Maltipoo vs Labradoodle: Comparing Popular Poodle Mixes

Poodle mixes, also known as doodles or designer dogs, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These breeds combine the intelligence and low-shedding coat of poodles with traits from other beloved dog breeds. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between these two dog breeds.

Maltipoo Profile

Maltipoos are charming, small-sized dogs that blend the best traits of Maltese and Poodles. These adorable pups are known for their friendly nature and low-shedding coats.

Origins and History

Maltipoos first appeared in the late 1990s in the United States. Breeders aimed to create a small, hypoallergenic dog with a gentle personality. They crossed Maltese with Toy or Miniature Poodles to achieve this goal.

These dogs quickly gained popularity as companion pets. Their cute looks and loving nature made them a hit with families and individuals alike. Maltipoos are not recognized by major kennel clubs as purebred. They remain a designer breed, prized for their mix of desirable traits from both parent breeds.

Maltipoo Temperament

Maltipoos are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They often form strong bonds with their owners and love to be the center of attention. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods.

Maltipoos are generally good with children and other pets. Their playful nature makes them fun companions for families. Be aware that Maltipoos can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive on human companionship and do best in homes where someone is often present.

Health and Lifespan

Maltipoos typically enjoy a lifespan of 10-15 years. They are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Common health concerns include:

• Dental problems
• Eye issues (like cataracts)
• Patellar luxation
• Hypoglycemia (especially in smaller Maltipoos)

Regular vet check-ups and proper dental care can help prevent many health issues. Keeping your Maltipoo at a healthy weight is also crucial for their overall well-being. These dogs may inherit health problems from their parent breeds. It’s important to get your Maltipoo from a reputable breeder who tests for genetic issues.

Physical Characteristics

Maltipoos are small dogs, typically weighing between 5 to 20 pounds. Their height ranges from 8 to 14 inches at the shoulder. Their coat is usually soft and wavy, coming in various colors including white, cream, and apricot. Some Maltipoos may have parti-color coats.

These dogs are often described as having a low-shedding coat. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Maltipoos may be a good choice for people with mild allergies. Maltipoos require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. Daily brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks are usually necessary.

Their eyes are typically large and expressive, giving them a sweet, puppy-like appearance even as adults.

Labradoodle Profile

Labradoodles are popular hybrid dogs known for their friendly personalities and low-shedding coats. These intelligent and affectionate pups come in various sizes and coat types, making them suitable for many different households.

Origins and Development

Labradoodles were first bred in Australia in the 1980s. The goal was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people with allergies. Breeders crossed Labrador Retrievers with Standard Poodles to achieve this. The resulting puppies inherited traits from both parent breeds. They got the Labrador’s friendly nature and the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat.

Labradoodles quickly gained popularity as family pets. Their success led to the development of other Poodle mixes, sparking the “designer dog” trend.

Labradoodle Temperament

Labradoodles are known for their friendly and energetic personalities. They often combine the best traits of Labradors and Poodles.

You’ll find these dogs to be:

• Intelligent and easy to train
• Affectionate with family members
• Good with children and other pets
• Energetic and playful

Labradoodles need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and training sessions will keep them happy and well-behaved. These dogs can be prone to separation anxiety. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the time.

Health and Longevity

Labradoodles generally enjoy good health, with a lifespan of 10-15 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Common health concerns include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Eye problems (like progressive retinal atrophy)
• Ear infections

Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these issues. Proper diet, exercise, and grooming are key to keeping your Labradoodle healthy. It’s important to get your Labradoodle from a reputable breeder. They should provide health clearances for both parent dogs.

Physical Appearance

Labradoodles come in a variety of sizes, colors, and coat types. Their appearance can vary widely, even within the same litter.

Size categories:

• Standard: 21-24 inches tall, 50-65 pounds
• Medium: 17-20 inches tall, 30-45 pounds
• Miniature: 14-16 inches tall, 15-25 pounds

Coat types range from straight to wavy to curly. Colors include cream, gold, red, black, chocolate, and parti-color.

While often marketed as hypoallergenic, no dog is truly allergen-free. Labradoodles are generally low-shedding, but the degree can vary. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat and reduce allergens.

If you’re ready to add a Maltipoo or Labradoodle to your family, finding a reputable source is essential. Trusted platforms connect you with ethical breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their puppies. These platforms provide thorough health records and vaccination histories, ensuring your new companion is off to the best start. Plus, you can take advantage of offers like $250 off adoption costs, making it easier to bring home your perfect poodle mix.

Exercise and Activity Levels

Maltipoos and Labradoodles have different exercise needs. This affects their suitability for active families and lifestyles.

Daily Exercise Needs

• Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise. They thrive with 60-90 minutes of activity each day. This can include walks, runs, or play sessions.
• Labradoodles enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. They make great jogging partners.
• Maltipoos have average energy levels. They need about 30-45 minutes of daily exercise.
• Maltipoos are content with less intense activities. A game of fetch in the yard can meet their needs.

Whether you’re drawn to the compact Maltipoo or the larger Labradoodle, their health and vitality depend on a balanced diet. Fresh, human-grade dog food tailored to their size, energy levels, and dietary needs ensures they thrive. Poodle mixes are often prone to sensitivities, making high-quality nutrition essential to supporting their digestion and coat health.

Providing fresh food can also help reduce common issues such as allergies and digestive troubles, keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.

Suitability for Active Families

• Labradoodles are ideal for active families — their high energy suits households that enjoy outdoor adventures.
• You’ll need to commit time for daily exercise with a Labradoodle.
• Maltipoos can fit well with less active families because they’re good for apartment living or homes with small yards. 

Maltipoos are adaptable to your lifestyle — they’re happy with indoor play if you can’t go out often.

Health Considerations

Both Maltipoos and Labradoodles can face health issues. Knowing these problems and taking steps to prevent them can help keep your poodle mix healthy.

Common Health Issues

• Maltipoos may deal with eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy. This can lead to vision loss over time. They might also have dental issues due to their small size.
• Labradoodles can face hip dysplasia, a joint problem that affects larger dogs. This can cause pain and mobility issues. They may also get ear infections because of their floppy ears.
• Both breeds can have allergies and skin problems. Watch for excessive scratching or red, irritated skin.

Preventative Health Measures

• Regular vet check-ups are key for both breeds. 
• Keep your dog’s weight in check — too much weight can strain joints, especially in Labradoodles.
• Brush your dog’s teeth often — this is extra important for Maltipoos with their small mouths.
• Clean your dog’s ears weekly — this helps prevent infections, especially in Labradoodles.
• Both breeds need regular grooming — this keeps their coats healthy and lets you check for skin issues.
• While both are considered hypoallergenic, no dog is 100% allergy-free.

To keep them at their best, consider adding supplements like multivitamins to their diet. These supplements fill any nutritional gaps, supporting their immune system, coat health, and overall vitality.

Additionally, ingredients like probiotics can aid digestion, which is especially beneficial for dogs prone to sensitive stomachs.

Bottom Line

Maltipoos and Labradoodles both make wonderful companions with distinct personalities and care needs. If you’re interested in bringing one of these lovable breeds into your home, it’s essential to find a reputable breeder to ensure a healthy start. Trusted sources connect you with breeders who prioritize health and socialization, making it easier to find a happy, well-adjusted puppy. PuppySpot, for example, offers a $250 discount and matches you with carefully vetted breeders, helping you welcome the perfect Maltipoos or Labradoodles into your family with confidence.