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Maltipoo
Mixed breed from United States
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a small mixed breed dog, resulting from crossing a Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. It is known for its soft, wavy or curly coat that sheds very little. This crossbreed is often described as affectionate, friendly, intelligent, playful, and gentle. Because it is a mixed breed, individual temperaments and appearances can vary. The Maltipoo is well-suited to apartment living and generally gets along with children and other dogs, though each dog's behavior depends on its upbringing and socialization. Estimated adult weight ranges from 2 to 9 kg, height from 20 to 36 cm, and lifespan from 10 to 15 years. Grooming needs are considered high, while trainability is above average and energy level is moderate.
Quick facts
Maltipoo at a glance
Sizesmall
Breed groupMixed
OriginUnited States
Lifespan10–15 years
Male weight2–9 kilogram
Female weight2–9 kilogram
Male height20–36 centimetre
Female height20–36 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Maltipoo is a popular designer crossbreed that originated in the United States. It was developed by crossing a Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, with the goal of creating a small, low-shedding companion dog. The breed gained popularity in the 1990s, though the exact timeline of its first appearance is not precisely documented. As a mixed breed, the Maltipoo is not recognized by major kennel clubs as a purebred, but its recognition status varies by registry. Some registries may list it as a designer breed or hybrid. The breed's history is tied to the broader trend of intentional crossbreeding for specific traits, particularly hypoallergenic coats and small size.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
2–9 kilogramAdult weight20–36 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesWavy, CurlyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Affectionatefriendlyintelligentplayfulgentle
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Maltipoo-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Maltipoo puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight2–9 kilogramAdult female weight2–9 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Maltipoo?
Maltipoos are small dogs. Estimated adult weight ranges from 2 to 9 kg, and height from 20 to 36 cm. Their estimated lifespan is 10 to 15 years. These are modelled estimates, so individual dogs may vary.
What is the Maltipoo's temperament like?
Maltipoos are generally described as affectionate, friendly, intelligent, playful, and gentle. However, temperament can vary by individual, and proper socialization and training are important.
How much exercise does a Maltipoo need?
Maltipoos have a moderate energy level (scored 3 out of 5). They need regular daily exercise such as walks and playtime, but are not extremely high-energy.
What are the grooming requirements for a Maltipoo?
Grooming needs are high (scored 4 out of 5). Their wavy or curly coat requires regular brushing and likely professional grooming to prevent matting. They shed very little (scored 1 out of 5).
Is the Maltipoo a good fit for families with children or other dogs?
Maltipoos generally suit families with children (scored 3 out of 5) and get along with other dogs (scored 3 out of 5). However, individual behavior depends on socialization and training.
Where did the Maltipoo originate?
The Maltipoo originated in the United States as a designer crossbreed, likely first appearing in the late 20th century and gaining popularity in the 1990s. It is a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle.
Is the Maltipoo recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. As a mixed breed, it is not recognized as a purebred by major kennel clubs, but some registries may list it as a designer or hybrid breed.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.