Posted on FindUsAPuppies.com
Few puppies stop people in their tracks quite like a Maltese or a Maltipoo. Whether it’s that cloud-white coat, those dark expressive eyes, or the way they seem permanently ready for a cuddle — these two breeds have earned their place among the most beloved small dogs in America.
If you’re searching for Maltese puppies for sale or Maltipoo puppies for sale, this guide covers everything you need to know before bringing one home — from personality and grooming to health and how to find a reputable breeder near you.
Meet the Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in recorded history, with roots stretching back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean island of Malta. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all kept Maltese as prized companions. Today they hold the same status — just in modern living rooms instead of royal courts.
Key traits:
- Weight: 4–7 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Coat: Long, straight, pure white — silky and low-shedding
- Energy: Moderate
- Temperament: Gentle, playful, affectionate, and surprisingly fearless
Maltese are gentle souls that love people deeply. They do well with seniors, singles, and families with calm children. They’re also one of the few toy breeds that genuinely enjoys learning tricks and showing off — give them an audience and they’ll rise to the occasion.
Meet the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. It’s one of the most popular designer dog breeds in the country — and for very good reason. The Maltipoo takes the Maltese’s sweetness and the Poodle’s intelligence and wraps them in a fluffy, hypoallergenic package.
Key traits:
- Weight: 5–20 lbs (varies with Poodle parent size)
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Coat: Fluffy, wavy to curly, minimal to no shedding
- Energy: Moderate
- Temperament: Gentle, highly social, playful, easy to train
Maltipoos are famously good with people of all ages — from toddlers to elderly owners. They’re sensitive dogs that pick up on emotions and thrive on routine and affection. If you want a dog that’s glued to your side in the best possible way, the Maltipoo delivers.
Maltese vs. Maltipoo: Which Breed Fits Your Life?
Both are wonderful companions, but they suit slightly different lifestyles.
| Maltese | Maltipoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | Very low | Minimal to none |
| Trainability | Moderate | High |
| Allergy-friendly | Mostly yes | Yes |
| Size range | 4–7 lbs | 5–20 lbs |
| Coat maintenance | High (long coat) | Moderate |
| Best for | Calm homes, seniors | Families, allergy sufferers |
Choose a Maltese if you love the classic white show-dog look, want a purebred with ancient lineage, and are prepared to commit to regular coat care.
Choose a Maltipoo if you have allergies, want a slightly sturdier dog with more trainability, or prefer a fluffier, low-maintenance coat over a long silky one.
Care Guide: Grooming, Feeding, and Exercise
Grooming
The Maltese coat is stunning — and it requires effort to keep it that way.
- Long coat: Needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting
- Puppy cut: A shorter trim every 6–8 weeks is the more practical choice for most owners
- White coats are prone to tear staining around the eyes — wipe gently with a damp cloth daily and ask your vet about safe stain-prevention options
- Bathe every 1–2 weeks to keep the white coat bright
Maltipoos have softer, fluffier coats that also require brushing 3–4 times per week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Their wavy-to-curly coats can mat quickly if left unattended.
Both breeds need regular ear cleaning, nail trims, and dental care — small breeds are especially prone to dental disease.
Feeding
Toy breeds have tiny stomachs and high metabolisms. Feed Maltese and Maltipoo puppies small meals three to four times a day to prevent hypoglycemia. As adults, twice daily feeding works well.
Choose a high-quality small-breed kibble or a vet-approved fresh food diet. Avoid overfeeding — both breeds are prone to weight gain that can stress their small joints.
Exercise
Maltese and Maltipoos are moderate energy dogs. They don’t need long hikes, but they do need daily movement and mental stimulation:
- 20–30 minutes of walking or active play per day
- Indoor games, puzzle feeders, and short training sessions count
- Both breeds are perfectly suited to apartment living
They enjoy playing but are equally happy lounging on the sofa. The key is consistency — daily activity keeps them physically healthy and mentally calm.
Training Your Maltese or Maltipoo
Maltipoos are generally easier to train than purebred Maltese, thanks to their Poodle genetics. Both breeds respond best to positive reinforcement — treats, praise, and play work far better than harsh correction.
Tips for success:
- Start the day you bring them home — even 8-week-old puppies absorb routine quickly
- Socialize early with different people, sounds, and environments to prevent anxiety
- Maltese can be slow to housetrain; crate training and a strict schedule help enormously
- Maltipoos love learning tricks — channel their intelligence into short, fun training sessions
Both breeds can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. If you work full time, plan for a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a second pet for company.
Health Considerations
Maltese health concerns:
- Patellar luxation — loose kneecaps, very common in toy breeds
- Dental disease — small mouths, crowded teeth; brush at least 3x per week
- White shaker syndrome — a neurological condition occasionally seen in small white dogs
- Portosystemic shunt — a liver condition; ask breeders about screening
Maltipoo health concerns:
- Similar to Maltese, plus Poodle-inherited conditions
- Progressive retinal atrophy — can affect vision; reputable breeders test for this
- Epilepsy — seen in some Poodle lines
- Ear infections — floppy, hair-filled ear canals trap moisture
A responsible breeder will health-test parent dogs and provide documentation. Always ask for written health clearances before purchasing a puppy.
Finding Maltese and Maltipoo Puppies for Sale Near You
Here’s what a responsible buying experience looks like:
- Start your search at FindUsAPuppies.com — browse Maltese and Maltipoo listings from vetted breeders nationwide
- Ask the right questions — How were the puppies socialized? Can you see health records for the parents? What’s included in the health guarantee?
- Visit or video call — See the puppy with its mother and assess the environment
- Review paperwork — Vaccinations, deworming schedule, and a written health guarantee should all be provided
- Take your time — A reputable breeder will never pressure you to decide quickly
What to expect to pay:
- Maltese puppies for sale: $1,500 – $4,000
- Maltipoo puppies for sale: $1,000 – $3,000
Price varies with breeder reputation, coat quality, and location. Unusually low prices are a red flag — they often indicate poor breeding conditions or health problems down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltese puppies good with kids? Maltese do best with calm, gentle children. Because of their small size, they can be injured easily by rough play. They’re an excellent match for families with older kids or adults-only households.
Do Maltipoos bark a lot? Maltipoos can be vocal — both Maltese and Poodles are alert breeds. Early training and socialization help manage excessive barking significantly.
How big do Maltipoos get? Most Maltipoos weigh between 5 and 15 lbs. Size depends on whether the Poodle parent was a Toy (under 10 lbs) or Miniature (10–15 lbs). Ask the breeder about the parent dogs’ sizes for a better estimate.
Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic? No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but Maltipoos are one of the best options for allergy sufferers. Their low-shedding, Poodle-influenced coats produce less dander than most breeds.
How long do Maltese live? Maltese are long-lived for their size — typically 12 to 15 years, with many reaching 16 or beyond with good care.
What’s the difference between a Maltipoo and a Maltese? The Maltese is a purebred ancient toy breed; the Maltipoo is a Maltese-Poodle crossbreed. Maltipoos tend to be slightly larger, easier to train, and more allergy-friendly. Both are gentle, loving companions.
Ready to Find Your Maltese or Maltipoo Puppy?
Whether you’ve dreamed of a silky white Maltese or a fluffy Maltipoo, FindUsAPuppies.com connects you with trusted breeders across the country. Browse current litters, contact breeders directly, and find the puppy that’s meant for your home.
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