The Complete Maltipoo Guide

You didn’t land on the Maltipoo by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Affectionate and people-devoted, low-shedding and allergy-friendly, and adaptable to almost any home, they’re a natural fit for apartment dwellers, first-time owners, seniors, and anyone who wants a gentle, cheerful companion in a compact package who want a playful, loving companion who fits comfortably into almost any home and lifestyle. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Maltipoo?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Maltipoo? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	4 out of 5	Maltipoos are smart and eager to please, inheriting intelligence from both parent breeds. They respond very well to positive reinforcement and pick up new skills quickly
Obedience	4 out of 5	Willing to follow direction and generally cooperative. Consistent, reward-based training yields reliable results with this breed
Focus	3 out of 5	Curious and easily drawn to activity around them. Keep sessions short and engaging to hold their attention
Stubbornness	3 out of 5	Can show a stubborn or independent streak, particularly when the Maltese influence is stronger. Patience and consistency matter more than pressure

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Deeply devoted to their family and thrives on closeness and inclusion in daily life. Bonds form quickly and run deep
Good with children	4 out of 5	Gentle and affectionate with children. Their small size makes them vulnerable to rough handling, so interactions with very young kids should always be supervised
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly and warm with new people once comfortable. Early socialization helps them stay confident and open rather than anxious
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Generally gets along well with other dogs and household pets. Their easygoing, sociable nature makes introductions relatively smooth

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	5 out of 5	Purpose-built for indoor companion life. Small, low-shedding, and perfectly content in a compact space without a yard
Cold weather	2 out of 5	Sensitive to cold due to their small size and low body fat. A warm coat or sweater in cool weather is a practical must
Hot weather	2 out of 5	Their small size means they can overheat quickly. Avoid prolonged outdoor activity in hot or humid weather and always provide shade and water
Routine flexibility	4 out of 5	Highly adaptable to different routines and living situations. One of the more flexible companion breeds when schedules shift
First time owner	5 out of 5	An excellent choice for first-time owners. Trainable, low-shedding, gentle, and small enough for any living situation

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	3 out of 5	Energetic and playful in bursts but not a high-endurance breed. A daily walk and indoor play sessions keep most Maltipoos satisfied
Endurance	2 out of 5	Limited stamina due to their small size. Keep activity sessions moderate and watch for signs of fatigue, particularly in heat or cold
Exercise needs	2 out of 5	Around 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise is enough. A short walk and indoor play covers most of what a Maltipoo needs each day
Mental stimulation	4 out of 5	Intelligent and curious with an active mind. Mental stimulation is important alongside physical activity to keep them balanced and out of mischief
Grooming needs	4 out of 5	High grooming needs. Their wavy or curly low-shedding coat grows continuously, tangles easily, and requires daily brushing and regular professional trims to stay healthy

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	4 out of 5	Playful and enthusiastic with the people they love. Maltipoos enjoy games, fetch, and interactive toys, and they tend to stay puppy-like well into adulthood
Affection	5 out of 5	Deeply affectionate and craves closeness. Maltipoos thrive on being near their people and do not handle long stretches alone well
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Loyal and bonded to their family. They want to be wherever you are and notice quickly when you are gone
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. Maltipoos are prone to separation anxiety and are happiest with consistent human company throughout the day
Alertness	4 out of 5	Alert and attentive to their surroundings. They will bark to alert their family to anything unfamiliar, and some individuals can be quite vocal about it

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	4 out of 5	Maltipoos have a known tendency to bark, particularly at unfamiliar sounds or strangers. Early training helps manage this before it becomes a habit
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Not a natural digger. Occasional digging may occur out of boredom, but it is not a defining trait of the breed
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Moderate chewing tendency, particularly in puppyhood. Providing appropriate toys and redirecting early helps establish good habits
Prey drive	1 out of 5	Very low prey drive. Maltipoos are companion dogs first and foremost, with little instinct to chase
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Not a guarding breed. They will alert you to something unusual but are far too small and friendly to follow through

What are common health issues of a Maltipoo?

Like all breeds, Maltipoos are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Maltipoos? 

Your Maltipoo can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• Patellar luxation evaluation (OFA, from age 1)
• ACVO ophthalmologist eye exam (OFA Eye Registry, annually from age 1)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA test via an approved laboratory (any age, once)
• Cardiac evaluation by a primary care vet or cardiologist (annually from age 1)

Do Maltipoos need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Maltipoo owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Maltipoo owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Maltipoo specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Maltipoos are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Maltipoos age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Maltipoo owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$45-$50
2 years old	$40-$45
3 years old	$45-$50
4 years old	$45-$50
5 years old	$50-$55
6 years old	$55-$60
7 years old	$60-$65

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Maltipoo?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Maltipoo and your budget.

History of the Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is one of the most popular designer dogs in the United States, but its history is short and straightforward. The breed was first intentionally developed in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the goal of combining the gentle, affectionate temperament of the Maltese with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both parent breeds bring deep roots to the mix. The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in recorded history, believed to have originated on the island of Malta thousands of years ago and prized as a companion by ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. The Poodle, despite its association with France, is thought to have originated in Germany as a water retriever, and has been one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds in the world for centuries. The Maltipoo inherits the best of both lines: the Maltese's warmth and adaptability alongside the Poodle's sharpness and low-shedding coat. As a designer breed, the Maltipoo is not recognized by the AKC, though it is represented by the North American Maltipoo Club and Registry, which maintains informal breed standards. Breeding practices vary significantly, and coat type, size, and temperament can differ from litter to litter depending on the generation of the cross. First-generation Maltipoos can show considerable variation, while multigenerational or F1B crosses tend to be more predictable in coat and temperament. The breed's popularity has remained consistently high, driven by its allergy-friendly reputation, compact size, and adaptable, people-loving personality.

Caring for a Maltipoo

Training

Training a Maltipoo is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are intelligent, social, and eager to please, which means they respond well to reward-based training and enjoy learning new things. Positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and short, fun sessions tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Maltipoos have a soft, wavy or curly coat that requires high grooming. Daily brushing is required to prevent tangles and matting, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the coat manageable and free of mats.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Maltipoo looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Maltipoos have moderate energy levels and need 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and interactive fetch games are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Maltipoos are highly intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless, clingy, and prone to nuisance barking. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Maltipoo will actually love.

Nutrition

Maltipoos are small dogs with moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 400 to 600 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $25 to $45 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Maltipoo here.

Maltipoo costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Maltipoo?

Before your Maltipoo even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$800-$2,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$500	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$100-$300	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$100-$200	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Maltipoo each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Maltipoo owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$300-$600	Based on the recommended portion for your Maltipoo
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$400-$800	Every Every 4 to 6 weeks, Wavy or curly low-shedding coat requires daily brushing between professional appointments.
Toys and Supplies	$100-$300	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Maltipoo names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Maltipoo we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Maltipoo puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Maltipoo puppies are gentle, playful, and warm with just about everyone they meet. That affectionate nature and an ability to fit into almost any home without missing a beat is part of what makes them consistent grooming, daily companionship, and an owner who takes training seriously from the start, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Maltipoo brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Maltipoo’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Maltipoos are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

2. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

3. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

4. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

5. New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Maltipoo? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Maltipoo right for you?

Maltipoos reward the right owner with a joyful, affectionate presence that adapts to almost any home or lifestyle and a low-shedding coat that works well for many allergy-sensitive households. They just need consistent grooming, daily companionship, and early training to keep barking and separation anxiety in check in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Maltipoo. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.