Breed Guide
Maltipoo
Australia's favourite tiny companion — big personality, barely any shed
Size
Small
Weight
3–9 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Origin
United States, 1990s
Did you know?Maltipoos are one of Australia's most popular designer breeds — known for being low-shedding and great with kids. Images shown are parent breed.
5/10
Exercise
7/10
Trainability
9/10
Kid-friendly
7/10
Grooming
Personality at a glance
How this breed rates across key traits.
Lower is better
Lower is better
Lower is better
What it's actually like to own one
The Maltipoo might be small enough to fit in a handbag, but their personality fills a room. A cross between the silky-soft Maltese and the sharp-as-a-tack Poodle, they're gentle, playful, and intensely bonded to their people. They're the dog that curls up in your lap, learns tricks for treats, and greets you like you've been gone a year even when it's been five minutes. For apartment dwellers, retirees, and families wanting a hypoallergenic dog with real warmth, the Maltipoo is hard to beat.
The honest caveat: they are deeply velcro dogs. Left alone for long stretches, a Maltipoo can develop separation anxiety — the kind that leads to non-stop barking and destructive behaviour. Their coats also need regular professional grooming every 6–8 weeks without fail; the low-shed promise comes at a grooming cost. And that tiny frame means every trip and tumble carries real risk — they're not a rough-and-tumble breed.
🎓 Training snapshot
Maltipoos have an independent streak — early, consistent training is key. Short sessions with high-value treats work far better than repetition.
Lifestyle match
Is a Maltipoo right for you?
You'll love it if
- Apartment and unit dwellers — low exercise needs, quiet inside
- Retirees and work-from-home owners who are home most of the day
- Allergy sufferers wanting a low-shedding companion
- Families with gentle, older children
- First-time owners wanting an easy-to-train, responsive dog
Pause if
- Anyone away from home 8+ hours daily — separation anxiety is a real risk
- Families with boisterous toddlers — fragile build is easily injured
- Owners who want minimal grooming commitment
- Anyone wanting a robust outdoor adventure dog
Life in Australia
What Australian owners need to know.
Heat Tolerance
Good — small body, low coat density. Keep out of direct midday sun in Australian summer and always have fresh water available
Tick Risk
Moderate on east coast — small size means faster impact from paralysis tick toxin; monthly prevention is non-negotiable
Apartment Fit
Excellent — one of the best apartment breeds in Australia; low noise when stimulated, minimal space needs, easy to carry
Monthly Cost
$180–$280 AUD including food, vet, grooming every 6–8 weeks
Health watchouts
Common conditions to be aware of with this breed.
Luxating Patella
Kneecap dislocation is common in small breeds — watch for sudden skipping or leg-lifting; ask breeder about parent health history
Dental Disease
Tiny mouths = crowded teeth = early decay; daily toothbrushing and annual dental checks are essential
Tear Staining
White coat around the eyes stains easily — daily gentle wiping and vet check if discharge is persistent
Separation Anxiety
Prevention is far easier than cure — crate train early, practice short absences from puppyhood, never make departures dramatic
Your first year together
Key milestones from day one.
Crate train from day one
Separation anxiety starts here — introduce the crate as a cosy den immediately and practice leaving for short periods daily
Socialise gently but broadly
Maltipoos can be timid — gentle puppy class with similar-sized dogs builds the confidence they need for life in Australia's busy cities
Start the grooming routine
Book their first professional groom; establish brush tolerance now so the 6-weekly appointment stays stress-free forever
First dental check
Toy breeds benefit from early professional dental assessment — establish this as part of the annual vet visit before disease sets in
What Maltipoos need
Vet-recommended picks sized for this breed.
We may earn a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Calming Dog Bed — Small
High donut walls give a Maltipoo the "den" feeling that reduces separation anxiety. The best investment for a breed prone to stress when alone.
Slicker Brush — Small Breed
Daily brushing between grooms is essential for a Maltipoo coat. A quality slicker brush prevents matting and keeps the low-shedding coat clean and tangle-free.
KONG Classic — Small
Stuffed with treats and left at departure, a frozen KONG creates a positive "owner is leaving" association — the single best tool for preventing Maltipoo separation anxiety.
Personalised for your dog
Start your Maltipoo roadmap
A week-by-week guide tailored to your dog's breed, age, and life stage.
Build my Maltipoo roadmap →