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ToggleWhite Maltipoo: Facts, Origin & History
A white Maltipoo is a designer dog breed that is the endearing cross of the friendly, affable Maltese and the intelligent Toy or Miniature Poodle. The Maltipoo was developed in the 1990s to create the perfect companion dog with the intelligence and trainability of a Poodle and the friendly, calm nature of the Maltese.
As of today, even though both Maltese and Poodle breeds are purebred, the White Maltipoo is technically not a recognized dog breed, and this cross is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the Kennel Club as a pedigree. However, they have their club, the North American Maltipoo Club and Registry.
There are many colors a Maltipoo can be depending on the color of the Poodle parent. A Maltipoo’s color can range from red and apricot to white and black. If you have a white Maltipoo or are thinking of getting one, this blog is for you. We’ve covered many facts about the white Maltipoo to help you decide if this cross is the right fit for you and your lifestyle.
A Maltipoo’s Size Greatly Depends on its Poodle Parent
A Maltipoo’s size can vary greatly depending on the Poodle parent. For example, a Poodle can be a toy or miniature in size. The genes can intervene differently and switch up the size, depending on the puppy. It should be taken into consideration that the size of a dog can not be predicted completely until they are fully adult. For a Maltipoo, that means about nine months to a year.
The Maltipoo Was Bred To Be The Perfect Companion Dog
- Because of its breeding history, there is no standard for what a white Maltipoo should look like. Every dog from this cross represents a combination of the genes of the breeding parents, sometimes taking more after one than the other. However, blending the features of both Poodles and Maltese, the white Maltipoo has a soft and fluffy coat, mostly wavy, and can grow to 10 to 12 cm in length.
- While not standardized, a white Maltipoo usually stands at 8 to 14 inches, weighs 5 to 20 pounds, and has a life span of 14 to 16 years. Even though it’s better to adopt than shop, a cross like this is very hard to find for free, so a white Maltipoo usually goes for $1,000 to $2,500.
Maltipoos Are Hypoallergenic Dogs But Can Still Trigger Allergies
- A hypoallergenic dog is a dog that produces less glycoprotein, which is the major allergen found in pet saliva and skin secretions. While there is no such thing as a “totally hypoallergenic” dog, some breeds are better for people with allergies than others.
- The Maltese and the Poodle are both hypoallergenic dog breeds, so a Maltipoo is almost guaranteed to be low-shedding and hypoallergenic. However, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, so a Maltipoo can still trigger allergies in people that are super sensitive to pet fur and dander.
- Since all dogs produce some of these glycoproteins, it’s important to spend time with any potential pet before committing. Some people may be more allergic to certain dogs than others, so it’s important to find the right fit. Owning a hypoallergenic dog with proper preparation and knowledge can be a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
White Maltipoos Usually Have a Poodle Parent with White Coat
- While the Maltese’s color is white or cream, the Poodle can be many different colors, including black, red, apricot, and brown. A white Maltipoo is likely to come from a pure white Maltese and a white Poodle. However, the coloring does not directly reflect the parent breeds since the coat coloring genetics can come from even five generations back.
- While the Maltese is supposed to be pure white, some Maltese from different bloodlines can be a light cream color, which, according to the AKC breed standard, is undesirable. Some Poodles are also born white and retain their white coats as puppies which could darken to other colors like cream or apricot as they grow into adults.
Maltipoos Are Like Velcro
- White Maltipoos can adapt to any home, whether an apartment, a house, or part of a larger family. They are especially suitable for new pet parents since they are affectionate and fun-loving with no aggressive tendencies, so it’s easy to adapt to their nature.
- Although energetic and joyful, these tiny dogs are incredibly sensitive and don’t take well to being left alone, especially for a longer period during the day. Separation for long hours might lead to them developing separation anxiety when they do not receive the attention they crave. This can be compensated by creating a loving and doting environment to meet the Maltipoo’s needs.
White Maltipoos Require More Grooming
- Like we mess up our white clothes more than our dark ones, a white Maltipoo needs grooming from time to time to keep its coat in tip-top shape. Grooming is important for any breed or cross to be clean, hygienic, and, most importantly, healthy.
- Overall grooming includes bathing and brushing, nail trimming, teeth brushing, cleaning the ears and the eye area, and keeping the eye staining away. This means that the hair around their eyes can become discolored, sometimes making the problem look worse.
- No one wants their dog to have tear stains, but unfortunately, many dogs do, especially white Maltipoos. Tear stains are caused by a build-up of pigment in tears and can be difficult to remove. However, you can do a few things to help prevent them.
- First, make sure your dog has plenty of water to drink. This will help to flush the pigment out of their system. Second, wipe their face with a damp cloth every day. This will help to remove any dried tears that might be accumulating on their fur. It would be best if you gave your Maltipoo a daily supplement of omega-3 fatty acids.
- This will help to reduce inflammation and prevent the build-up of pigment in tears. Tear stains are common in many dogs, especially white ones, as they are more obviously seen on light-colored coats. If the hair around the eyes turns red or brown over time, it’s time to check with a vet.
A White Maltipoo Can Have Some Health Problems
- Coming from a Poodle, the white Maltipoo is prone to developing eye issues. This hybrid will likely develop cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, a common eye disorder in both parent breeds.
- This issue is about the light-sensing tissues of the eye that only degenerate in middle age, unfortunately leading to partial or full blindness. Being a small dog, there is also a risk of Patellar Luxation, which is a deformation of the cartilage in the knee joint. This is manageable with pain medication and can also be corrected.
- In addition, a more known and common health issue is the white shaker syndrome, signifying body tremors. Its name takes after commonly being diagnosed in little white dogs, like the white Maltipoo. Another common issue is epilepsy, which is readily treatable with anti-epileptic medicine.
Maltipoos Are Active Even Though They’re Small-Sized Dogs
- A Maltese might be the ideal companion dog that is content to stay home and cuddle on the couch. Still, the Toy and Miniature Poodle are descended from the Standard Poodle, bred as an athletic hunting dog to retrieve waterfowl for German hunters.
- A Maltipoo is likely to have moderate energy levels and must be exercised regularly to stay in shape. A 30-minute walk a day should keep a Maltipoo happy, but being indoors all the time might cause boredom and destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, and barking.
Maltipoos Have Many Different Names
Although the most widely used name is the “Maltipoo,” this designer dog breed has many other names, including the Malta-poo, Moodle, Maltoodle, Maltipoodle, Multi-poo, and Malte-poo. We’ll stick to Maltipoo to keep it simple.
Many Celebrities Love Maltipoos
Just like the Maltese were the favorites of royalty and the Poodle was adored by French nobles, the Maltipoo is the darling of today’s celebrities like Rihanna, Blake Lively, Miley Cyrus, and Ellen Degeneres.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a Maltipoo in your area, check first with rescue organizations and animal shelters. You never know, the both of you could get lucky and find one another. Adoption costs way less than buying from a breeder, and you’ll get to save a life.
If you intend to get your Maltipoo from a breeder, do plenty of homework and check with the vets and animal groups around your area for recommendations. The last thing you want is a puppy mill dog.
Whichever color Maltipoo you pick, give it all your love and attention, so it can grow to be the best version of itself. Taking care of any dog is a responsibility not everyone is aware of and ready for, but the reward is that you get a happy, healthy addition to the family.