Maltipoo

• ExerciseModerate

  A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–16 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Patellar luxation · Dental issues · Tracheal collapse

The Maltipoo crosses a Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, producing one of the smallest of the poodle crosses at roughly two to seven kilograms. It is bred as a companion and nothing else, and it is very good at the job: affectionate, gentle, playful and closely bonded, happy in a small flat and content with short walks and indoor play. The defining behavioural trait is attachment. Maltipoos are bred from two intensely people-oriented breeds and they genuinely struggle when left alone; separation anxiety, with barking and destructiveness, is the most common problem reported by owners. They suit someone who is home a lot or who can take the dog along. They are also sensitive and do not respond well to harsh handling. Early socialisation prevents the nervous barking that small companion dogs can develop. The soft coat sheds very little but tangles fast and needs daily brushing plus a trim every six to eight weeks; white coats also show tear staining under the eyes, which needs gentle daily wiping. The health priorities are those of any very small dog and they matter: dental disease is close to universal without daily tooth brushing, the trachea is fragile so use a harness rather than a collar, and jumps from furniture can break legs. Buy from a breeder who screens patellas and tests eyes on both parents, and keep the dog lean to protect the joints.

• How much exercise does a Maltipoo need?

  Moderate. A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• How much grooming does a Maltipoo need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Maltipoo suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Maltipoo a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Maltipoo live?

  12–16 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Maltipoo?

  Keep an eye out for Patellar luxation, Dental issues, Tracheal collapse. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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