Breed Guide
Moodle
The gentle Maltese x Poodle cross that wins every heart
Size
Small
Weight
4–10 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Origin
Australia (popularised)
Did you know?Moodle is the Australian name for the Maltipoo, a Maltese x Poodle cross loved for their low-shedding, gentle temperament. Images shown are parent breed.
4/10
Exercise
7/10
Trainability
9/10
Kid-friendly
6/10
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 Moodle (Maltese x Poodle) is one of Australia's most popular small breeds for good reason. They combine the Maltese's gentle, affectionate personality with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat — and they fit beautifully into almost any home.
Moodles tend to be calmer than other doodle crosses, which makes them ideal for apartments, retirees, and families with younger children. They're gentle, playful, and very people-oriented.
Grooming is the main commitment — that non-shedding coat needs professional attention every 6-8 weeks. But for anyone who wants a small, affectionate, apartment-friendly companion with minimal shedding, the Moodle is a near-perfect choice.
🎓 Training snapshot
Moodles have an independent streak, early, consistent training is key. Short sessions with high-value treats work far better than repetition.
Lifestyle match
Is a Moodle right for you?
You'll love it if
- Apartment and inner-city living
- Retirees and older owners
- Families with young children
- People with mild dog allergies
- First-time small dog owners
Pause if
- Anyone skipping professional grooming
- Owners away from home all day — they need company
- People wanting a sporty, active dog
- Anyone expecting low ongoing costs
Life in Australia
What Australian owners need to know.
Heat Tolerance
Good — small size and low coat manage heat well when trimmed
Tick Risk
Moderate — fluffy coat needs thorough checking
Apartment Fit
Excellent — one of the best apartment dogs available
Monthly Cost
$200–$350 AUD including grooming every 6-8 weeks
Health watchouts
Common conditions to be aware of with this breed.
Luxating Patella
Very common in small breeds — vet check kneecaps at 6 months
Dental Disease
Toy breeds have crowded teeth — daily brushing non-negotiable
Eye Tear Staining
White coat shows staining easily — clean around eyes daily
Separation Anxiety
Very people-dependent — crate training prevents anxiety forming
Your first year together
Key milestones from day one.
Gentle introduction
Small and sensitive — keep early experiences positive and calm
Grooming conditioning
Handle paws, ears, mouth daily — makes lifetime grooming easier
First professional groom
If not already done — establish the 6-8 week routine now
Dental and joint check
Small breed baselines — teeth and kneecaps are the priority areas
What Moodles need
Vet-recommended picks sized for this breed.
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Advance Toy & Small Breed Adult
Designed for the metabolism and dental needs of toy breeds. Helps maintain ideal weight in a small package.
Moodle Grooming Brush Kit
Daily brushing prevents matting in the Moodle coat. A slicker brush and comb combo is all you need between grooms.
Plush Squeaky Toy Set — Small
Moodles love to carry and squeak. A rotation of soft toys keeps them entertained and mentally stimulated.