Here’s something that surprises most buyers: the Maltipoo is literally half Maltese. So why are people still asking which one is right for them?
Because the other half — the Poodle — changes things in ways that matter. Size. Coat type. Shedding. Color possibilities. Training responsiveness. Energy level. Even specific health conditions. The Poodle parent doesn’t just add curls to a Maltese. It creates a genuinely different dog with different strengths, different needs, and a different daily-life profile.
This guide gives you the complete, honest comparison — with the depth most articles skip. History, full appearance data, temperament by life stage, specific health conditions with treatment costs (including the one most guides barely mention), grooming and training timelines, real 2026 pricing, and a decision matrix that tells you exactly which breed fits your specific situation. Everything in plain language.
⚡ QUICK VERDICT AT A GLANCE
🐕 CHOOSE MALTESE IF:
- You want an ancient purebred with AKC recognition
- You love the classic long white silky coat
- You want the smallest possible companion
- You prefer a quieter, calmer lap dog energy
- You want a longer average lifespan
🌟 CHOOSE MALTIPOO IF:
- Dog allergies are a concern in your household
- You want a sharper, more trainable companion
- You love color variety in coats
- You want a slightly sturdier, more active dog
- You’re a first-time dog owner wanting easier training
Origins and History: 2,800 Years Apart
🏭 Maltese — The Ancient Mediterranean Companion
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world — believed to have originated on the Mediterranean island of Malta over 2,800 years ago. Ancient Greek ceramic artwork from around 500 BC depicts dogs that match the Maltese breed standard precisely — the same silky white coat, the same compact proportions, the same expression.
The ancient Greeks built tombs for their Maltese dogs. The Romans carried them as living accessories, fashionable status symbols among the aristocracy. They appeared in Egyptian artwork alongside pharaohs. Medieval European royalty kept them as prized companions. Queen Elizabeth I of England owned Maltese dogs. Mary Queen of Scots was buried with a Maltese hidden in her skirts.
The fascinating crossbreeding secret: In the early 1800s, the Maltese was nearly extinct. At that time, with very few Maltese remaining, these dogs were crossbred with Poodles and Miniature Spaniels to prevent the breed from disappearing entirely. The resulting crosses created at least 9 different types of Maltese — some with color, some slightly larger. The modern pure-white Maltese standard was eventually reestablished through careful selection.
The AKC officially recognized the Maltese in 1888. Today, every Maltese is white (with only tiny lemon or tan markings allowed), weighs under 7 lbs, and looks essentially identical to the dog depicted in 2,500-year-old Greek ceramics.
🌟 Maltipoo — The Modern Designer Hybrid
The Maltipoo is a cross between a purebred Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, first intentionally developed in the United States in the early 1990s. The goal: combine the Maltese’s centuries-refined companion temperament with the Poodle’s intelligence, low-shedding coat genetics, and extended lifespan potential.
Both parent breeds bring exceptional pedigree: The Maltese, as described above, is one of the world’s oldest companion breeds. The Poodle dates back 400+ years as a German water retrieval dog, ranking among the most intelligent dog breeds ever assessed by behavioral researchers.
The Maltipoo is not recognized by the AKC. It is registered by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
An important note on genetics: The Maltipoo does not yet have a fixed appearance because it has not been bred consistently enough for generations to set a standard. Two Maltipoo puppies from the same litter can look and behave quite differently depending on which parent’s genetics dominate. This variability is reduced in F1B generations (75% Poodle) but never fully eliminated.
Maltese vs Maltipoo Appearance: How They Look
At first glance — particularly in a puppy photo — many buyers can’t easily distinguish a white Maltipoo from a Maltese. In person and with adult dogs, the differences become clearer. Here’s the complete picture.
The Color Difference: White Only vs. Every Color
This is one of the most visible differences between the two breeds. The Maltese breed standard allows only white — a solid, pure white that has been maintained consistently for nearly three millennia. Light tan or lemon may appear on the ears, but a Maltese with any other significant color is considered to have a fault by show standards.
The Maltipoo, by contrast, can be any color found on a Poodle. However, in most cases the white genetics of the Maltese parent lightens or “dilutes” the color — so many Maltipoos end up in the cream, apricot, and light gold range rather than deep reds or chocolates. Rare parti-color, phantom, and silver Maltipoos do occur, particularly in F1B generations with stronger Poodle influence.
📍 THE GENERATION EFFECT ON MALTIPOO APPEARANCE
F1 Maltipoo (50/50): Often looks most like a Maltese — white or cream, soft wavy coat. More variable within a litter. | F1B Maltipoo (75% Poodle): Curlier coat, more color variety, more Poodle-like in appearance. More consistent coat type. | F2 Maltipoo: Widest variation — can look very Maltese or very Poodle depending on which genes express. Understanding what generation your puppy is explains most of the “why does my Maltipoo look different” questions.
Maltese vs Maltipoo Temperament: The Real Differences
This is where most guides give you two paragraphs and call it done. The temperament differences between these breeds are subtle but real — and they matter significantly for day-to-day life.
🐕 Maltese Temperament
The Classic Lap Dog
The Maltese is, in the most literal sense, a dog bred entirely for human companionship across 2,800 years. No hunting, No herding. No working purpose. Only the single, refined goal of being the ideal human companion. That history shows up completely in how they behave. They want to be with you, on you, and near you. A Maltese that isn’t being cuddled is usually plotting how to get back to cuddling.
Fearless Personality in a Tiny Body
The Maltese is famously described as “fearless” in the AKC breed standard — a word choice that is completely accurate. These tiny dogs approach the world with an unwarranted confidence that makes them both charming and occasionally hazardous. A 5-lb Maltese will challenge a dog twenty times its size without hesitation.
The Stubborn Streak
Maltese can be stubborn — particularly in housetraining, which is notoriously one of the more difficult aspects of Maltese ownership. Their independence and confidence means they have opinions about what they should and shouldn’t do. Patient, consistent positive training is essential.
Alert and Vocal
Maltese are natural watchdogs despite their size — they notice everything and communicate about it. Barking tendency is moderate to high without early training. The good news: they are smart enough to learn when barking is appropriate vs. when it isn’t.
🌟 Maltipoo Temperament
The Poodle Addition Changes Things
The Maltipoo inherits the Maltese’s warmth and people-orientation — and then the Poodle adds a layer of active intelligence that produces a noticeably different energy. Maltipoos aren’t just affectionate — they’re engaged. They watch what you do, they learn patterns, they play with intentional enthusiasm, and they seem to have genuine opinions about things. This makes them more entertaining and more demanding simultaneously.
More Eager to Please
Where the Maltese can be selective about compliance, the Maltipoo’s Poodle influence creates a more consistent desire to respond to training. They listen to commands and aim to please more reliably than the Maltese — making training sessions more productive and housetraining generally faster.
Higher Energy Requirements
The Poodle parent brings a need for mental stimulation that the pure Maltese doesn’t have to the same degree. A Maltipoo left without engagement — physical and mental — will find its own entertainment. This is the most common source of behavioral complaints about the breed.
More Barking Tendency
Maltipoos may bark more than Maltese — the Poodle parent is naturally vocal. With early training this is manageable, but it’s worth knowing going in — particularly for apartment dwellers with close neighbors.
Temperament Comparison: Category by Category
| Category | Maltese | Maltipoo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affection level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tie — both are devoted |
| Trainability | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ | Maltipoo wins |
| Energy level | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Depends on lifestyle |
| Lap dog quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Maltese wins |
| Good with children | ⭐⭐⭐⭑ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ | Maltipoo (slightly sturdier) |
| Housetraining ease | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Maltipoo (faster typically) |
| Barking tendency | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭑ | Maltipoo barks slightly more |
| Mental stimulation need | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Maltipoo needs more enrichment |
| Good for seniors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Maltese (smaller, calmer) |
Maltese vs Maltipoo Health: The Complete, Honest Guide
Because the Maltipoo is half Maltese, the two breeds share many health predispositions. But the Poodle parent introduces additional risks — and also introduces hybrid vigor, which provides some protection. Here’s the complete health picture for both.
⚠️ CONDITIONS SHARED BY BOTH BREEDS
Because the Maltipoo carries Maltese genetics, these conditions can appear in both breeds:
- Patellar Luxation — dislocating kneecap; skipping gait. Surgery $1,500–$3,000/knee if severe
- White Shaker Dog Syndrome — neurological condition causing tremors; more common in white/light-colored small dogs; usually responds well to steroids
- Dental Disease — crowded small teeth trap plaque; daily brushing essential; cleaning $200–$600/year
- Ear Infections — floppy ears trap moisture; weekly cleaning required
- Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar; especially in tiny individuals; frequent small meals prevent this
🐕 Maltese-Specific Health Conditions
🦼 Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Condition) — The Most Critical Maltese Health Issue
A portosystemic shunt is a liver condition in which an extra or abnormal connection forms from or around the portal vein going to the liver. This type of shunt is usually congenital and is more common in Maltese and Toy/Miniature Poodles — making both the Maltese and the Maltipoo susceptible.
The portal vein normally carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive system to the liver for filtering. When this connection is bypassed or disrupted, toxins that should be filtered circulate through the body — affecting brain function, growth, and organ health.
Signs: Stunted growth compared to littermates, seizures or behavior changes after eating, excessive thirst/urination, vomiting, disorientation, circling, pressing head against walls.
Diagnosis: Blood panel (elevated bile acids) + imaging. Treatment: Medical management (low-protein diet, medications) for mild cases. Surgical correction for severe cases.
Costs: Medical management $500–$1,500/year. Surgical correction $2,500–$6,000+. Annual liver function testing is strongly recommended for Maltese owners from age 1 onward.
👁️ Eye Problems and Tear Staining
The Maltese’s white coat makes tear staining highly visible — the reddish-brown porphyrin staining beneath the eyes is one of the most common cosmetic complaints among Maltese owners. Beyond cosmetics, the Maltese can develop epiphora (excessive tearing), progressive retinal atrophy, and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
Management: Daily eye-area cleaning with a damp cloth for tear staining. Annual eye exams to catch PRA and dry eye early. Ongoing tear stain supplements and regular coat cleaning around the face. On colored Maltipoo coats, tear staining is far less visible — one practical advantage.
❤️ Patent Ductus Arteriosus (Heart Defect)
A congenital heart defect seen more frequently in Maltese than in most other breeds. PDA involves a blood vessel near the heart that fails to close properly after birth, causing abnormal blood circulation and placing strain on the heart muscle.
Signs: Heart murmur (detectable at first puppy vet visit), exercise intolerance, coughing, slow growth. Treatment: Surgical closure. Costs: $2,000–$5,000.
🌟 Maltipoo-Specific Health Conditions
👁️ Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-prcd)
Inherited from the Poodle parent. PRA causes gradual vision loss — first affecting night vision, then progressing to full blindness. The prcd gene mutation is present in significant percentages of both Miniature Poodles and Maltese — meaning the Maltipoo can inherit this from either parent.
Prevention: DNA test available. Always require PRA-prcd clear documentation on both parent dogs from any Maltipoo breeder. Signs: Night blindness, dilated pupils, reluctance to move in dim light — typically appearing at 3–5 years of age.
⚡ Epilepsy
A neurological condition producing seizures, seen in Poodle and Maltese lines. Because both parent breeds carry some predisposition, the Maltipoo’s risk is real. Manageable with daily anticonvulsant medication — most affected dogs live completely normal quality lives.
Signs: Convulsions, jerking, loss of consciousness, post-seizure disorientation.
Lifespan and Overall Health Comparison
| Factor | Maltese | Maltipoo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Lifespan | 12–15 years | 10–15 years |
| Hybrid Vigor Benefit | No — purebred | Yes — F1 especially |
| Liver shunt risk | Higher risk | Present (from both parents) |
| Tear staining visibility | High on white coat | Less visible on colored coats |
| Eye condition risk | PRA, dry eye, PDA | PRA-prcd (genetic test available) |
| Overall health rating | Good — some breed-specific risks | Good — hybrid vigor helps |
✅ HEALTH TESTS TO REQUIRE BEFORE BUYING EITHER BREED
For Maltese:
- CERF annual eye examination
- Cardiac evaluation (PDA screening)
- Bile acid liver function test
- OFA patella certification
- Veterinarian health certificate
For Maltipoo:
- PRA-prcd genetic test (both parents)
- Liver function test (bile acids)
- OFA patella certification
- CERF eye examination
- Veterinarian health certificate
Maltese vs Maltipoo Grooming: What You’re Really Signing Up For
Neither breed is low-maintenance. Understanding the difference in grooming needs — particularly between the Maltese’s silky straight coat and the Maltipoo’s variable wavy or curly coat — helps set accurate expectations before you bring a puppy home.
🐕 Maltese Grooming
The White Coat Challenge
The Maltese’s signature white coat shows everything — tear staining, dirt, grass stains, food residue. This means not only regular brushing but also more frequent bathing than many other breeds. Owners who keep their Maltese in the full show coat brush daily and bathe weekly or bi-weekly.
Daily Requirements
- Brush full coat daily (in show coat) or every 2 days in puppy cut
- Clean eye area and tear stains daily with damp cloth
- Check and clean around mouth area after meals
Professional Grooming
Every 6–8 weeks. $50–$85/session. Most owners keep Maltese in a “puppy cut” — 1–2 inches all over — for manageable daily maintenance. Annual estimate: $400–$680.
🌟 Maltipoo Grooming
Coat Type Determines Routine
Wavy coat (most F1 Maltipoos): Brushing every 2–3 days. Lower matting risk than curly. Moderate maintenance. | Curly coat (F1B/F1BB Maltipoos): Daily brushing essential. Mats form fastest in this coat type, particularly behind ears and in armpits. Highest maintenance but lowest shedding.
High-Mat Zones to Check Every Session
- Behind both ears — most common first mat location
- Under both armpits
- Around the collar area
- Inside front elbow joints
- Base of tail
Professional Grooming
Every 6–8 weeks. $50–$90/session. Annual estimate: $400–$720.
| Grooming Factor | Maltese | Maltipoo |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | Very low — single coat | Very low to none (especially F1B) |
| Brushing frequency | Daily (show coat) / every 2 days (puppy cut) | Daily (curly) / 2–3x week (wavy) |
| Tear staining visibility | High — white coat shows all staining | Lower — colored coats hide staining |
| Matting risk | Moderate (straight coat) | Higher (curly coat) |
| Allergy-friendly | Good — low shedding | Better — especially F1B/F1BB |
| Prof. grooming cost (annual) | $400–$680 | $400–$720 |
| Face cleaning need | Daily — white coat demands it | As needed — less critical |
Training Maltese vs Maltipoo: Timelines and What Works
Both breeds are intelligent. Both respond best to positive reinforcement. But the differences in compliance and consistency are real and practical.
WK
Foundation Window — Both Breeds: Most Important Phase
Crate introduction (positive only), name recognition, same-spot housetraining, handling desensitization (paws, ears, mouth — critical for lifetime grooming). Maltese note: Keep sessions to 5 minutes — attention span is shorter than Maltipoo at this stage. Maltipoo: Can handle 10-minute sessions; faster name and sit acquisition.
MO
Core Skills — Maltipoo Ahead by a Margin
Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Leave It. Maltipoo: Picks up all five quickly; can begin loose-leash walking. Maltese: Learns the same commands but may choose when to apply them — patience and high-value treats are the key. Housetraining: Maltipoo typically reliable by 4 months; Maltese may take 5–6+ months. Use dog door or consistent schedule, not punishment.
MO
Adolescence — Consistency Is Everything
Both breeds may become more selective during hormonal development. Maltese: Stubbornness can intensify — the “why should I?” phase. Continue structure without raising voice. Maltipoo: Generally shorter adolescent challenge than Maltese; increase mental stimulation to maintain engagement. Both: increase daily exercise to support training focus.
MO
Adult — Maintenance and Advanced Opportunities
Both breeds settle beautifully after 12 months. Maltipoo: Well-suited to therapy dog programs, agility, advanced obedience — Poodle intelligence shines here. Maltese: Excellent emotional support and therapy dogs for their calm, close-bonding nature. Both: annual dental cleaning, eye monitoring, and liver function check (bile acids) are the most important routine health investments.
🔴 THE MALTESE HOUSETRAINING REALITY — MOST GUIDES UNDERSTATE THIS
The Maltese is widely reported as one of the more difficult toy breeds to housetrain. Their small bladder, independent nature, and historic indoor lifestyle mean consistent accidents past 6 months are not unusual. Bell training (teaching the dog to ring a bell at the door before going out), consistent schedule, and never punishing accidents are the most effective approaches. Crate training from day one dramatically accelerates the process. This is a management challenge, not a permanent problem — but it requires more patience than most guides communicate.
Which Is Better for Allergies: Maltese or Maltipoo?
The truth first: No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Allergic reactions are triggered by proteins (primarily Can f 1) in dander, saliva, and urine — not the fur itself. All dogs produce these proteins. What varies between breeds is how much dander is distributed through the home, which directly relates to coat type and shedding.
Maltese + Allergies
The Maltese has a single-layer coat with very low shedding. Less fur in the environment means less dander distribution. Most mild-to-moderate allergy sufferers do reasonably well with a Maltese.
Verdict: Good for mild allergies. Not as reliably hypoallergenic as Poodle-crosses with curly coats.
Maltipoo + Allergies
The Maltipoo inherits the Poodle’s RSPO2 furnishings gene — the gene responsible for continuous coat growth and minimal shedding. F1B and F1BB Maltipoos (75–87.5% Poodle) have the most reliably hypoallergenic coats of any Maltipoo generation.
Verdict: Better allergy option than Maltese, particularly F1B generation. If allergies are a primary concern, the Maltipoo is the clearer choice.
Maltese vs Maltipoo Price: 2026 Market Data
One of the most surprising facts for many buyers: the hybrid Maltipoo often costs as much as or more than the purebred Maltese — sometimes significantly more. Here’s why and what to expect.
| Cost Factor | Maltese | Maltipoo |
|---|---|---|
| Reputable source purchase price | $1,000–$3,500 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Show quality / champion lines | $3,500–$7,000+ | $4,000–$6,000+ (rare colors/patterns) |
| Annual food cost | $200–$400 | $250–$500 |
| Annual grooming cost | $400–$680 | $400–$720 |
| Annual routine vet care | $400–$700 | $400–$700 |
| Annual eye/face care (Maltese specific) | $150–$500 (tear staining, monitoring) | Minimal — not typically needed |
| Pet insurance | $300–$600/year | $300–$600/year |
| Estimated annual total | $1,450–$2,880 | $1,350–$2,520 |
💡 WHY THE MALTIPOO COSTS AS MUCH AS THE PUREBRED MALTESE
Many buyers expect a hybrid to cost less than a purebred. With Maltipoos, that’s often not the case. Responsible F1B and F1BB Maltipoo breeding programs involve health testing of multiple parent dogs across two breeds, careful generational selection, and demand that often exceeds supply — particularly for specific colors or coat types. The Poodle parent must also be health-tested independently. The cumulative investment in a well-bred Maltipoo can genuinely equal or exceed the investment in a well-bred purebred Maltese.
Which Breed Is Right for Your Specific Situation?
| Your Situation | Maltese | Maltipoo | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog allergies in household | 🟡 | 🟢 | Maltipoo (F1B clearest winner) |
| First-time dog owner | 🟡 | 🟢 | Maltipoo (faster training response) |
| Senior owner, calm lifestyle | 🟢 | 🟡 | Maltese (smallest, calmest) |
| Small apartment, city living | 🟢 | 🟢 | Both excellent |
| Want white classic coat | 🟢 | 🟡 | Maltese (white-only breed) |
| Want coat color variety | 🔴 | 🟢 | Maltipoo clearly |
| Want AKC purebred recognition | 🟢 | 🔴 | Maltese only |
| Children under 5 in household | 🟡 | 🟢 | Maltipoo (slightly sturdier) |
| Want longest possible lifespan | 🟢 | 🟡 | Maltese (12–15 year average) |
| Budget-conscious buyer | 🟡 | 🟡 | Tie — similar price range |
| Want therapy / emotional support dog | 🟢 | 🟢 | Both excellent — different styles |
Find Your Maltese or Maltipoo at Puppy Heaven
At Puppy Heaven, we’ve been placing healthy, vet-checked Maltese puppies and Maltipoo puppies with families for over 21 years. Our boutiques in Las Vegas, NV and Sunrise, FL are open for in-person visits. Our video call service connects remote buyers with the specific puppy they’re considering before any commitment is made.
★ EVERY PUPPY HEAVEN PUPPY INCLUDES
- Full veterinarian health examination
- Age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming
- Written health guarantee — in writing
- Microchipping registered to you
- Starter kit — food, pads, toy
- 100% puppy financing available
- Nationwide delivery — hand or air
- Live video call before you commit
Also comparing to other breeds? Browse our Morkie puppies (Maltese + Yorkie) or Cavapoo puppies for other small low-shedding options, or explore all available designer breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions: Maltese vs Maltipoo
Is a Maltipoo just a Maltese with curly hair?
No — and this is one of the most common misconceptions. The Maltipoo is 50% Maltese and 50% Poodle (or higher Poodle percentage in F1B). The Poodle parent contributes far more than coat texture: significantly higher intelligence and trainability, different health predispositions (PRA, epilepsy), different energy levels, wider color variety, and a more active personality. Two dogs that may look similar in photos can behave quite differently in daily life.
Which is smarter — a Maltese or Maltipoo?
The Maltipoo is generally considered smarter, and this is directly attributable to the Poodle parent — consistently ranked among the top two or three most intelligent dog breeds ever studied. The Maltese is intelligent but known for selective compliance rather than consistent responsiveness. Most owners find the Maltipoo easier to train and quicker to learn new commands. However, intelligence without engagement becomes problematic — Maltipoos need more mental stimulation than Maltese.
Which is better for allergies — Maltese or Maltipoo?
Both are low-shedding. The Maltipoo — particularly F1B and F1BB generations with curlier Poodle-dominant coats — distributes less dander than a Maltese and is the better choice for allergy-sensitive households. No dog is completely allergen-free, but Maltipoos are among the better options for mild-to-moderate sufferers.
Why is the Maltipoo sometimes more expensive than a purebred Maltese?
Because responsible Maltipoo breeding requires health testing of two separate parent lines (both the Maltese and Poodle parents), careful generational selection (especially for F1B coat consistency), and the production of specific colors or sizes that command high demand. The cumulative cost of responsible Maltipoo production can equal or exceed that of a well-bred purebred Maltese.
Which lives longer — a Maltese or Maltipoo?
The Maltese has a slightly longer documented average lifespan: 12–15 years vs 10–15 years for the Maltipoo. The Maltipoo’s hybrid vigor can reduce the expression of hereditary disease, but individual health management — nutrition, dental care, weight, veterinary monitoring — matters more than breed averages in practice.
What is a portosystemic shunt and which breed is more at risk?
A portosystemic shunt is a congenital liver condition where an abnormal blood vessel bypasses the liver, allowing toxins to circulate through the body. It is notably more common in Maltese and Toy/Miniature Poodles than in most other breeds — meaning both the Maltese and the Maltipoo carry elevated risk. Annual bile acid liver function testing from age 1 onward is strongly recommended for both breeds. Signs in puppies include stunted growth, post-meal behavioral changes, and neurological symptoms.
Is housetraining hard for both breeds?
The Maltese is notoriously one of the more difficult toy breeds to housetrain — an honest reality most guides soften. Their small bladder, independent personality, and historic indoor lifestyle combine to make accidents past 6 months not unusual. The Maltipoo, with Poodle eagerness-to-please, typically houstrains faster and more reliably. Both breeds benefit significantly from crate training from day one, consistent schedule, and patient positive reinforcement rather than correction.
Can a Maltese and Maltipoo live together?
Yes, typically very well. Both breeds are non-aggressive, social, and people-oriented. The Maltipoo’s slightly higher energy can seem overwhelming to a calm Maltese initially — a gradual neutral-location introduction works best. Once established, both breeds enjoy the company and play partnership with similar-sized, similarly-natured dogs.
Was the Maltese ever crossbred with Poodles historically?
Yes — and this is one of the most fascinating historical facts about both breeds. In the early 1800s, with the Maltese breed nearly extinct, these dogs were crossbred with Poodles and Miniature Spaniels to keep the breed from disappearing entirely. This produced at least 9 different types of Maltese, some with color variations. The modern pure-white Maltese standard was eventually reestablished through careful selection. Today’s deliberate Maltipoo crossing echoes this historical genetic relationship between the two breeds.
Still Deciding? Our Team Knows Both Breeds Inside and Out
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