What is a Malti-Poo?

Malti-Poo     by Janice Jones     |Updated December 2025

A Malti-Poo (also spelled Maltipoo, Malt-A-Poo, or Malti Poo) is a popular small designer dog created by crossing a Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature) with a Maltese.

Loved for their affectionate personality, soft low-shedding coats, and petite size, Maltipoos have become one of the most sought-after companion dogs in the last 20 years.

What Exactly Is a Maltipoo?

While many Maltipoos are first-generation hybrids (50% Poodle and 50% Maltese), not all breeders follow this model.

Some use multi-generation crosses, such as:

• Maltipoo × Poodle
• Maltipoo × Maltipoo (F2 or F3 generations)
• Maltipoo × Maltese

Because of this, appearance and temperament can vary, even within the same litter.

For families wanting predictable traits, first-generation puppies often offer the most consistency.

Maltese vs Poodle vs Maltipoo

Characteristic	Maltese	Poodle (Toy/Mini)	Maltipoo
Size	4–7 lbs	Toy: 4–6 lbs Miniature: 10–15 lbs	4–10 lbs, depending on Poodle parent
Coat Type	Silky, straight, long	Curly, dense, low-shedding	Wavy to curly, soft, low-shedding
Coat Colors	Always white	Wide range (black, apricot, red, silver, cream, brown)	Any Poodle color or combination
Grooming Needs	High—daily brushing & frequent trims	High—mat-prone coat requires routine care	Moderate to high—depends on coat type
Temperament	Gentle, affectionate, people-oriented	Highly intelligent, active, alert	Friendly, smart, playful, affectionate
Energy Level	Low to moderate	Moderate to high	Moderate—varies by genetics
Trainability	Moderate—can be stubborn	Excellent—very fast learners	High—responsive and eager to please
Shedding Level	Low	Very low	Low to very low
Good for Allergy Sufferers?	Often, but not guaranteed	Yes—one of the best options	Often—depends on coat & genetics
Good with Children?	Yes, with supervision due to size	Yes—especially Miniatures	Yes, but best with gentle or older children
Common Behavior Challenges	Separation anxiety, picky eaters	Barking, high energy, needs stimulation	Barking, separation anxiety, variable energy

Why Are Maltipoos So Popular?

Designer mixes such as the Maltipoo are cherished because they often combine the best qualities of both parent breeds:

• Friendly and people-oriented
• Intelligent and quick to learn
• Playful yet gentle
• Small and apartment-friendly
• Low-shedding coat suitable for many allergy sufferers

However, because genetics are unpredictable, no breeder can guarantee that every puppy will inherit the ideal traits of both breeds.

Even littermates can look or behave differently depending on which genes “turn on.”

Health & Genetics Considerations

One common belief is that first-generation hybrids are healthier due to hybrid vigor.

While this can be true, especially when avoiding inbreeding, it is not a guarantee.

A Maltipoo’s health, temperament, size, and activity level are influenced by:

• The parents’ health testing
• Breed-specific genetic risks
• Multi-generation breeding choices
• The size of the Poodle parent (Toy vs Miniature)

First-generation Maltipoos (Maltese × Poodle) tend to be more predictable in size and appearance, while multi-generational lines can sometimes drift toward looking more Poodle-like or Maltese-like.

Maltipoo Personality

The typical Maltipoo is:

• Affectionate and people-loving
• Very loyal
• Smart and eager to please
• Playful well into adulthood
• Energetic but manageable indoors

But individual temperament varies. For example:

• Some are calm lap dogs.
• Others are lively and curious, making training sessions short and sweet.
• Many are vocal, barking to alert you of anything unusual.

Because they thrive on human companionship, they may develop separation anxiety without early training.

Families with young children should supervise carefully due to the Maltipoo’s tiny size; homes with older children tend to be ideal unless the Poodle parent was a Miniature (resulting in slightly larger puppies).

Maltipoo Appearance

A Maltipoo’s appearance varies depending on which parent they favor.

Coat Texture

• Curly or woolly (more like a Poodle)
• Silky and straight (more like a Maltese)
• Wavy, soft combination (most common)

Because coats tangle easily, most owners keep their Maltipoo in a puppy cut for easier daily maintenance.

Coat Colors

Any Poodle color can appear, including:

• Black
• White
• Apricot
• Red
• Cream
• Beige
• Silver
• Gray
• Brown
• Parti-color combinations

Is a Maltipoo Right for You?

A Maltipoo might be a perfect match for you if:

• You want a small, affectionate companion who adores people.
• You prefer a low-shedding dog that may be easier for mild allergy sufferers.
• You enjoy training and interacting with your dog daily.
• You have time for regular grooming and don’t mind professional trims.
• You can provide company—Maltipoos do best in homes where someone is around much of the day.
• You want a playful dog who will follow you from room to room and snuggle on the couch.

A Maltipoo may not be ideal if:

• You work long hours, and the dog would spend a lot of time alone.
• You want a dog with a predictable size, coat, or temperament (hybrids vary).
• You are looking for a quiet, low-bark breed.
• You have very young children who may accidentally injure a tiny dog.
• You prefer a low-maintenance coat; Maltipoos require frequent brushing and trims.

Bottom line:

The Maltipoo is a loving, fun, and charming companion for individuals, seniors, and families who enjoy being actively involved with their dog. If you want a cuddly, intelligent small dog who thrives on affection, this hybrid could be the perfect fit.

Registries for Hybrid Dogs

Since these dogs are hybrids, they cannot be registered with clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), but for those that want a registered dog, there are several agencies that register hybrids including: 

American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry.

National Hybrid Registry

International Designer Canine Registry

Designer Breed Registry

American Canine Hybrid Club

Maltipoo Pin for Future Reference

Final Notes

Maltipoos are charming, affectionate, intelligent little dogs ideally suited for individuals, seniors, and families with gentle children. With the proper training, grooming routine, and breeder selection, a Maltipoo can be a joyful companion for many years.

More Designer Dogs

If you enjoy small hybrid breeds, you may also want to explore:

Mal-Shi (Maltese × Shih Tzu)

Morkie (Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier)

Shorkie (Shih Tzu × Yorkie)

---