Toy Poodle vs. Maltipoo: Which Puppy Is Right for You?

The biggest difference is predictability. A Toy Poodle is a purebred with an official standard: 10 inches or under at the shoulder and a dense, curly coat. A Maltipoo is a Maltese and Poodle cross with no standard, so its adult size and coat (curly, wavy, or straight) vary from puppy to puppy, and both are low-shedding, though no dog is allergen-free.

The short version

At eight weeks the two can look surprisingly alike. With a Toy Poodle, generations of breeding have aimed at one written description, so you know roughly what you are getting. A Maltipoo is a blend of two breeds that lands differently in every litter. Neither is better; it comes down to how much you want to know the adult size and coat up front.

Side-by-side comparison

Figures come from the Poodle and Maltese breed standards and PetMD’s veterinary-reviewed breed profiles. Mixes vary, so treat the Maltipoo column as a range, not a promise.

Size: why one is a number and the other is a range

The Poodle standard sets the Toy variety by height only: 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulder. That one rule is why Toy Poodle adults cluster tightly, usually around 4 to 6 pounds. Compare the Miniature and Standard on our Poodle size chart.

A Maltipoo has no standard at all. The Maltese side is small (its standard calls for under 7 pounds), but the Poodle side can be a Toy or a Miniature, and a Miniature Poodle is roughly 10 to 15 inches and 10 to 15 pounds. A Maltipoo with a Miniature Poodle parent can end up twice the weight of one with a Toy Poodle parent. That is why published Maltipoo weights disagree so much: they describe different crosses under one name. Our Maltipoo size chart explains how to estimate adult size from the parents.

Coat, shedding, and allergies

A Toy Poodle’s tight curl holds loose hair rather than dropping it on the couch, and that is predictable from puppy to puppy. A Maltipoo can take after either parent: the Maltese has a long, flat, silky coat with no undercoat, the Poodle has curls. Many land in between with a soft wave, but some come out straight and some fully curly, and you often cannot be sure until the adult coat comes in.

Neither dog is hypoallergenic. Research measuring the main dog allergen in homes found no breed that reliably produces less of it, and no dog is allergen-free. If anyone in your family has dog allergies, spend real time with the breed before deciding and talk to your doctor. Our low-shedding puppies page covers this in more detail.

Grooming in a Georgia summer

Both coats keep growing and mat if ignored, so plan on a professional groom every four to six weeks either way. The wavy Maltipoo coat is the one families underestimate most: its soft texture tangles behind the ears, under the legs, and at the collar line, so daily brushing is the honest expectation. Metro Atlanta humidity makes both coats frizz and tangle faster, and many local owners keep either dog in a shorter, easy-care trim through the summer. Our grooming team can help you pick a cut.

Personality and training

Toy Poodles are among the most trainable small dogs. They learn tricks fast and get bored with repetition, so keep sessions short and varied. Maltipoos tend to be more of a lap companion, with the Maltese’s love of being close. They are bright and eager to please, but house training can take longer and they are prone to barking or stress when left alone for long stretches. A family that is home a lot suits them.

Small kids and fragile dogs

A 5-pound Toy Poodle and a small Maltipoo are equally easy to hurt; a fall from a child’s arms or the sofa can mean a broken leg. Both do best with older, calm children who sit on the floor to play. A larger Maltipoo from a Miniature Poodle parent is a bit sturdier. Supervise every interaction either way.

Health and dental care

Both share common toy-dog concerns: crowded teeth that build tartar quickly, kneecaps that can slip, and a hip condition called Legg-Calvé-Perthes. Daily tooth brushing from puppyhood is one of the most useful habits you can build, and a harness is a sensible choice over a collar for both. A Maltipoo can inherit concerns from either parent breed. Your veterinarian is the right person to set a care plan. Every puppy at Sugar Sweet gets a full health check from our on-staff veterinarian and is up to date on shots before going home.

Choose the Toy Poodle if

• You want the smaller, more predictable adult size and coat.
• You enjoy training and want a quick, clever dog who learns tricks.
• You are fine brushing a curly coat and booking regular grooms.

Choose the Maltipoo if

• You want a cuddly lap companion, someone is home most of the day, and you are flexible on adult size and coat.
• You would like a slightly sturdier small dog, and the parents are sized to match.
• You love the softer wavy look and will commit to daily brushing.

Still deciding? Read our Poodle and Maltipoo breed guides, compare more crosses on our Poodle mixes page, or see how the Maltipoo stacks up in Maltipoo vs. Yorkipoo. You can also check puppies available by breed, and if neither is in the showroom right now, we keep a waitlist.

Common questions

Is a Maltipoo bigger than a Toy Poodle?

Usually, yes. A Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the shoulder and typically 4 to 6 pounds. Many Maltipoos weigh more, especially if one parent is a Miniature Poodle. Some Maltipoos from small parents stay close to Toy Poodle size, but there is no standard to guarantee it.

Which sheds less, a Toy Poodle or a Maltipoo?

Both are low-shedding. The Toy Poodle’s curly coat is more predictable; a Maltipoo’s depends on which parent its coat takes after. Neither is hypoallergenic, and no dog is allergen-free.

Which is easier to train?

Both are bright and respond well to positive, reward-based training. Toy Poodles are often quicker learners. Maltipoos can take longer to house train and may need extra work on being left alone.

Which is better with young children?

Neither is ideal for toddlers because both are small and fragile. A larger Maltipoo is a little sturdier. With either dog, teach children to sit on the floor to hold the puppy and supervise every interaction.