Maltipoo insurance
Is the Maltipoo the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Maltipoo
A Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, winning hearts worldwide with its charming looks and affectionate nature. This small dog has a big personality and is a popular choice for those looking for a loving and energetic companion in a compact size.
Maltipoo quick facts
- Origin: USA
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Height: 20-30cm
- Weight: 3-7kg
- Coat colours: Various, including white, black, cream, apricot, and multicoloured
Where does the Maltipoo come from?
The Maltipoo is a hybrid between the Maltese, an ancient companion breed, and the intelligent and playful Poodle. First bred in the USA, it quickly gained popularity worldwide. Its rising fame is largely due to the growing trend of Poodle mixes, which offer a cute appearance and relatively hypoallergenic coats. However, it's a myth that all Maltipoos are hypoallergenic, as allergy tolerance varies by individual.
What is the temperament of a Maltipoo?
Sociable
Maltipoos are known for their lively and sociable nature. They’re curious, friendly, and thrive on close companionship. They prefer to stay near their owners, often sleeping in the bedroom and enjoying cosy moments on the sofa.
Calm
At home, Maltipoos are calm and affectionate, usually friendly with strangers, though some can be alert and prone to barking. With positive socialisation, they generally become welcoming rather than wary.
Active
Despite their small size, Maltipoos are quite active, especially off-lead. The Maltese’s ancestors were skilled at hunting vermin in ports and warehouses, and this instinct still exists in many Maltipoos.
Intelligent
They need regular physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and prevent behavioural issues. Beneath their cute appearance lies an energetic, intelligent dog that thrives on engagement.
Charming
Maltipoos can be irresistibly charming, making it easy to spoil them but they need consistent training, just like any other dog. They must experience the world at ground level rather than carrying them around too often.
Quick
Due to their small size, Maltipoos should play with dogs of a similar build. Their quick movements can trigger the prey drive in larger dogs, leading to rough play or accidents. Always supervise interactions with bigger breeds.
Family-friendly
Maltipoos are great for first-time owners and families with children. However, young children must be taught to handle the dog with care and respect. Proper education ensures a happy bond between children and their Maltipoo.
Things to remember
- When mixing two breeds, traits from both parents can appear in different combinations, leading to variations in temperament and appearance. A Maltipoo may inherit the Maltese’s hunting instincts or the Poodle’s playful antics - or a mix of both. Be prepared to love your Maltipoo for its unique personality.
- Children should never pick up or carry a Maltipoo unsupervised, and all family members should understand the dog’s boundaries and body language.
- Be prepared for a vocal pup that alerts you when visitors arrive.
- Early socialisation and training are important to ensure your Maltipoo grows into a well-balanced, confident dog.
Appearance and size of the Maltipoo
Maltipoos vary in size, depending on the type of Poodle used in breeding. They typically stand 20-30cm tall and weigh 3-7kg. Their signature feature is their soft, curly coat, which comes in a variety of colours.
Thinking of getting a Maltipoo puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
Grooming a Maltipoo
As beautiful as their coat is, it requires significant upkeep. Regular brushing (several times a week) and professional grooming (3-4 times a year) are necessary to prevent matting and tangling. Paws may need trimming more frequently. Even with professional grooming, daily brushing and coat maintenance are essential for their comfort. Start grooming habits early so your Maltipoo becomes comfortable with being handled.
Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic?
Although they’re often labelled hypoallergenic due to their Poodle genes, no dog is 100% allergy-friendly. Whether a Maltipoo is suitable for allergy sufferers depends on individual sensitivities. If allergies are a concern, spend time around a Maltipoo before committing to ownership.
For more information about caring for your dog, including everything from nutrition and diet to health and training, explore our range of dog guides and advice.
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You can trust us with your Maltipoo
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** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
Maltipoo training
- 1
Teach them lots
They're intelligent and eager to learn, making training relatively easy. Start early with positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise. This helps them develop good manners and adaptability for different environments.
- 2
Start early
Socialisation is key to ensuring they feel comfortable around different people and situations. A responsible breeder will start this process early, so choose one who prioritises social and environmental training.
- 3
Keep them active
Despite their small size, Maltipoos are surprisingly active outdoors. While some can be independent, they usually stay close to their owner, especially with proper recall training. They need daily walks and off-lead opportunities to explore and use their keen sense of smell.
- 4
Give them your time
A Maltipoo is a delightful, affectionate companion that fits well into many types of households. However, they require time, training, and care to thrive. If you're ready for an active and loving small dog, a Maltipoo might be the perfect match for you.
Maltipoo health issues
Poodles and Maltese, like so many other dogs, have some health issues. These don't go away just because you crossbreed the breeds. Maltipoos may therefore be prone to some of the same health problems as their parent breeds.
Dental problems
Eye problems
Knee joint problems
Something to remember
When buying a Maltipoo, it's important to choose a responsible breeder who has ensured that both parents are healthy and free from disease.
What we love most about a Maltipoo
Loves company
This is a dog that loves to be with you, adores adventure and wants to experience new things. It's just great to have a partner who always has the yes hat on.
Convenient size
Since a Maltipoo is a relatively small dog, they are easy to take with you, and can adapt to different living environments. Yes, in general they fit in most places.
Cheerful and charming
These are charming dogs that will win your heart in no time. A Maltipoo is a little slice of life, and it's contagious.
Things to consider before getting a Maltipoo
Maltipoos have many good things, but of course, like all other dogs, there are also some things you have to be able to accept if this type of dog is going to live with you.
- 1
The coat takes time
If you think that maintaining a Maltipoo's coat is an easy task (especially if you just clip it), think again. Although, as relatively short-haired, the coat can be prone to matting. This means that you will need to set aside time for brushing several times a week – preferably daily.
- 2
Small but active
Although they are small and cute, make no mistake that they are a fairly active dog that needs daily exercise and brain training to thrive - otherwise they can become (a little too) inventive.
- 3
Can bark a lot
This is a dog that likes to alert you when strangers come into the area. You have to be able to live with that, because it can be difficult to completely wean a Maltipoo.
Maltipoo insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Maltipoo's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Maltipoo FAQs
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