What Are the Behaviors of Maltipoo Puppies?

Maltipoos are a cross between Maltese and poodle breeds. They were originally bred to be hypoallergenic dogs, since both poodles and Maltese are non-shedding and considered to be good pets for people with allergies. Small in size, these dogs weigh from five to 20 pounds and stand about 12 inches tall. The maltipoo's adult size depends on the lineage of the parent poodle, and whether it was standard size or toy size. Maltipoos are intelligent and lively, and make good family pets.

  1. Maltipoo Personality

    • Your maltipoo puppy will be sociable and friendly with people. Begin its training early with brief sessions and basic commands to engage your puppy. These dogs are intelligent, learn quickly and train easily, making them wonderful pets for the elderly and families with children. Maltipoos make excellent therapy dogs. They need attention and regular exercise and prefer being with their human families to being alone. Maltipoos should live indoors and not in outdoor kennels or doghouses. These dogs are gentle, affectionate and devoted to their people.

    Maltipoo Puppy Care

    • Have a crate ready for your maltipoo puppy when you bring it home. This will be the puppy's den, where it should sleep. Line the crate with paper under old towels or blankets, and take your puppy out every 30 minutes to potty for the first few weeks. Maltipoo puppies are energetic, crave attention and enjoy playing. The puppy will nap frequently between play periods. Feed your puppy three times a day until it's six months old. Your breeder will tell you how much to feed, depending on your puppy's size. Ask your breeder for your puppy's lineage so you will know what size to expect.

    Environment and Exercise

    • Maltipoos do well in apartments or homes. They are good watchdogs and do bark, however, which can be a consideration in apartment buildings. As your puppy grows, it will need regular exercise, but indoor games or daily walks are sufficient. The maltipoo can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time, so an owner who is home most of the time is the ideal living environment for your puppy. A bored maltipoo is likely to chew, so provide safe puppy toys. A hollow rubber toy that you can fill with baby food or yogurt and freeze will help the puppy teethe.

    Grooming

    • Maltipoos require regular trimming to keep their coats neat. While it's a puppy, until its adult coat grows in, your maltipoo will only require regular brushing with a soft pin brush. Depending on the puppy's lineage, it can be clipped in a poodle puppy cut or trimmed as a Maltese would be. Adult dogs should be brushed several times a week to prevent tangles and bathed monthly. The maltipoo's coat should be clipped or trimmed every two months. Maltipoo puppies that favor Maltese parentage are usually white or light colored, while those that favor poodles can be darker colors.