease
- Entropion
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Portosystemic shunts
- Reverse sneezing
- Glaucoma
- Cleft palate
- Pyloric stenosis
- Hypoglycemia
- Open fontenal
- Distichiasis