A Detailed Comparison of the Maltese and the Maltipoo.

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Maltese Versus Maltipoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese and the Maltipoo? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Maltese and the Maltipoo better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Maltese and the Maltipoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese and the Maltipoo is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Maltese and for the Maltipoo. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Maltese and the Maltipoo.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Maltese or the Maltipoo.

Maltese versus Maltipoo

Maltese versus Maltipoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Maltese and the Maltipoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Maltipoo is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Maltese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Maltipoo belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Maltese versus Maltipoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maltese to the Maltipoo based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Maltese and the Maltipoo

Factor Maltese Maltipoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight Up to 7 pounds 5 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2580 $2020
Price Range $1800 – $3000 $1500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maltese in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Maltipoo. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Maltese is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maltipoo is 86 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maltipoo is a better pet than the Maltese. So, you should get the Maltipoo!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Maltese and the Maltipoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Maltipoo

    Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Maltipoo are most different:

  • Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Maltipoos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Maltipoo

    The Maltese and the Maltipoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Maltipoo are most similar:

  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are very easy to train.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are very playful.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Maltese and the Maltipoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Maltipoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Maltipoo.

    Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Maltipoos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Maltipoos are 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maltese versus Maltipoo

    The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Maltipoos is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maltipoos is 11.5 years.

    Malteses live longer than Maltipoos.

    Price of Maltese versus Price of Maltipoo

    The average price of the Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of the Maltese typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of a Maltese can be as low as $500 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Maltipoo puppy is $2020. The price of the Maltipoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Maltipoo can be as low as $200 and as high as $7850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 845 Maltipoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltese is more expensive than the Maltipoo.

    Maltese Maltipoo
    Average Price $2580 $2020
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $1500 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Maltese and Maltipoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Maltese puppies or how many Maltipoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Malteses. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Malteses. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maltese puppy or the Maltipoo puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Maltese versus Adopting the Maltipoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Malteses and many Maltipoos are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Maltese named Quincy that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Malteses like Quincy on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Malteses, Maltipoos are also available for adoption. For example, Mr. Grumpypants is a Male Maltipoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Maltipoos like Mr. Grumpypants that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Maltese and the Maltipoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Scruffy is the name of another Maltese (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, . Harley And Noah Jonas is an adorable Male Maltipoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Malteses and Maltipoos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Malteses and Maltipoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Maltipoo

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Maltipoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Malteses shed more than Maltipoos?

    Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Maltipoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Maltipoo

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maltipoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Maltipoo?

    Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Maltipoos are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maltipoo?

    Malteses have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Maltipoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Maltipoos?

    Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Maltipoos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maltipoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Maltipoos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Maltipoo

    Malteses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Maltipoos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maltipoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Malteses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Maltipoos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Maltipoo?

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

    Maltipoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Maltipoos?

    Malteses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Maltipoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Maltipoos?

    Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Maltipoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Maltipoo?

    Malteses are very easy to train.

    Maltipoos are very easy to train.

    Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Maltipoo?

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maltipoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Maltipoo?

    Malteses are very good for new dog owners.

    Maltipoos are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltese that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maltese:

  • Pomapoo (80 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Maltipoo vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Maltipoo vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltipoo

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltipoo that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maltipoo:

  • Chi-Poo (77 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Chi-Poo.
  • Yorkipoo (75 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Maltese vs Yorkipoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Maltese and how the Maltipoo compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Maltipoo to other breeds:

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Scottish Deerhound     Maltese versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Maltese versus Affenpinscher     Maltese versus Stabyhoun     Maltese versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Maltese versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Maltese versus Havanese     Maltese versus Scottish Deerhound     Maltese versus Toy Poodle     Maltese versus Spanish Mastiff     Maltese versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Maltese versus Belgian Tervuren     Maltese versus Redbone Coonhound     Maltese versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maltese versus Spanish Mastiff     Maltese versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maltese versus Welsh Terrier     Maltese versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Maltese versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Maltese versus Australian Cattle Dog     Maltese versus Greyhound     Maltese versus Beagle     Maltese versus Basenji     Maltese versus Shihpoo     Maltese versus Pekingese     

    Maltipoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu     Maltipoo versus American Eskimo Dog     Maltipoo versus Affenhuahua     Maltipoo versus Afador     Maltipoo versus Schipperke     Maltipoo versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Maltipoo versus Sloughi     Maltipoo versus Shihpoo     Maltipoo versus Belgian Tervuren     Maltipoo versus Skye Terrier     Maltipoo versus Bolognese     Maltipoo versus Lhasa Apso     Maltipoo versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Maltipoo versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maltipoo versus Plott     Maltipoo versus Bichon Frise     Maltipoo versus Belgian Malinois     Maltipoo versus Irish Terrier     Maltipoo versus Welsh Terrier     Maltipoo versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Maltipoo versus Scottish Deerhound     Maltipoo versus Norwich Terrier     Maltipoo versus Portuguese Water Dog     Maltipoo versus Maremma Sheepdog     Maltipoo versus Estrela Mountain Dog     

    Conclusion: Maltese versus Maltipoo. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Maltese and the Maltipoo better suits you and your family.