Maltipoms are affectionate, gentle, and loving dogs that bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them. Some facts about the Maltese that also tend to be true for a Maltipom are that they love to cuddle and are very affectionate.

Well-socialized, they tend to get along well with older children who know how to gently interact with small dogs. Any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. These dogs are tiny and are even tinier as puppies, which means they can be easily injured by accidental rough play or trips and falls. They can get along with other dogs and pets as long as they get enough attention, as they can sometimes get jealous over and possessive of their favorite person.

A Maltipom makes a good watchdog as they will bark to alert you. Although they will be initially wary of strangers, they do tend to warm up once introduced as long as they have been properly socialized. But they also tend to bark at strangers and may not stop unless they have been trained/told to do so. Because of this, it’s important to train your dog to stop barking early on and keep alert barking from becoming a nuisance.

Maltipoms tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes as long as they get enough attention and exercise every day. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat, and they may need to bundle up while out on walks in the winter.

Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive on attention, a Maltipom does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early and often.

A mixed-breed dog can inherit the health conditions common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. Potential health concerns in a Maltipom can include Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), luxating patella, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, portosystemic shunt, and hypothyroidism. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Maltipom puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

As a small dog breed, the Maltipom is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. Gum disease in dogs can be serious and lead to other health issues, but good dental care early and often can help prevent it and other painful dental diseases later in life.

A Maltipom is an intelligent dog that can pick up on things quickly and is eager to please. For the most part, they are highly trainable dogs that are a good fit for owners of all experience levels.

As a toy breed, house training can be a challenge. With some house training tips, crate training, puppy pads, and plenty of patience, you and your Maltipom will get through it.

A Maltipom coat can vary a little if they take more after one parent, instead of both. They could have the long, straight hair from the Maltese, the dense double coat of the Pomeranian, or some combination of both. But both parent breeds are some of the fluffiest dog breeds. Generally, a Maltipom coat is long, provided it is not kept short in a “puppy clip.” It tends to be straight, soft, and non-shedding.

Regardless of the coat, a fact about Pomeranians and Maltese that will carry over to the Maltipom is that they will need some extra grooming. A Maltipom coat requires daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats, as well as professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

In addition to coat care, you also need to take care of your Maltipom’s nails, ears, and teeth. The dog groomers may be able to help with some of this during sessions, but you will still need to do maintenance at home between visits.

Nail trims once or twice a month help keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful cleaning as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Although the Maltipom will be energetic when they play, they also get tired easily and have a low activity level. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this little dog. They’re just happy to be with you whether that’s doing something outside or cuddling with you on the couch. Just make sure you are keeping activities low-impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damage to developing bones and joints.

A fully-grown Maltipom usually stands 7-12 inches tall and weighs 3-9 pounds. This makes them one of the smallest dog breeds.

Maltipoms generally live for 12-15 years on average.

This designer breed is most commonly called a Maltipom, but they are sometimes also referred to as a Pomamees or Pomanese.