Overview
The Maltipoo is a friendly, adaptable, and often fluffy hybrid companion. A cross between a Maltese and a Poodle (usually Toy or Miniature), they’re celebrated for their soft, wavy or curly coat, sweet temperament, and suitability for a variety of households. They typically stand 8–14 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 10–20 pounds, making them a perfect small-to-medium option for apartments, small homes, or families. Because of their mixed heritage, Maltipoos often carry a gentle, affectionate vibe combined with intelligence and a playful streak; traits that make them a popular pick among first-time dog owners, singles, seniors, and families alike.
As a designer hybrid, the Maltipoo is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) but is recorded by several notable hybrid and designer dog registries, including the Continental Kennel Club, American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, International Designer Canine Registry, and supported by breed-focused organizations such as the Maltipoo Club of America and National Maltipoo Club.
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History
Maltipoos are a product of the designer-dog trend, intentionally bred by crossing Maltese dogs with Toy or Miniature Poodles to combine the best traits of both: the Maltese’s affectionate, gentle nature with the Poodle’s intelligence and often low-shedding coat.
While not a “registered” breed under major kennel clubs (so no standardized breed lineage), Maltipoos have gained popularity over recent decades thanks to their charming mix of looks, temperament, and lifestyle adaptability. Because they’re hybrids, there’s no universal “standard” for Maltipoos; each dog may vary slightly in appearance, size, coat type, and energy level depending on which parent’s genes are more prominent.
