Yes, Maltipoo shed, but they are a low-shedding breed. Be prepared to make friends with the groomer because Maltipoo hair grows fast, and having it groomed into a close-cropped cut is the lowest maintenance option. This will mean you’ll need to make grooming appointments every six to eight weeks. Keeping a Maltipoo’s hair long means regular brushing to maintain their luxe tresses and prevent matting.

Yes, Maltipoos can be good with cats. Maltipoos aren’t likely to start any (literal) cat fights. Make proper introductions and monitor their interactions to make sure cats and dogs get along.

Yes, Maltipoos can be good with older kids. Even though Maltipoos might love running and playing with kids, their small size means the breed is susceptible to head and neck injuries, so it’s important for pet parents and parents of children to supervise this dog's interactions with kids.

What's more, pet parents should always supervise interactions between any dogs and kids to ensure that both the dog and the child understand how to behave appropriately around each other. Teaching children how to safely interact with dogs can help prevent any potential misunderstandings or accidents.

Yes, Maltipoos like to cuddle — they are little dogs with big hearts. These smaller dogs were bred for companionship and want nothing more than to spend time with their pet parents, whether it’s going for short walks or cuddling on the couch. Like their Poodle parents, Maltipoos have sensitive natures and often pick up on the moods of their loved ones.

Yes, Maltipoos can be left alone but can develop separation anxiety when they are left alone for too long. Maltipoos also love meeting new people, and regular socialization is essential to their wellness. Regular exercise, interactive games, and puzzle toys can help ensure that your Maltipoo can channel their energy in positive directions and feel more relaxed during their time alone.

Yes, Maltipoos are active dogs. The parent breeds are both active, energetic dogs who thrive on physical activity. Maltipoos will love any activities that involve time with their favorite people — from daily walks to games of fetch.

Yes, Maltipoos are smart dogs. Their intelligence also makes them ideal companions for competitive obedience, agility, rally, and freestyle.

Yes, Maltipoos tend to bark. Poodles do tend to be a more vocal breed, and Maltese often bark when they are separated from their families. Remember, early socialization can help curb barking and prevent other undesirable behaviors.

Yes, Maltipoos are good family dogs, and nothing makes Maltipoos happier than spending time with their families. They love going for walks, tagging along on errands, and curling up beside you. All dogs who love people and crave companionship can suffer from separation anxiety, and Maltipoos are no exception.

Yes, Maltipoos are smart, outgoing, and eager to please, which makes them a snap to train. Whether you’re teaching them the basics (“sit” and “stay”) or helping them navigate a complicated agility course, training should be consistent and focus on positive reinforcement with lots of praise and treats. But don’t be misled by the “easy to train” label. Training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Maltipoos have a long lifespan of 10 to 16 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

An average full-grown Maltipoo will weigh between four and 12 pounds and stand up to 15 inches tall, depending on their parent breeds. Maltipoos are a mix between a Maltese and either a Toy or Miniature Poodle, so their size may vary. For example, a Maltese / Toy Poodle cross will produce a Maltipoo who weighs just four to six pounds with a height of 8 to 10 inches, while a Maltese Miniature Poodle mix will be slightly larger at eight to 12 pounds and stand at 11 to 15 inches.

While there is no truly hypoallergenic dog, the low-shedding Maltipoo breed might be easier on allergies than breeds that shed more often.

The Maltipoo dog breed is generally very healthy but can inherit some of the common health issues prone to their parent breeds, including the following:

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• White shaker syndrome: The Maltese breed is at high risk for white shaker syndrome, an autoimmune disorder in dogs that causes full-body tremors.

• Degenerative myelopathy: This is a neurological disorder that usually affects senior dogs; it is a progressive and degenerative disease that affects the spinal cord, resulting in hind-limb weakness and paralysis.

• Portosystemic shunt (PSS): The hereditary condition, also known as PSS, obstructs proper blood flow to the liver. The liver detoxifies the body and, without proper blood flow, PSS sends the toxins in unfiltered blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. It causes loss of appetite, hypoglycemia, jaundice, urinary tract problems, vision problems, and stunted growth. Antibiotics and diet changes can help in the short term, but surgery is the only permanent treatment for the problem. If not treated early, PSS can be life-threatening. 

• Dysplasia (hips and elbows): Poodles are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, a skeletal disease that causes abnormal development of the joint, leading to grinding and pain.

• Addison’s disease: Addison’s disease is a malfunction in the hormone production of the adrenal glands.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This disease causes degeneration of the light-detecting retina at the back of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision.

It’s important to remember that even though this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, this doesn’t mean they will develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often more healthy than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems with regular checkups.