Maltipoo vs Toy Poodle

Maltipoo vs Toy Poodle: full comparison

Key differences at a glance

• The Maltipoo is a larger dog than the Toy Poodle, which affects space, food and exercise needs.
• The Toy Poodle has noticeably higher trainability than the Maltipoo.

Size and living space

The Maltipoo is a small but sturdy breed that lives comfortably in a flat and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Toy Poodle is one of the smallest breeds you can own that slots into a studio flat without trouble and travels almost anywhere with you. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Maltipoo needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Toy Poodle needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. 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 Maltipoo needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The Toy Poodle is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and leaves virtually no hair around the house. 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 Maltipoo trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. The Toy Poodle is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Maltipoo will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Toy Poodle will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

• For apartment or flat living, Maltipoo and Toy Poodle 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, Toy Poodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
• For being left alone during the workday, Maltipoo and Toy Poodle are an even match — either can work well.
• For allergy sufferers, Maltipoo and Toy Poodle are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Maltipoo if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the Toy Poodle if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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