Maltipoo Breed Information

Grooming 

The Maltipoo has a soft, often curly coat that gives them their signature fluffy look—but it also means that grooming is part of everyday life. Whether your Maltipoo’s coat leans more toward the wavy texture of the Maltese or the tighter curls of the Poodle, regular grooming is essential to keep their hair clean, comfortable, and tangle-free. 

Most Maltipoos need brushing at least three to four times a week—and in many cases, daily brushing is ideal, especially for longer coats. This keeps mats from forming, particularly around the ears, legs, and chest where tangles tend to sneak in. A slicker brush or steel comb works best for loosening knots and maintaining a smooth finish. 

Because the Maltipoo grooming needs vary slightly from dog to dog, many owners choose to keep the coat trimmed short in a teddy bear or puppy cut. This not only reduces maintenance time but also helps the dog stay cooler and more comfortable in warm weather. For those who prefer a longer, showier look, more frequent brushing and bathing are required. 

Speaking of baths—every three to four weeks is usually plenty unless your dog gets into something messy. Always use a gentle, dog-safe shampoo, as Maltipoos can have sensitive skin. After bathing, be sure to dry them thoroughly and brush through the coat again to prevent tangles from forming as it dries. 

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned as needed, especially if your dog has floppy ears that hold moisture. Routine dental care is also important, as small breeds like the Maltipoo are prone to plaque buildup and gum sensitivity. Brushing several times a week, along with dental chews or rinses, helps maintain oral health. 

Nail trims every few weeks keep their feet healthy and prevent discomfort. If you hear nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim. 

Exercise Needs 

The Maltipoo may be small, but they’re lively, curious, and always ready to move. While they don’t need intense workouts to stay happy, they do need consistent daily activity to keep both their body and mind in balance. Their energy level is moderate—enough to stay playful and alert, but not so much that they become overwhelming. 

Most Maltipoo exercise needs can be met with about 30 to 45 minutes of activity per day. That might include a couple of short walks, a few games indoors, or some time chasing toys in the backyard. Because of their size, they don’t need wide open spaces—a hallway or a small fenced yard often does the trick. 

This is a breed that enjoys movement in short bursts. A quick sprint around the living room, a gentle game of tug, or a bit of play with another pet keeps them content and calm. They’re especially happy when they get to interact—activity that involves their people always tops the list. 

Mental stimulation is just as important. Maltipoos are smart, and without a little challenge in their routine, they can get bored. Training sessions, puzzle toys, or even hiding treats around the house for them to sniff out adds variety and keeps their mind engaged. 

If left alone too long or under-stimulated, they may become restless or bark more than usual. A predictable routine and plenty of interaction help avoid those behaviors. And while they can match your pace on a calm day, they’re also happy to tag along for short errands or meet-and-greets at the park. 

Even as they grow older, many Maltipoos maintain a playful, puppy-like spirit. Adjusting the intensity of activities to match their age keeps them moving without putting stress on their joints or energy reserves. 

Health 

The Maltipoo is generally a healthy little dog, especially when sourced from a reputable breeder and raised in a stable, loving home. Thanks to their hybrid background, they often benefit from something known as hybrid vigor—a tendency for mixed breeds to have fewer inherited issues than their purebred parents. Still, like all dogs, Maltipoos have a few common health concerns that responsible owners should keep in mind. 

Among the more typical Maltipoo health issues are dental disease, allergies, and patellar luxation. Small breeds like this are particularly prone to plaque buildup and gum sensitivity, which can lead to tooth loss over time. Regular brushing and annual cleanings are the best line of defense. 

Allergies—both food-related and environmental—may also surface in some dogs. These often show up as skin irritation, ear infections, or mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Many cases are manageable through diet changes, grooming product adjustments, or vet-prescribed medications. 

Joint issues such as patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, are also seen from time to time. It's often mild and may not interfere with daily life, but early diagnosis and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep the condition in check. 

Preventive care is key. A consistent schedule of vaccinations, flea and tick protection, dental hygiene, and wellness checks goes a long way in supporting long-term health. Most Maltipoos live long, happy lives with few complications when cared for properly. 

Lifespan 

The Maltipoo is known for being a long-living small dog, with most individuals enjoying a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Many stay active and connected well into their senior years, especially when given steady care, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary attention. 

Because of their mixed lineage, Maltipoos can inherit the longevity seen in both the Maltese and the Poodle—two breeds that often live well into their teens. With that foundation, most Maltipoos grow into older age gracefully, maintaining their affectionate nature and soft energy as they slow down just a little. 

Caring for a Maltipoo through every life stage means adjusting their routine as they age. Senior care for Maltipoos may include shorter walks, softer beds, easier-to-chew food, and more frequent checkups. These small changes help support comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life during the later years. 

Dental health, weight management, and early detection of age-related conditions all play a big role in how long—and how well—Maltipoos live. Because they’re so closely bonded with their humans, they also benefit emotionally from a calm, familiar routine. Changes in environment or daily rhythm can sometimes be harder on older dogs, so stability goes a long way. 

Emotionally, they tend to stay steady. Even if their pace slows, they remain just as engaged with their surroundings and affectionate with their people. A senior Maltipoo is often calmer, more cuddly, and even more emotionally tuned in than during their younger years. 

Training 

The Maltipoo is a bright, emotionally intuitive dog that responds well to structure, patience, and gentle encouragement. Thanks to their Poodle parent’s intelligence and the Maltese’s eagerness to please, this mix is often a fast learner when training is approached with consistency and care. 

One of the keys to successful Maltipoo training is keeping sessions short, light, and positive. These dogs don’t respond well to harsh corrections or frustration—they’re sensitive by nature, and a raised voice can set them back. Instead, reward-based methods work best. Treats, praise, and play go a long way in reinforcing good behavior. 

Basic obedience—commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and leash walking—is usually easy for them to grasp, especially when introduced early. Because of their size and emotional attachment, Maltipoos also benefit from training that helps build independence. Teaching them to feel comfortable alone for short periods can prevent separation anxiety later on. 

House training may take a little patience. Like many small dogs, Maltipoos have smaller bladders, which can make early potty training a bit more involved. Crate training and a consistent schedule help build good habits over time. 

Socialization is just as important as obedience. Introducing your Maltipoo to new sights, sounds, and people early on helps prevent timid or reactive behavior down the road. Calm exposure, paired with positive reinforcement, helps build confidence and emotional steadiness. 

Because they’re smart, Maltipoos also enjoy mental challenges. Puzzle toys, new tricks, and interactive games help keep them sharp. Without enough stimulation, they may turn to barking or attention-seeking behaviors—so a bit of daily mental exercise goes a long way.