Description: The Malti-Poo is a hybrid dog, one of the new designer dogs of modern times. The Malti-Poo is a cross of the Maltese and the Poodle. This has given a dog that is well proportioned and small in stature. The head is round and they have a small muzzle with big round eyes that are dark in color. The ears hang downward and are set high on the side of the head. The Maltipoo body is sturdy and the legs are small but strong. The tail is sickle shaped and set high. The height and the weight are not set to any standard and this is based on the dogs used to breed. The coat is wavy and medium in length. The colors are varied and there is no set standard but white with soft browns and blacks and most other colors that you see in the Poodle range are present. The Maltipoo coat can be low allergy but it is not true to say all dogs in this mix are. In fact there are normally only a few in each litter that are hypoallergenic. At the moment the life expectancy is 12-15 years.

History: As a hybrid the Malti-Poo is just starting its journey. For this breed to gain a good standard in looks and health there does need to be some control of the breeding program or this will never gain as a breed in its own right. Some “breeders” have no thought to the outcome of breeding these dogs and are just in it for the money. These breeders should be avoided as in the end there could be very sick dogs and not the temperament that you thought you would get.

Temperament: Here is a dog that has gained the mental intelligent from the poodle so is not hard to train but can have a stubborn streak, from the Maltese, so training needs to be calm, firm and fun. Harsh methods do not work and only lead to a confused dog. The Maltipoo has good energy and are robust loving to play with other dogs and even the cat. They can be good with children and the child needs to not tease the dog. This dog will love to be in the centre of the family and will enjoy a family that is middle in the active range. They do require walks daily and they also need mental exercise to release the energies that they have. Socialize them well from early on and this will help them to cope with new situations and not to be over shy. Small dog syndrome is a man made problem where the dog is not treated like a dog but is turned into a small human child and this is where problems start as the dog is then left confused as to their own identity. The dogs can become barkers, snappy and possessive. With house rules and boundaries and walks this doesn’t happen.

Health issues: Both lines used in the creation of this breed, the Malti-Poo, can have health issues and it is best to get your dog from a breeder that knows the blood line of the parents and also has all health certificates to show that every care is taken to have dogs that do not carry hereditary problems.

Grooming: The Malti-Poo has a coat that is in need of a fair amount of care. They will need brushing daily to keep the coat tangle free and will need monthly trips to the groomers for cutting.

Living conditions: The Malti-Poo can live in an apartment providing that they have walks daily and you use up some of their mental energy, as well. If you can meet this balance then they are good dogs for an apartment if not then this is a dog that can bark a lot and could cause problems for others around you. They would benefit from a small garden.