Maltipoo vs Toy Poodle [Comparison with Photos]

Reviewed and Fact-Checked by Veterinarian Charlotte Stiles (DVM)

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The Maltipoo and Toy Poodle are both adorable, fluffy small dog breeds that can add love and laughter to your home.

However, there are some notable differences when comparing the two that can impact which breed is the better option for you.

maltipoo vs toy poodle
Maltipoo vs Toy Poodle [Comparison with photos]

I’ll help you understand the differences between the Maltipoo and Toy Poodle so that you can take the leap on bringing home your new best friend.

Breed Appearance of Maltipoo vs Toy Poodle

Maltipoos are half Poodle, with one parent usually being the Toy or Miniature variety. Nevertheless, the Maltipoo and Toy Poodle have distinct appearances. 

For starters, Toy Poodles have narrower faces and longer muzzles. In contrast, Maltipoos have a rounder face and a button nose, giving them a puppy-like appearance even as adults.

Both Maltipoo and Toy Poodles share similar colors, but the coloring of the Maltipoo is often more diluted than the Toy Poodle. That’s because Maltipoos are half Maltese. The Maltese breed is pure white.

In contrast, the other half of Maltipoos are Toy Poodle. So, Maltipoos can come in the same variety of colors that Toy Poodles have, but their white genes often draw out some of their colors.

Examples of colors that both Toy Poodles and Maltipoos can have include:

  • White
  • Cream
  • Apricot
  • Brown
  • Fawn
  • Silver

That said, rarer varieties of Maltipoos come in black, red, or dark brown, just like Toy Poodles.

maltipoo sitting and toy poodle at the lake
Maltipoo sitting on the couch while a toy poodle chilling at the beach.

Coat Types of Maltipoo vs. Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles have hypoallergenic coats, meaning that they help reduce—but not eliminate—the chance of a person with allergies having symptoms around them. Their tight curls have a coarse and wiry feel to them. 

Although Toy Poodles shed little, their coats require maintenance. Ideally, you should brush your Toy Poodle every day and bring them to the groomer about every six weeks.

In contrast, the Maltese in Maltipoos make their hair have a softer and less curly appearance. So, Maltipoos have wavy fur with an attractive shaggy-like appearance.

As a result, Maltipoos don’t need as attentive coat care as Toy Poodles. Nevertheless, you should brush them multiple times a week. 

Furthermore, you may need to take them to the groomer more frequently than the Toy Poodle, given that their hair grows long and can drag on the floor.

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

Size Difference in Maltipoo vs. Toy Poodle

Maltipoos and Toy Poodles share some overlap in their height and weight.

The Maltipoo’s weight ranges from seven to 12 pounds, whereas Toy Poodles can weigh anywhere from five to eight pounds.

In terms of height, the Maltipoo is taller, ranging from eight to 14 inches. In contrast, you won’t encounter a Toy Poodle over ten inches.

Needless to say, if you’re looking for the smallest lap dog possible, Toy Poodles are a better option than Maltipoos. Choosing a female over a male will also help ensure that your puppy grows into a smaller-sized dog.

poodle running outside
A Toy Apricot Poodle running happily outside

Temperament and Personality in Maltipoos and Toy Poodles

Toy Poodles share the same genes as the Standard Poodle, so you can expect them to be intelligent, love swimming, and have lots of energy.

Poodles are fiercely faithful to their owners, but they also get along well with other people and dogs. Due to how much they love being around people, anxiety is a relatively common issue in this breed.

Maltipoos are also a friendly and highly social breed. They love cuddling and, like Toy Poodles, get along well with other people and dogs.

That said, when a Maltipoo first encounters a person or dog they don’t know, it’s common for them to bark (usually from excitement). 

Of course, Toy Poodles aren’t immune from barking, so training either breed at a young age not to do so is vital.

mini maltipoo puppy fully grown size
A fully grown miniature Maltipoo is a super tiny dog! White coated wavy.
“Don’t forget, your pet’s behavior and character, are also influenced by other factors such as their environment and training, not just their breed.'”

OodleLife reviewing Veterinarian Dr Charlotte Stiles (DVM)

Health and Longevity [Do Maltipoos or Toy Poodles Live Longer?]

Toy Poodles tend to live longer than Maltipoos, with a lifespan of 14-18 years compared to a Maltipoo’s 12-15 years. 

Those are both impressive numbers compared to larger dog breeds, which often live for eight to 12 years.

The care and veterinary attention you give your Toy Poodle or Maltipoo will help influence how long they live. Genetics also plays a significant role.

So, if you purchase your dog from a breeder, make sure to check about the health history of their lineage.

maltipoo puppy smiling
A super happy Maltipoo puppy

Breed-Specific Health Problems

Purebred dogs have a higher chance of inherited disease and health issues than mutts. So, while Maltipoos aren’t technically a mutt since we know their origin and they underwent intentional breeding, they tend to have fewer health issues than the purebred Toy Poodle.

Some relatively common health problems in Toy Poodles include:

  • Addison’s disease
  • Thyroid issues
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Sebaceous adenitis

In contrast, Maltipoos tend to experience the more traditional issues that arise in many dog breeds as they age. Below are some examples:

  • Arthritis
  • Cataracts
  • Dental issues

That said, both Maltipoos and Toy Poodles have a higher tendency to experience a collapsed trachea. 

gray poodle happy at the vet
A gray Poodle happy at the vet. Toy or a small Miniature size.

Maltipoo and Toy Poodle Needs and Training

Both Maltipoos and Toy Poodles need daily exercise and positive reinforcement training

Poodles are notorious for being outstanding learners, and the Toy Poodle is no different. These intelligent animals catch on to obedience training quicker than many other breeds and appreciate owners who change things up to keep it interesting for them.

On the other hand, Maltipoos are also relatively easy to train, which is no doubt thanks to them being half Toy Poodle. 

Like Toy Poodles, it’s best to start training Maltipoos at a young age and using treats to motivate them to learn commands.

maltipoo and toy poodle running
Maltipoo and Toy Poodle both running at the park.

Cost Comparison

Maltipoos are a less expensive breed than Toy Poodles, starting at around $400. In contrast, Toy Poodles often start in the $1,000-$1,500 range—nearly as much as the highest-priced Maltipoos at about $2,000.

As a purebred that people value for its small size and show features, Toy Poodles are rarer than Maltipoos. 

So, if you want to purchase a Toy Poodle for taking to dog shows, and the dog has outstanding genes, get ready to dip into your savings—you might end up paying $10,000 or more.

Final Thoughts

Both Toy Poodles and Maltipoos make excellent pets. They’re loving, loyal, and enjoy having fun.

If you want a lower-maintenance dog, the Maltipoo is a great choice. Maltipoos are also good for families with younger children, given that their larger size makes them more suitable for children who play rough.

In contrast, I recommend Toy Poodles for people with tiny spaces and if you’re looking for a smaller, loving lap dog.

In either case, I guarantee you that you and your Maltipoo or Toy Poodle will make lots of memories together.