Meet the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo combines the Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. It is one of the smallest popular crosses, prized for its soft coat, bright eyes and devoted personality.
Maltipoos are often described as shadows — they like to follow their people from room to room. That closeness makes them wonderful companions for adults and older families who want a small dog that is very much part of daily life.
Appearance and characteristics
Maltipoos have a small, compact body, a button nose and dark round eyes. Coats can be wavy or curly, most commonly in white, cream and apricot, with some puppies in red or parti-colours.
Temperament
Usually affectionate, alert and playful. Some Maltipoos can be vocal or sensitive to being left alone, so early socialisation and gentle routines help them grow into confident adults.
Size and weight
- Height: Roughly 20–35 cm at the shoulder
- Weight: Roughly 2–9 kg
Toy-Poodle crosses are at the small end; Miniature-Poodle crosses tend to be larger. These are general guide ranges; individual dogs vary.
Grooming
Brush every day or two to prevent tangles and arrange regular grooming trims. Light-coloured coats can show tear staining, so wiping the eye area gently each day helps.
Exercise
Low to moderate: a couple of short walks and indoor play are usually enough. Their small size means they tire quickly in heat, so keep outings to cooler hours.
Is a Maltipoo suitable for Singapore living?
Maltipoos adapt well to apartment life. Because they are small and fine-boned, supervise them around young children and furniture they could jump from.
HDB eligibility
The Maltese and the Poodle (Toy or Miniature) are both on HDB's approved list, and a cross of any two listed breeds is also approved — so a Maltipoo from a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle falls within the list. Source: HDB approved dog breeds.
All dogs in Singapore must also be licensed with AVS. Read our first-puppy checklist.
