All About the Maltipoo: Personality Traits and Care Tips

Some people consider themselves "big dog people." They want a 90-pound animal to run around the yard and bark up a storm when delivery drivers approach.

Others prefer smaller dogs. They like animals that won't take up too much space in the bed and aren't too intimidating to visitors.

Maltipoos fit the latter bill. Those cute little balls of fluff can be great companions for a number of reasons, from their fun personalities to their intelligent nature.

And we can’t overlook the fact that this hybrid hypoallergenic. If you’re someone with dog allergies, or you just don’t have the patience to constantly vacuum dog hair off the couch, you’re in luck, since Maltipoos are low-shedding dogs.

But Maltipoos can also be a challenging breed to care for. Let's dive into the breed so you know what to expect if you're making plans to bring one home.

Maltipoo Size and Weight

These dogs are typically a mix of a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This combination of small breeds puts most dogs between 10 and 20 pounds, says PetMD.

Maltipoo Temperament

They are a fairly active breed, which means they need regular exercise. Maltipoos tend to be smart, playful, and easy to train. They also tend to be social dogs who get along well with humans and other pets alike.

Health Issues in Maltipoos

It's a myth that small dogs have fewer health issues than larger dogs. The reality is that any breed can have health problems and Maltipoos are no exception. PetMD says that the following are fairly common:

• Epilepsy, which can cause seizures
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which can cause bone deterioration, blood clots, and limping
• Luxating patella, which can cause a kneecap to pop out of its normal location, causing limping and other problems with gait
• Dental issues like gum disease, which can cause pain and tooth loss
• Ear infections due to the hair that grows in their ears

With proper care, though, your Maltipoo lifespan could live to be 13 to 16 years old.

Caring for Your Maltipoo

As mentioned earlier, these pups are fairly active and require regular exercise. And because they’re prone to dental issues, a consistent oral healthcare routine is important.

You should ideally brush a Maltipoo’s teeth daily, but if that won’t work, aim for three times a week. It's also a good idea to give Maltipoos a daily dental chew. Most brands make a smaller version for little dogs.

Now one of the most distinctive features of the Maltipoo is its fluffy coat. But the one thing you don’t want is for your dog’s hair to become matted. This could not only cause your dog discomfort but lead to skin irritation and bacterial or fungal infections.

That’s why it’s best to give your Maltipoo haircuts every four to six weeks. In between groomings, be sure to brush your Maltipoo’s hair and aim to remove debris that might get stuck in it. You may also want to consider keeping your Maltipoo’s coat as short as possible during the warm weather months so your dog can be more comfortable.

Cost of Caring for a Maltipoo

The cost of caring for a Maltipoo hinges on factors that include their health and whether you're able to do your own grooming versus outsourcing it.

Dogster puts the cost of owning a Maltipoo at $100 to $200 per month for food and grooming. On top of that, it suggests budgeting $100 to $300 per month for your Maltipoo's healthcare needs, including dental cleanings, checkups at the vet, and routine vaccinations.

But there are other costs you might encounter with a Maltipoo. If you work long hours and need a dog walker, you could be looking at $20 to $60 per hour, according to PetSitUSA. And if you decide to get pet insurance for your Maltipoo, you’ll need to factor in the cost of premiums.

Embrace Pet Insurance says most of its customers pay $27 to $42 per month to insure a Maltipoo. But rates can hinge on a host of factors, including your dog’s age and the deductible you choose.

Without pet insurance, you may have to pay to treat healthcare issues on your own. Here’s a breakdown of what the issues above might cost you on average.

Whether you’re bringing home Maltipoo puppies or any other dog, it’s important to have a pet emergency fund in case your pup gets injured or sick, or in case you run into any other surprise expense related to your dog.

If you have pet insurance, your emergency fund should, at the very least, have enough money to cover your deductible. And if you’re going to forgo pet insurance, you may want to save a few thousand dollars in case you end up on the hook for costly medical treatment.

Want to adopt a Maltipoo? Browse our vast network of shelters and rescues to find the perfect pet for your whole family.