Toy Maltipoo Breed Guide
A gentle, joyful companion with a heart full of love — and a coat that barely sheds.
Thinking of a Maltipoo puppy?
Our UK Maltipoo breed guide covers size, temperament, training, feeding, and grooming—everything you need for this popular small crossbreed.
🐾 What Is a Toy Maltipoo?
The Toy Maltipoo is a charming cross between a Toy Poodle and a Maltese. These teddy-bear-like companions are small in size but full of personality, loved for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and low-shedding, allergy-friendly coats.
At Posh Poos, we focus exclusively on Toy Maltipoos, which are the smallest and most desirable size — ideal for homes looking for a compact yet clever and loving little dog.
Size & Weight
- Adult weight: 2–3.5kg
- Height at shoulder: Up to 10 inches (25cm)
- 8 weeks: Typically 700–900g
- Fully grown by: 6–8 months
🧠 Personality & Temperament
- Affectionate & loyal – Bond deeply and love to be involved in family life
- Gentle & intuitive – Great for calm households and kind children
- Cheerful & playful – Always up for a cuddle or game
- Quietly alert – Not yappy, but will let you know if something’s up
🧬 Maltipoo Generations
F1 Maltipoo: A straight cross between a purebred Toy Poodle and a purebred Maltese
- Balanced mix of both breeds
- Softer, wavy coat
F1b Maltipoo: A cross between a Toy Poodle and an F1 Maltipoo (75% Poodle)
- Stronger coat colour and tighter curl
- Higher intelligence from the Poodle side
- Excellent for allergy-prone households
🧠 Smart & Sensitive: The Maltipoo Mind
- Quick to learn – Excellent with routines and commands
- Emotionally intuitive – Tune in to your mood and energy
- Eager to please – Enjoy training and bonding with their people
🎨 Coat Types & Colours
Colours: Off-white, cream, apricot, caramel, and light red
Textures:
- Wavy / Shaggy (“Teddy Bear”) – Soft and tousled
- Fleecy / Loose Curls – Poodle-like texture but not tight curls
✨ Both coat types are non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Regular brushing keeps them beautiful and tangle-free.
Cold Weather & Your Maltipoo
While Maltipoo coats are soft, non-shedding and come in a range of beautiful colours, they don’t always provide enough warmth in the colder months. Because of their petite size and fine coat texture, Maltipoos can be more sensitive to cold, damp or windy weather than many other breeds. A well-fitted dog coat helps keep them comfortable and protected on winter walks.
Perfect Fit, Better Value
- Made for small breeds: the Small size fits Maltipoo puppies from ~12 weeks.
- Adjustable fastenings: secure, comfy fit now and room to grow—fewer size changes needed.
- Warmth without bulk: sherpa lining blocks wind and chill while staying light for play.
- Cost-effective: durable, machine-washable design that lasts the season (and beyond), so you buy once, not multiple times.
We recommend our Luxury Sherpa-Lined Puppy & Small Dog Coat for everyday winter walks and post-bath trips.
🏡 Ideal Living Environment
Toy Maltipoos thrive in small homes, apartments, and anywhere they can stay close to their people. They are indoor dogs and benefit from a cosy retreat like a crate or plush bed.
🛏 Crate & Bed Size Guide
- Crate (Puppy & Adult): 24 inch crate
- Bed (Puppy): Slumbernest Small (20–22 inch)
- Bed (Adult): Small or Medium (20–24 inch)
Create the ultimate retreat with:
🐾 Daily Exercise
- Love an exciting walk with new smells
- Just as happy with a trot around the garden
- Enjoy short bursts of play indoors or outside
Shop our favourite toys for small dogs
✂️ Grooming & Coat Care
- Brush daily to prevent tangles
- Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
- Wipe eyes, clean ears regularly
- Bath every 3–4 weeks or when needed
🌿 Gut Health & Probiotics
Our Puppy Poos Probiotic Supplement is designed for sensitive stomachs and small breed health:
- Promotes healthy digestion and nutrient absorption
- Supports immune health
- Helps reduce tear staining
- Simple powder formula – mix with food daily
🍽️ Nutrition
Toy Maltipoos can be fussy eaters and are not very food motivated, so a high-quality, palatable formula is key.
We recommend our Superfood 65 Small Breed Food, which is:
- Grain-free and gentle on digestion
- High in meat content for lean muscle
- Contains joint support and collagen
- No added colours – helps prevent tear staining
🩺 Health & Longevity
With proper care, Toy Maltipoos can live 12–16 years or more.
- Patellar luxation – keep weight controlled and monitor activity
- Teeth crowding – brush regularly and consider dental chews
- Tear staining – use gentle grooming and a natural diet
🐕 Training & Socialisation
- Respond best to positive reinforcement
- Early crate training builds confidence
- Exposure to new people, sounds, and textures builds calm confidence
They’re intelligent and intuitive — with kindness and routine, they become devoted and well-mannered companions.
Maltipoo FAQs – Quick Answers for UK Owners
Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic?
- Generally low-shedding and considered allergy-friendly.
- Regular grooming is essential to keep coats in top condition.
Why this matters: Allergy-sensitive families often choose Maltipoos for their low-shedding coats; routine coat care keeps allergens and tangles down.
How big do Toy Maltipoos get?
- Adult weight: ~2–3.5kg (4.4–7.7lb)
- Height: up to ~25cm (10in)
- Reach adult size around 6–8 months
Why this matters: Their tiny size suits UK homes and city living. Use a secure, snug den with our Heritage Stripe crate covers and matching mattresses.
What is the difference between F1 and F1b Maltipoos?
- F1: Maltese × Poodle (50/50)
- F1b: Maltipoo × Poodle (approx. 75% Poodle / 25% Maltese)
- F1b often has curlier coats and can be more “poodle-like” in traits
Why this matters: Generation helps predict coat type, grooming needs, and training focus.
Do Maltipoos bark a lot?
- They can be vocal if understimulated or anxious.
- Calm routines and crate training reduce anxiety barking.
Why this matters: A covered, den-like crate and consistent schedule are the quickest way to a peaceful home.
How much exercise does a Maltipoo need?
- Short daily walks (about 20–30 minutes total)
- Indoor/garden play is usually plenty for toy sizes
- Avoid over-exercising growing joints
Why this matters: Balanced activity supports health without stressing small-breed joints.
What is the best food for Maltipoos?
- High-quality small-breed food with gentle ingredients
- Superfood 65 Small Breed Turkey supports coat and digestion
- Add Puppy Poos Probiotics for gut health & tear-stain support
Why this matters: Nutrition is key for skin/coat, digestion, and energy in toy breeds.
Are Maltipoos recognised by the Kennel Club (UK)?
- No. As a crossbreed, Maltipoos are not on the Kennel Club’s pedigree register.
- You can still train, insure, and health-test as normal; focus on reputable breeding and health checks.
Why this matters: KC recognition impacts showing and pedigree status, not their suitability as loving family dogs.
When can my Maltipoo puppy go outside for walks (UK)?
- Many UK vets advise paws-down walks about a week after the second vaccination (often given around 10–12 weeks).
- Before then, carry your pup for safe socialisation and practise the harness at home.
Why this matters: Early world-exposure + vaccine safety = confident puppy without unnecessary risk.
UK microchipping & insurance tips?
- By UK law, dogs must be microchipped and keeper details kept up-to-date.
- Set up insurance early; toy breeds are curious and accidents can happen.
Why this matters: Compliance protects your pup and avoids fines; insurance gives peace of mind.
Expert Maltipoo FAQs
What colours do Maltipoos come in?
- Cream, apricot, caramel, champagne, red, white
- Occasionally black, chocolate, or parti-coloured
- Shades can lighten/darken as they mature
Why this matters: Colour affects styling choices and visibility of tear staining; choose bedding tones that soothe and flatter.
What are the grooming needs of Maltipoos?
- Brush 3–4× weekly to prevent matting
- Professional groom every 6–8 weeks
- Support tear-stain care from within with probiotics
Why this matters: Low-shedding ≠ low-maintenance. Consistent grooming keeps coats healthy and comfy.
Are Maltipoos good with families and children?
- Yes — affectionate, intelligent, people-oriented
- Best with respectful handling (supervise young children)
- Thrive on calm, consistent routines
Why this matters: Great companions when boundaries and gentle handling are taught early.
What health issues should owners be aware of?
- Luxating patella (toy breeds), dental crowding
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (breed-related risk)
- Tear staining (manage with diet, probiotics, hygiene)
Why this matters: Awareness enables early vet care and preventative routines for long-term wellbeing.