Half Maltese and half poodle, the Maltipoo is a compact, extremely friendly breed that has endearing traits – both in terms of his personality and his physical appearance.
They have an energetic and playful disposition, are highly intelligent, and they get along well with young children and other pets, though they do enjoy cuddling, too. This breed is also very devoted to their humans, making the Maltipoo the perfect all-around companion dog, and will do well with young families, singles, empty nesters, and everyone in between.
But...are Maltipoos hypoallergenic? Are they suitable for people with pet dander allergies?
The Maltipoo has a compact stature, standing at about 8 to 14 inches and weighing between 5 and 20 pounds, and their average life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years.
This small mixed dog breed has medium to long curly hair that comes in an array of colors, including gray, black, red, blue, cream, fawn, white, yellow, and chocolate.
Though their coats, which is comprised of hair, may be long, they hardly shed; thus, Maltipoos are considered a hypoallergenic dog, making them a great choice for individuals who suffer from allergies.
To learn more about the Maltipoo, continue reading to find out about this small mixed breed, highly personable dog.
Is a Maltipoo Hypoallergenic?
Yes...the Maltipoo is considered a hypoallergenic, cross-breed dog, making them a good choice for individuals who suffer from pet allergies. As a matter of fact, the Maltipoo was originally bred with allergy sufferers in mind.
Do Maltipoos Shed?
All dogs shed to some degree, including the Maltipoo; however, compared to many other breeds, this cross between the Maltese and Poodle is considered a very low shedder.
Unlike many other dog breeds, the Maltipoo does not experience heavy seasonal shedding. While their shedding may increase slightly when it is particularly hot in the summer; however, the increase really is negligible.
Throughout the year, the shedding of this small dog breed is very slight, too. He may lose a few hairs here and there as his coat cycles through its growth phases; however, it really is quite minimal.
Do Maltipoos Have Dander?
Yes!
All dog breeds have dander, including the Maltipoo. Similar to dandruff on a human, pet dander is comprised of dry, dead, flaky skin. With that said, compared to other dog breeds, the concentrate of dander on a Maltipoo’s body is quite low, which is largely due to the quality of the breed’s fur.
Dander, not fur, is what people who suffer from pet allergies are allergic to, as it contains a protein, and this protein is an allergen. The dander travels on shed fur, and people come then come into contact with the dander or it circulates through the air; hence why allergic reactions can occur.
It is because the Maltipoo has low levels of dander and because they are low-level shedders that this breed is considered hypoallergenic and is a good choice for individuals who suffer from allergies.
Do Maltipoos Have Fur or Coat?
Unlike many other dog breeds, which have multiple layers of fur, the Maltipoo has a single layer coat of hair. The primary difference between fur and hair is that hair has a much slower growth cycle than fur and it grows much longer.
As such, dogs who have hair – including the Maltipoo – shed much less than dogs who have fur.
A Maltipoos' coat is generally smooth and fine, and because it is cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, their hair can range in appearance from straight to wavy to curly.
Typically, the curlier the hair, the more it will capture dander, which will results in less allergic reactions in those who are allergic to pet dander,
How to Groom a Maltipoo
In order to maintain the appearance and the health of a Maltipoo, he needs to be properly groomed on a regular basis. Grooming is essential, as it prevents the long hair from matting, keeps dander under control, and stops excessive hair buildup; all factors that can contribute to skin irritations and infections if left unchecked.
The following is an overview of grooming tips that can be used to maintain a Maltipoo.
Hand stripping the coat
Start out by hand stripping a Maltipoo’s coat. Gently run a high-qualitystripping comb through your dog’s coat to remove any loose hairs. Hand-stripping should be done several times a day.
Bathing
Your Maltipoo should be bathed on an as-needed basis; typically once a month. It’s important to note, however, that you do not want to wash your dog excessively, as doing so will strip vital oils in his skin, which can result in skin irritation and can dull and damage the quality and appearance of his coat.
It’ s best to use a gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo that is made of natural, organic ingredients, that contains Aloe Vera and vitamin E, and that is free of harsh ingredients, such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, perfumes, and dyes.
Clipping
A Maltipoo’s coat should be clipped several times a year using a good quality clipper set. When it starts to get too long and looks scraggly, you’ll know it’s time for a clipping. Use a high-quality, easy to use dog hair trimmer.
Brushing
Because Maltipoos have long hair, their coats should be brushed several times a week. Brushing is important because again, it helps to prevent the hair from matting and eliminates loose strands of hair, which in turn, will prevent health issues, such as skin rashes. Additionally, it releases oils in the skin, which helps to keep the coat looking illustrious. Use a high-quality brush and apply gentle pressure.
Ear Cleaning
A Maltipoo’s ears should be cleaned on a weekly basis. Because the hair around the ears is long and their ears are floppy, dirt and debris can easily accumulate inside, which can result in ear infections. To prevent infections, use a clean, damp cloth and gently cleanse inside your dog’s ears.
Nail Clipping
Like all dog breeds, a Maltipoo’s nails need to be clipped. Pedicures should be given on an as-needed basis; typically once or twice a month. Use a durable and stable nail clipper, and use great care.
Pay close attention to each nail and do not clip or file beyond the black in the center of the nail. This is the quick, a blood-rich nerve which, if clipped, can result in severe bleeding.
Teeth Cleaning
Like humans, proper dental health care is important for the overall health and well-being of all dog breeds, including the Maltipoo. To clean your dog’s teeth, use high-quality tooth brush – either finger-tip brush (one that wraps around your finger) or a standard toothbrush that resembles yours, and a mild toothpaste that is made of safe, quality ingredients.
Typically, once a week should suffice.
Choose a comfortable location, make sure that your dog is comfortable, and use a gentle approach so that you can establish a good habit that will not frighten your dog.
Cleaning dog’s teeth will help to prevent the buildup of tarter, plaque, and food debris, and will prevent oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum recession, and will combat foul-smelling breath.
Tips for Managing Allergies with a Maltipoo
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While Maltipoo’s are considered hypoallergenic, as they tend to produce minimal amounts of dander and they are very light shedders, if you or someone in your family is very sensitive to pet allergies, you may want to take additional precautions so as to prevent undesirable symptoms.
That said, there are several things that you can do in order to minimize or completely prevent allergic reactions, including the following:
- Brush daily. As mentioned above, brushing a Maltipoo’s coat on a regular basis is very important, as it helps to remove loose hairs, prevents matting that can lead to health issues, and that will help to maintain a lustrous coat. Daily brushing isn’t just good for your dog; it’s good for you, too, as it can help to minimize dander.
- Clean regularly. Cleaning your house on a regular basis will also help to cut down on allergies. Make sure to dust and vacuum all surfaces to remove any dog hair and dander.
- Clean HVAC filters. Make sure you clean out the filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system on a monthly basis. Doing so will help to minimize the amount of pet hair and dander that recirculates back through your home, which will help to reduce the symptoms that are associated with pet allergies.
- Groom Outside. Grooming your Maltipoo can also help to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Reserve brushing, clipping, bathing, and all other aspects of grooming for outside, so that you are exposed to fresh air, and to avoid the build-up of dander and hair in your home.
Is There a Hypoallergenic Breed That Is Better?
No, not really. If you suffer from allergies, the Maltipoo is one of the most hypoallergenic, allergy-friendly dog breeds there is, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find another breed that is better than this cross between a Maltese and a poodle.
