Comparison
Maltese vs Maltipoo
By Casa Trufa ·
For information only: it does not replace a visit to your veterinarian.
The Maltese is a pure breed, recognized by the FCI, of 3–4 kg (7–9 lb) with a white, straight coat. The Maltipoo is its cross with the Poodle: somewhat bigger, at 4–7 kg (9–15 lb), with a coat that may turn out curly, wavy or straight, and with no pedigree. The Maltese is more predictable; the Maltipoo, more variable and a little sturdier for play.
How do they differ, point by point?
| Aspect | Maltese | Maltipoo |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Pure breed (FCI No. 65) | Maltese × Poodle cross |
| Pedigree | Yes, can be registered with the ACCC | No: crosses are not registered |
| Adult weight | 3–4 kg (7–9 lb) | 4–7 kg (9–15 lb) |
| Height at the withers | 20–25 cm (8–10 in) | 25–35 cm (10–14 in) |
| Predictability of size | High: a single size in the standard | Low: depends on the parents |
| Coat | White, long and straight | Curly to straight; several colors |
| Shedding | Very low | Very low, variable |
| Coat care | High: daily brushing if kept long | Medium to high |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperament | Affectionate, cheerful, very devoted | Sociable, bright, playful |
| With children | Good with children who already know how to treat a dog | Usually gets along well; supervision with the little ones |
| Parents’ tests | Patellar luxation, PRA, heart exam | Patellar luxation, PRA, hip dysplasia |
Sizes and weights of the breeds we raise: those on our breed pages. They are typical ranges, not a promise about a particular puppy.
Which one to choose, depending on your life?
- You want to know with reasonable certainty what it will be like as an adultMaltese
- A pedigree matters to youMaltese
- There are children and you want a slightly bigger dog to play withMaltipoo
- You want the smallest dog possible while staying within what is healthyMaltese
- You don’t mind that it is a cross and you like a curly coatMaltipoo
Neither is for you if it would spend many hours alone: both are companion dogs in the literal sense. And neither exists in a “teacup” version that we can recommend.
What does “pure breed” versus “cross” mean in practice?
Predictability. A Maltese born to two Maltese will resemble its parents in size, coat and temperament, because the breed has been fixed for generations. A Maltipoo mixes two different breeds, and the mix does not average out: it distributes. In the same litter there can be a curly 4 kg (9 lb) puppy and a wavy 7 kg (15 lb) sibling.
It also means papers. A Maltese can have an ACCC pedigree; a Maltipoo cannot. Anyone offering you a Maltipoo “with pedigree” is saying something that cannot be true.
Is the Maltipoo healthier because it is a cross?
Not necessarily. Crossing two breeds reduces the risk of the defects specific to one of them, but the Maltese and the Poodle share some, such as patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. The health of a puppy, pure breed or cross, depends on its parents having been tested.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Maltese and a Maltipoo?
The Maltese is a pure breed of 3–4 kg (7–9 lb) with a pedigree. The Maltipoo is its cross with the Poodle: it weighs 4–7 kg (9–15 lb), its coat varies and it has no pedigree.
Which sheds less?
Both shed very little. The Maltese is more consistent; in the Maltipoo it depends on the coat each puppy inherits.
Which is better for a small apartment?
Both adapt very well. The Maltese is smaller; the Maltipoo copes better with children’s play. Both find being alone hard.
Sources
Breed profiles