Common Maltipoo Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Maltipoos are affectionate, intelligent dogs combining two breeds both designed for constant human companionship. Understanding their genetic reality—not fighting it—is the key to a happy relationship.

Where Do Maltipoos Come From?

The Maltipoo emerged in the 1990s-2000s as part of the "designer dog" trend, specifically marketed to apartment dwellers wanting a small, low-shedding companion. Unlike purpose-bred dogs with centuries of development, Maltipoos are typically first-generation (F1) or first-generation backcross (F1B) crosses with no breed standard or consistency.

Most breeding is done by backyard breeders and puppy mills capitalizing on the "doodle" trend, with minimal health testing or temperament consideration. The cross combines two breeds that were never meant to work together genetically.

What were they bred to do?

Unfortunately, this cross has no original purpose. The two parent breeds have very different histories:

Maltese were bred for 2,000+ years as lap dogs for Mediterranean nobility—bred to be carried, cuddled, and provide companionship with no working function. Being alone contradicts their entire genetic purpose.

Toy/Miniature Poodles were bred down from working gun dogs to be circus performers and companion dogs, requiring high intelligence and trainability with constant handler interaction.

Mixing these creates dogs with potentially conflicting needs: the Maltese need for constant companionship versus Poodle intelligence requiring mental stimulation.

Key breeding traits:

Maltipoos have extreme size unpredictability (4-20 pounds depending on Poodle parent size). Their coat is a genetic lottery—can be straight like Maltese, curly like Poodle, or wavy combination. Shedding is completely unpredictable despite marketing claims. Temperament ranges from Maltese anxious attachment to Poodle working drive. They show potential for Small Dog Syndrome from Maltese genetics combined with Poodle sensitivity. The "hypoallergenic" claim is marketing fiction—some shed heavily, all produce dander.

Why Do Maltipoos Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Maltipoo isn't misbehaving—they're expressing traits from two breeds both designed for constant human companionship. Their genetics demand they never be alone, but modern life requires extended alone time. This fundamental mismatch creates severe separation anxiety.

Additionally, if breeders don't sufficiently socialise these dogs (which many backyard breeders won't), you can experience severe instability and reactivity issues. Small size combined with genetic predisposition from both parents creates the perfect storm for Small Dog Syndrome.

Problem 1: Extreme Separation Anxiety

What's happening: Your Maltipoo becomes distressed when left alone. They may bark continuously, destroy items, have toileting accidents, or show signs of panic like drooling, pacing, or trying to escape.

Why it happens: Combining two breeds both bred for constant human companionship creates dogs genetically designed to never be alone. Maltese were bred for 2,000 years to be carried everywhere by nobility—being alone contradicts their entire genetic purpose. Toy Poodles were bred as human-focused performers requiring constant handler interaction. Together, this creates dogs with double the attachment genetics and often crippling separation anxiety.

The fix: Accept this is a genetic reality, not a training failure—your lifestyle must accommodate a dog that genuinely suffers when alone. Implement "graduated independence" starting the day you bring them home: practice being in different rooms while puppy is in playpen starting with 30 seconds and building to longer durations over weeks.

Use "parallel presence" training: you're home but completely ignoring them for increasing periods—they learn your presence doesn't always mean interaction. Install baby gates to practice separation while you're visible—physical separation before actual absence builds tolerance.

Never make departures or arrivals emotional events—ignore them for 5 full minutes before leaving and after returning until they're calm and lying down. Consider crate training with crate covered (den-like) positioned where they can't see you leave but can hear household sounds—some do better with confinement during absences.

Struggling with separation anxiety? This genetic trait requires patient, systematic work. Join our free Skool community for graduated independence training protocols and get support during weekly Q&As with trainers experienced in managing separation anxiety.

Problem 2: Reactivity & Small Dog Syndrome

What's happening: Your Maltipoo barks aggressively at people, dogs, or anything new. They lunge on lead, seem constantly on alert, and may snap or show aggression despite their small size.

Why it happens: Small size combined with genetic predisposition from both parents creates a perfect storm. Maltese were bred to be alert watchdogs warning nobility of strangers—barking and suspicion of new people is genetic. Poodles have high environmental awareness and can be naturally aloof with strangers. Mix these traits, add small size (making them vulnerable and aware of it), and you get dogs who bark aggressively at everything.

Unfortunately, owners unconsciously reinforce this by picking them up when they react (rewarding the behaviour), failing to socialise them properly because they're "too small" to be a threat, and treating their aggression as "cute" rather than problematic.

The fix: Treat them as "big dogs in small bodies" requiring the same training standards you'd apply to a large breed. Socialise them early and with a variety of dog breeds. They're always going to be smaller than everything—they might as well start learning how to deal with it.

Teach "thank you, quiet" two-part cues: when they bark, calmly say "thank you" while looking toward the stimulus, then turn your back and walk away. If barking continues, immediately place into timeout for 3-5 minutes without speaking.

Absolutely no picking up during walks when they see triggers—this teaches them your arms are safe space, making reactivity worse. Never allow them to "greet" people or dogs while lunging or barking—this rewards the exact behavior you're trying to eliminate. They must be calm first. Always provide opportunity for them to greet other dogs. If they are reactive, use the structured walk and calm freeze techniques.

Finding reactivity hard to manage? Small Dog Syndrome is deeply engrained but fixable with consistency. Our Skool community has socialisation protocols specifically for small breeds and you can troubleshoot specific situations during live weekly webinars.

Problem 3: Coat Maintenance & Grooming Sensitivity

What's happening: Your Maltipoo's coat mats constantly despite brushing. They hate being groomed, struggle during sessions, or have developed fear/aggression toward handling. Professional grooming is expensive and stressful.

Why it happens: The "hypoallergenic low-maintenance" marketing is completely false—these dogs require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks plus daily brushing or their coat mats painfully. Many owners discover this reality after purchase and either neglect grooming (leading to painful matting, skin infections, restricted movement) or subject their dog to lengthy, uncomfortable grooming sessions they weren't conditioned to tolerate.

Both Maltese and Poodle coats grow continuously and mat easily, especially in friction areas (armpits, ears, rear end). Dogs who aren't conditioned to grooming from 8 weeks old often develop extreme fear or aggression toward handling, making necessary grooming traumatic.

The fix: Begin grooming conditioning the day you bring your puppy home—this is non-negotiable for this cross. Practice daily 2-3 minute "grooming games": touch paws while feeding treats, gently brush one section while feeding high-value treats continuously, touch ears and look in mouth during calm moments followed immediately by play or treats.

Desensitise to grooming tools: let them investigate clippers (turned off) while eating, turn clippers on in another room during meals so they associate the sound with positive experiences. Schedule professional grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks starting at 12-14 weeks old—find a groomer experienced with anxious doodles willing to do short, positive sessions.

Keep them in "puppy cuts" (short all over) rather than teddy bear cuts requiring extensive maintenance—shorter coats mat less. Invest in proper tools: slicker brush, metal comb, and mat splitter. Never punish fear or struggle during grooming—this makes it worse.

Struggling with grooming resistance? Conditioning takes time but prevents years of stressful grooming battles. Join our Skool community for daily grooming game progressions and get recommendations for positive-reinforcement groomers in your area.

Is a Maltipoo Right for a New Owner?

A Maltipoo might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

A devoted companion for apartment living - Their small size makes them ideal for apartments, and they don't need extensive outdoor exercise (30 minutes daily is sufficient).

An affectionate, people-focused dog - These dogs form deep bonds and want to be part of everything you do. They're excellent for people who work from home or can bring their dog along.

A dog for allergy sufferers - While not truly hypoallergenic, many Maltipoos shed less than other breeds, though this varies by individual dog.

An intelligent, trainable small breed - They combine Poodle intelligence with Maltese eagerness to please, making them highly trainable when approached correctly.

If you can commit to daily grooming, accommodate a dog that struggles with alone time, provide consistent training to prevent Small Dog Syndrome, and budget for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, a Maltipoo can be a wonderful, affectionate companion.

Get the Full Support System for Your Maltipoo

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Maltipoo is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community—to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Maltipoo and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to separation anxiety protocols
• A supportive community of other Maltipoo owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations of grooming conditioning and reactivity training so you can see techniques in action
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Maltipoo.