This charming little pup is a designer cross between the ever popular breeds the affectionate and loving Maltese and the super intelligent Miniature Poodle. The may also be bred by two 2nd generation Maltipoo’s. However, because they are a mix, they are not considered a true breed like their parents, and therefore are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The Maltipoo weighs between 5 and 12 lbs. and measures between 12 to 16 inches at the shoulder, categorizing them as a toy sized dog. Originally bred, here in the United States during the 1990’s, this little one was no accident. The Maltipoo was intentionally bred for its low shedding coat and it sweet and fun loving temperament that is ideal for companionship.
Being a mixed, there is no breed standard to follow, which means the Maltipoo can inherit more of the Maltese traits or more of the Poodle. Typically, they inherit the best of both breeds, which increases their popularity –making it no wonder that they rank among the 5 most popular dogs not only in the US, but also the UK and Canada.
With its small size and low-shedding coat, which it inherits from both parents, it is very well suited to apartment living. These dogs do have a tendency to bark incessantly, however, which may make this a problem for close neighbors. Proper training and socialization beginning at a young age will help your Maltipoo to adapt and remain calm to surrounding noises and triggers.
Having two very intelligent parent breeds, training is a breeze for this one. They are eager to please and thrive on the attention. These dogs do best with positive reinforcement- if scolded they tend to shy away and can become very anxious or stressed. Remain calm and give lots of praise and your little one will be obeying you in no time.
Though they have lots of energy and love to play, the Maltipoo only requires about 30 minutes of active play each day and doesn’t need to much outdoor time as they are more comfortable inside. A brisk daily walk to get in some socialization, partnered with some interactive play at home will be plenty to keep this one healthy, fit and happy.
To learn even more about the Maltipoo or its parent breeds and to find out how you can bring one home of your very own, please visit: premierpups.com and talk to one of the professional care team members today.