Is the Lakeland Terrier or the Maltipoo better for families with children?

The Lakeland Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.

Which sheds more, the Lakeland Terrier or the Maltipoo?

The Lakeland Terrier sheds more than the Maltipoo. If shedding is a concern, the Maltipoo is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Lakeland Terrier or the Maltipoo?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Lakeland Terrier or Maltipoo bigger?

Lakeland Terrier and Maltipoo are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Lakeland Terrier or Maltipoo?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Lakeland Terrier or Maltipoo?

For apartment or flat living, Maltipoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Lakeland Terrier vs Maltipoo: Which Sheds Less?

Lakeland Terrier vs Maltipoo: full comparison

Trait	Lakeland Terrier	Maltipoo
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Very Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	Yes

Size and living space

The Lakeland Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Maltipoo is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Lakeland Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Maltipoo wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Lakeland Terrier needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops very little hair. The Maltipoo needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Maltipoo is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Lakeland Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Maltipoo picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Lakeland Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Maltipoo will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Maltipoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Lakeland Terrier and Maltipoo are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Maltipoo has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Lakeland Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Maltipoo if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Lakeland Terrier or the Maltipoo better for families with children?: The Lakeland Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.
Which sheds more, the Lakeland Terrier or the Maltipoo?: The Lakeland Terrier sheds more than the Maltipoo. If shedding is a concern, the Maltipoo is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Lakeland Terrier or the Maltipoo?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Lakeland Terrier or Maltipoo bigger?: Lakeland Terrier and Maltipoo are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Lakeland Terrier or Maltipoo?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Lakeland Terrier or Maltipoo?: For apartment or flat living, Maltipoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Lakeland Terrier vs Maltipoo