Almost every dog breed has been mixed with a poodle at this point, but the Maltipoo is a designer dog breed with staying power.
Descended from the poodle and the Maltese — two dog breeds known for their good looks, charm and intelligence — Maltese poodles are winners all around. If you’re not already obsessed after seeing the fluffy Maltipoo face pictured, you will be by the end of this list.
Fur-st of All, Playing Dress Up With a Maltipoo Is a Great Time
Button nose and round baby eyes aside, observe how well a Maltipoo pulls off a pair of trendy sneakers. (Two pairs, technically.) Dog clothes aren’t necessary, admittedly, but showing off your own style by playing with puppy fashion is pretty fun.
Most Maltese poodles don’t mind being dressed up in cute sweaters, dresses or bow ties as long as the outfit is comfortable. Just be prepared to be approached with squeals of delight from random strangers on every walk.
They Come in Tons of Colors
Unlike the Maltese, Maltipoos don’t just come in white. Their soft fur comes in a variety of solid colors, including black, white, brown, grey, red and apricot.
There are also spotted or speckled variations, known as merle and parti-colored.
There Are Actually 3 Different Kinds of Maltese Poodle Coats
Since Maltipoos come from parents with two different types of coats, the Maltipoo coat comes in more than one variation. You can pick a puppy with one of three coat varieties:
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Straight and Silky: Puppies who inherited more of their looks from the Maltese side have soft, silky coats that are mostly straight. The coat is usually thick but not as thick as those with curly fur.
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Thick and Curly: If the poodle parent’s genes are dominant, the Maltipoo will have a much curlier coat. The texture will be rougher and more hair-like, often getting tangled more easily.
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Wavy and Wiry: The wavy, wiry coat is less common and very difficult to groom, so breeders try to avoid producing puppies with this fur type.
It’s all a matter of preference. Both looks are adorable.
Whatever Type of Fur They Have, They Hardly Shed at All
Who needs Benadryl when you have a Maltipoo?
Admittedly, no dog breed is 100 percent hypoallergenic. But Maltese poodles come close, with less dander than the majority of breeds.
Maltipoos Are Really, Really Small
Maltipoo size depends on the size of their parents, particularly their poodle parent. The Maltese dog breed is usually under 7 pounds. Poodles, however, vary in size, depending on whether they’re miniature poodles, toy poodles or teacup poodles, ranging from about 4 to 20 pounds full-grown.
Maltipoos usually weigh between 3 and 18 pounds. If you want a teeny-tiny Maltipoo, get a teacup or “micro” Maltipoo. Just make sure to look twice before you sit down because they’re tiny enough to squish.
They Literally Don’t Take Up Any More Space Than a Water Bottle
Time for a beach day! Don’t forget to pack all the essentials in your tote, including:
- Sunscreen
- A towel
- A beach umbrella
- Snacks
- Water
- Three to five Maltipoos
And Since They’re So Small, Why Not Have More Than One?
While you should always consider whether you’re prepared to take on additional vet bills before adopting another Maltipoo, adding another to your family is a breeze. Just think about it:
- They don’t take up much space.
- They eat so little that feeding another Maltipoo won’t cost much more.
- As long as they’re well-trained, walking two Maltipoos is easy.
- Look at those faces.
They Might Be Small, but They’re Up for Anything
Maltipoo dogs are descended from poodles, a highly athletic breed, and the Maltese, one that loves to play. Put the two together, and you get a mixed breed that’s outgoing and always ready for adventure. Despite their small size, they can hike up to 10 miles with practice.
They’re also small enough to easily tote on a bike ride or longer walks. They’d probably be happy to accompany you on a backpacking trip across Europe, too. As long as their favorite person is with them, a Maltipoo is hard to disappoint.
Maltese Poodles Are Born for Agility Training
Speaking of athleticism, Maltese poodles are one of the easiest dog breeds to train. If you’ve ever considered getting into the dog agility training hobby, a Maltipoo is an excellent breed to try it with.
They’re very receptive to training, and their intelligence makes them quick studies. Pick up an agility kit for convenience, or make your own agility course from stuff you have around the house. Either way, your Maltipoo will appreciate the quality time with you.
They Have Enough Style to Go Around
Think you’re this cool? You’re not.
No one is, aside from another Maltipoo. It’s the button nose and the confidence that does it.
And They’re Painfully Cute as Puppies
If those paws don’t make you want to adopt a Maltese poodle, get to a doctor.
Something’s seriously wrong with you.
Maltese Poodle Mixes Are Known for Staying Puppy-like for Life
It’s all too common for people to fall in love with an adorable puppy and adopt it on impulse, only for it to grow into a massive wolf-like beast in a matter of months.
Don’t get us wrong: We love wolf-like beasts. German shepherds and huskies are some of the coolest dogs on the planet; however, they don’t look much like their floppy, rounded puppy selves. With Maltipoos, that’s not a problem. Full-grown Maltese poodles look much like slightly larger puppies, and they maintain their playful, friendly demeanor well into their senior years.
Maltipoos Help Set Your Priorities Straight
Look at this Maltipoo. Look into its big, round eyes, and tell us that you still care about the jerk who cut you off on your way to work this morning or that date who never texted you back.
You don’t. You have a fur baby, and their validation is the only validation you need.
Plus, You’ll Get to Spend Many Long Years With Your Maltipoo
Maltese poodles live for an average of 10 to 15 years. It’s a serious commitment, but for dog lovers, it’s well worth it.
Over a decade of love and snuggles from a tiny, fluffy best friend? Yes, please!