What is a Maltipoo? This is a cross between a purebred maltese and a purebred toy poodle. Ideally, the breeder will only use adults that are registered with the AKC, because this is the only registry that follows a dog's bloodline. Some breeders use CKC dogs but there is no way to guarantee they're purebred because the CKC will accept any dog and register it as long as you pay the fee and it "looks" purebred. :( This is how you end up seeing "rare" colored maltipoos....it's really that they're mixed with something else like a shihtzu that looks similar but the breeder knows a maltipoo is worth more so they lie (or were lied to when they bought the dog). It's still not fool proof but it's safer to buy from someone who only breeds AKC registered dogs.
The only reason I prefer a maltipoo over a purebred maltese is because I love a variety of colors and I think a curly texture makes them look like teddy bears...but if you want a maltese the only color they come in is white and white only and hair that is silky straight. Whereas a maltipoo comes in a variety of colors and usually has just a touch of curl/wave from the poodle side. As for the poodle, they are extremely smart, but almost too loyal if there was such a thing. I find they only want to be with their "mom" (me) and don't interact with the kids as much. When they are mixed, they pick up the laid back nature of the maltese and it just makes for the perfect personality for a small dog. (as long as they are raised right and raised around kids in a home environment!!) When you buy from a puppy "kennel" (puppy mill) that's a totally different story! You will not get the friendly companion you want, you will end up with a puppy who is always shaking and never wants human attention, and usually has a lot of trouble housetraining. Dogs should not have to live out their life in a cage! Even if they have a cute website and promise they socialize the puppies, the adults shouldn't be treated like that so please educate yourself and make sure you're NOT supporting an over-run kennel or puppy mill!
Maltipoos are some of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs. They love to cuddle and can also be very playful and will add so much to your life. They're eager to please you and this makes them easy to train to do tricks. Any non-shedding dog should be brushed daily, and groomed often to prevent mats from forming. Most pet owners prefer to keep them in what is known as the "puppy cut" which is still very cute but much easier to maintain than a long show coat.
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| "puppy cut" |
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| "show coat" |
I'm very against when people try to breed dogs that are already mixed. They may have good intentions, but they lack the education of the purpose of cross breeding if they are just sticking two mixed breeds together. I love the combination of a purebred poodle mom with a purebred maltese dad because you get the best of both worlds.....you get the gentle, friendly nature from the maltese, combined with the brilliant mind, touch of curl, and all variety of colors from the poodle....making the cutest, sweetest, most fun lap dog ever!! :) They are great for people of all ages as long as they are treated with kindness. They do not shed so they are hypoallergenic. (Only people with extremely severe allergies might have problems. In these cases I ship the family a small towel that the puppy has been sleeping with so we can make sure they won't have any bad reactions. So far nobody has failed the test and they've been able to have a maltipoo.) Maltipoos have wonderful personalities, especially when they come from a loving home and are raised with the right amount of discipline and affection, which we try to provide to all our puppies.
Maltipoos generally will only bark when a stranger knocks at the door. After their owner greets the people then they will accept them too. They will also bark if there is a strange dog that comes into your yard, but I like knowing when something (or someone) is on our property so I like that they try to protect their territory. They are not known for being a yappy dog like a yorkie is. They seem to have a good balance of a playful side as well as being laid back enough and ready to snuggle on the couch for a good movie. :)
If you have any questions about which breed would be best for you and your family please feel free to ask and I'll do my best to help you.
