A Guide to Black Maltipoos [with Photos]

Black Maltipoos are both adorable and striking, but they can be hard to find. There are plenty of almost black Maltipoos, with white patches here and there. But a truly, all-black Maltipoo is very rare. 

all black maltipoo coat
An all black Maltipoo coat is rare – you usually get tinges of other coat shades

If you happen to find one, though, you’re in for a treat! Not only are these dogs gorgeous, they’re also full of spunk and personality. They love to cuddle, love to play, and are surprisingly intuitive. They’re also relatively easy to care for and do great in small spaces. 

In this guide to black Maltipoos, I discuss the breed in detail. I’ll talk about why it’s so hard to find a black Maltipoo and what you should know about them. 

Are Black Maltipoos Rare? 

Yes, a genuinely black Maltipoo is exceptionally rare. That’s because Maltipoos have one poodle parent and one Maltese parent. While poodles commonly come in black, white, apricot, grey, red, or brown, the Maltese breed does not. 

Typically, Maltese are white. Sometimes they’ll be white with cream or white with lemon hues. But a purebred Maltese is never black. 

That said, there are a few almost purebred Maltese that have blacks coats. In other words, somewhere in the lineage of a black Maltese, you’ll find traces of another dog breed. It’s not common, but it happens, and it makes a genuinely black Maltipoo possible. 

However, most Maltipoo puppies have a black poodle parent and a white Maltese parent, which means they may not stay black. In part, this is because poodles have a progressive greying gene that causes their coats to lighten as they mature. But, it’s also because the puppy likely has genes that express as white fur thanks to their Maltese lineage. 

So, it’s not uncommon to adopt a black Maltipoo puppy and find that it grows to have flecks of white and grey in its coat. 

all black coated maltipoo
A truly all black Maltipoo coat is rare

Are They Entirely Black?

If you have a genuinely black Maltipoo, they’ll be black from nose to tail. They’ll typically have vividly dark eyes and paws. And, they’ll likely have black skin beneath their coat. 

As we mentioned, though, a truly black Maltipoo is exceptionally rare. Maltipoos, by definition, have at least one white-coated parent, which means that even if they appear completely black as a puppy, they may show other coat colors later on. It’s not uncommon for lighter patches to appear in white, grey, or even apricot as a Maltipoo matures. So, if you adopted a black Maltipoo thinking it will stay black forever, you might be disappointed. 

Temperament And Care 

When it comes to care and temperament, black Maltipoos are just like any other color or Maltipoo. All the same, we’ll run through the basics below. 

Coat Care

Breeders breed Maltipoos to be hypoallergenic and hope to produce a poodle-like coat, which is closer to human hair than it is to fur. But, unfortunately, there’s no way for a breeder to have complete control over this process. Sometimes, Maltipoo coats still trigger allergies because Maltese dogs do have fur, not hair. 

That said, Maltese are considered low or non-shedders. For many with allergies, that’s enough to keep symptoms in check. You don’t have to worry about dog hair on your clothes or carpet. 

Regardless of whether your Maltipoo is furry or hairy, it will have a curly coat that needs brushing several times a week to prevent tangles and matting. Professional grooming every month or so is also a good idea to keep ears clean and nails trimmed too. 

Weight and Exercise Needs

Maltipoos are very lovable and energetic. They tend to be especially happy dogs, and they like to play. However, they don’t need much in the way of formal exercise. A short but brisk walk in the morning and evening is enough to keep them satisfied. 

And, unlike other poodle mixes, Maltipoo won’t surprise you with their weight as they grow. This is because Maltese dogs are bred with toy or miniature poodles, not standards, to create Maltipoos. Miniature or toy poodles are similar in size and shape to Maltese dogs. So, Maltipoos are universally between seven and twenty pounds full grown

black and white maltipoo
A truly all black Maltipoo coat is rare

Common Health Problems 

Having a diverse set of parents can be a blessing and a curse. When it comes to health problems, Maltipoo’s are prone to the problems of both their parents. They often have skin or food allergies. They’re also susceptible to epilepsy and several other diseases. 

If you’re considering adopting a black Maltipoo, make sure you have a good relationship with a veterinarian. They’ll be able to catch and treat any illnesses that arise. (Also be sure to work on Maltipoo crate training early to make potty training easier).

You may want to consider genetic testing as well, especially if your Maltipoo is truly all-black. There’s likely another dog breed lurking in their heritage. Knowing your dog’s genetic makeup can help you catch and treat potential problems before they become full-fledged diseases. 

How Do Black Maltipoos Play? 

Thanks to their poodle genes, Maltipoos of all colors tend to be exceptionally smart. They might participate in puzzle games or stack play. They also like a good old game of fetch. 

Of course, Maltipoo’s are diverse, and some may take after their Maltese parents more heavily. They’ll like to walk and snuggle, maybe play a game of tug-of-war. But mostly, they’ll just want to be around you or your family. They’re social by nature, and time spent with their owner is their favorite thing. 

Who Are Black Maltipoos Best Suited For?  

There’s no doubt that black Maltipoos are gorgeous, but they’re not ideal for everyone. They’re companion animals, and they tend to bond tightly to one person or a small family. They don’t need a lot of exercise or food, thanks to their small size, but they do need plenty of attention. 

They want to sit next to you, or even in your lap, whenever you’re on the couch. They’ll become your constant shadow and can develop anxiety disorders if they’re left alone in the house too much. 

That makes Maltipoos ideal for seniors or those who work from home. If you can hang out with your Maltipoo the majority of the time, you can give them a very happy lifestyle. 

Do Black Maltipoos Cost Less Than Other Colors? 

The cost of a black Maltipoo can vary significantly. Because black Maltipoos usually don’t come from purebred Maltese, they may cost less than other colors. However, black Maltipoos are strikingly gorgeous, which means some breeders will charge more. 

Often, the cost has less to do with their color and more to do with other things. If a breeder provides health guarantees or microchipping, they’ll typically charge more. Of course, if you adopt a black Maltipoo from a shelter, it can be very affordable. (Be sure to pick a Maltipoo appropriate name if you are renaming an adopted dog)

That said, shelter dogs don’t come with lineages. So, whether it’s a true Maltipoo or not could be in question. 

Final Thoughts 

Finding a black Maltipoo might be difficult, but owning one is a treat. These dogs are loving, happy, and intelligent. They like to play but mostly just want to be your companion. 

If they’re truly a Maltipoo, from a purebred Poodle and purebred Maltese, they might not stay black forever, but that’s okay. Though they may develop pops of white or grey, their loving personality is never going to change.