Is the Maltese or the Maltipoo better for families with children?

Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Maltese or the Maltipoo?

The Maltese and Maltipoo shed a similar amount (very low).

Which is easier to train, the Maltese or the Maltipoo?

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

Is Maltese or Maltipoo bigger?

Maltipoo is the larger breed; Maltese is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Maltese or Maltipoo?

Maltese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Maltipoo is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Maltese or Maltipoo?

For apartment or flat living, Maltese and Maltipoo are an even match — either can work well.

Maltese vs Maltipoo: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Maltese vs Maltipoo: full comparison

Trait	Maltese	Maltipoo
Size	Very Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	Very Low	Very Low
Barking	High	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Maltipoo is a larger dog than the Maltese, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Maltese is one of the smallest breeds you can own that happily fits into even the smallest flat and is easy to carry, travel with and manage indoors. By comparison, the Maltipoo is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Maltese needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Maltipoo needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Maltese is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Maltipoo requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Maltese picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. The Maltipoo picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Maltese 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, Maltese and Maltipoo are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Maltipoo has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Maltese and Maltipoo are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Maltipoo has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Maltese and Maltipoo are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Maltese if you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Maltipoo if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Maltese or the Maltipoo better for families with children?: Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Maltese or the Maltipoo?: The Maltese and Maltipoo shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Maltese or the Maltipoo?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Maltese or Maltipoo bigger?: Maltipoo is the larger breed; Maltese is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Maltese or Maltipoo?: Maltese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Maltipoo is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Maltese or Maltipoo?: For apartment or flat living, Maltese and Maltipoo are an even match — either can work well.

Maltese vs Maltipoo