Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a cross between the Maltese, whose FCI standard places its origin in the central Mediterranean, and the Poodle, which comes from France.[1][2] When, where and by whom the cross was first made is not documented in the sources cited here, so its background is that of its two parent breeds. The Poodle became very popular as a companion dog because of its friendly, joyful and loyal character.[2]

Updated October 9, 202622 sources How we rate breeds

Size: Toy–small
Weight: 2–7 kg
Life expectancy: 12–15 years

Maltipoo: origin and history

Of the two parents, the Maltese has Italy as its patron country under the FCI.[1] Its ancestors lived in the ports and maritime cities of the central Mediterranean, where they hunted the mice and rats that were plentiful in harbour warehouses and in the holds of ships.[1]

The Poodle was originally used for wildfowling and descends from the Barbet, many of whose characteristics it has kept.[2] Besides its character, its four sizes and different colours, which give everyone a choice according to preference, also helped make it a popular companion dog.[2]

Fact sheet

Origin: United States
Size: Toy–small
Height at withers: 20–35 cm
Weight: 2–7 kg
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Coat: Curly
Colours: White, cream, apricot, black
Low-shedding coat: Yes
Type: Crossbreed

Character and needs

Rated on a scale from very low to very high.

Exercise needsmoderate
Trainabilityhigh
Grooming needshigh
Sheddingvery low
Barkingmoderate
Good with kidsmoderate
Good with other dogshigh
Good with catshigh
Apartment-friendlyvery high
Copes with being alonelow
Watchdog instinctvery low
Good for first-time ownershigh
Affectionvery high

Maltipoo: questions and answers

Is it a good dog for first-time owners?

Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs learn quickly and like working with you (4 out of 5 for trainability).

How long can it be left alone?

2 to 3 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (2 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.

How much exercise does it need?

1 to 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. A mix of walks and play keeps the dog balanced.

How long does it live?

12–15 years is the typical life expectancy. That is about the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: luxating patella, dental problems, eye disease.

How big does it get?

20–35 cm at the withers and 2–7 kg. Size class: toy–small.

Is it a good family dog?

Best with older children. It rates 3 out of 5 with children. The small body is easily hurt in rough play, so toddlers need supervision. With other dogs it rates 4 out of 5, with cats 4 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.

Does it shed a lot?

Very little: 1 out of 5 for shedding. The low-shedding coat is often better tolerated by people with allergies, but no dog is allergen-free. The coat keeps growing: brush it several times a week and have it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.

Male or female?

Males are usually larger: they sit at the top of the range (up to 35 cm and 7 kg), females at the bottom (from 20 cm and 2 kg). Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.

Maltipoo or Bichon Frise?

Biggest difference: grooming needs (high vs. very high).

	Maltipoo	Bichon Frise
Size	Toy–small	Toy–small
Weight	2–7 kg	3–6 kg
Life expectancy	12–15 years	12–15 years
Coat	Curly	Curly
Grooming needs	High	Very high
Good with kids	Moderate	High
Good for first-time owners	High	Very high

Bichon Frise: full profile

Who it suits

A good fit if you…

live in an apartment
are getting your first dog
have a cat
want a dog that sheds very little
want a cuddly companion

Maltipoo: the downsides

Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:

Struggles when left alone: 2 to 3 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
High-maintenance coat: 4 out of 5 for grooming. The coat keeps growing: brush it several times a week and have it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.
No breed standard: As a cross, size, coat and character vary more than in a pedigree breed, and a low-shedding coat is not guaranteed. Ask whether the parents were health-screened.

Maltipoo: puppy price and monthly costs

£1,000 – £2,500 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Agria Pet Insurance, 2026). From £69 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.

Country	Puppy from a breeder	Running costs per month
United Kingdom	£1,000 – £2,500 [3]	from £69 [4]
United States	$1,000 – $4,000 [5]	$116 [6]
Canada	no data	CA$367 [7]
Australia	no data	A$210 [8]
New Zealand	no data	NZ$100 [9]

Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
Groomer: £39 – £85 per visit, every 6 to 8 weeks (Asda Money).
Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.

Health

Breed-typical health risks

No study covers this crossbreed yet. These risks are known in the parent breeds.

Luxating patella: The kneecap slips out of place, common in small breeds.
Dental problems: Small jaws build up tartar quickly. Regular brushing helps.
Eye disease: Inherited conditions such as PRA or cataracts. Good breeders have the eyes tested.

No kennel club sets breeding rules for crossbreeds. Ask for the health tests that the breed clubs require of both parent breeds: Maltese, Poodle.

What to ask the breeder

To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [16] [17] [18]
Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [19] [20] [21] [22]

No dog is completely allergen-free. If someone in your home has an allergy, spend time with the breed before you decide.

Similar breeds

Sources

FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 65: Maltese (2015)
FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 172: Poodle (2024)
Agria Pet Insurance (UK): Maltipoo Pet Insurance - The UK's Most Trusted Pet Insurer (2026)
PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
PetMD: Maltipoo Dog Breed Health and Care (2026)
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
Asda Money (Asda Pet Insurance, administered by Insurance Factory Ltd): Dog Grooming Costs - Average UK Costs
UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?

Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.

Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.

How we rate breeds

Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.