When it comes to cute, small dogs, many people have likely wondered: “What is the difference between a Maltipoo and a Maltese?”
After all, both breeds are small, affectionate, and have such adorable, doll-like faces that, at a quick glance, they can be hard to tell apart!
In reality, however, the Maltese and the Maltipoo have different origins and unique characteristics. Let’s take a simple look at the charm of each breed.
1. They come from different backgrounds.
The Maltese is a purebred dog with a long history; belonging to the Toy group, it was specifically developed to be a human companion. Its distinctive features include a long, straight white coat and a personality that is gentle, playful, and affectionate toward people.
The Maltipoo, on the other hand, is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle—typically a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This blend combines the best traits of both breeds: the Maltese’s gentle charm and the Poodle’s intelligence and quick learning ability.
Maltese = A classic purebred.
Maltipoo = A hybrid combining the charm of the Maltese and the Poodle.
2. Coat characteristics
The Maltese features a long, straight, and silky-smooth coat that is white according to breed standards, creating a look that is clean, elegant, and incredibly sweet; when the coat is kept long, they look just like tiny princesses.
The Maltipoo, on the other hand, inherits coat characteristics from both the Maltese and the Poodle, resulting in textures ranging from soft waves to tight curls—traits that vary from dog to dog based on genetics.
This is precisely what gives each Maltipoo such a unique appearance and coat style; some have a teddy-bear look, others possess sweet faces, and some sport beautiful Poodle-like curls—offering a variety of adorable styles to fall in love with.
3. Coat color
The Maltese is instantly recognizable by its signature white coat—a defining characteristic of the breed.
In contrast, the Maltipoo offers a much wider range of coat colors and shades, thanks to the genetic influence of the Poodle; they can come in white, cream, apricot, brown, or red, among others. Their specific color and coat texture depend on the genetics of their parents and the specific breeding lineage. Consequently, when you see Maltipoos of different colors, you might notice that one looks completely different from another—and that unique variety is part of their charm.
4. Habits and Personality
Both breeds share a delightful trait: they are small dogs perfectly suited to being companions.
The Maltese is playful and gentle, thriving on human company; they are cheerful dogs with a charming personality all their own.
The Maltipoo, meanwhile, inherits intelligence and a knack for learning from its Poodle lineage, making it a dog that truly enjoys learning and engaging in activities with its owner.
So, if you are looking for a dog to play with, teach commands to, or share activities with, the Maltipoo makes for a wonderful little companion.
5. Grooming
Another feature that many people appreciate about both the Maltese and the Maltipoo is that they are low-shedding breeds compared to many others.
However, despite shedding very little, their coats still require regular care. For the Maltese, their long hair is prone to tangling, so consistent brushing and grooming are essential. Therefore, regular brushing and grooming are essential. Maltipoo’s should be brushed regularly, especially those with curly or fluffy coats, to keep them soft, beautiful, and healthy.
If you are looking for a new family member
Tagnimal offers a wide variety of breeds to discover. We are ready to provide detailed advice to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle—come visit the Tagnimal app to consult with us and view more details about the animals.
