Maltipoo, Labradoodle & Poodle Mixes: Size, Care & Health

Maltipoos, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, and Schnoodles are all crosses between a Poodle and another breed, commonly known as designer dogs. They attract owners with their teddy-bear looks and the promise of a non-shedding, allergy-friendly coat. At the same time, this is one of the biggest trends fueling irresponsible breeding, because a mix is not a breed: there is no standard, no pedigree, and no guarantee of how the puppy will turn out. In this dog breed guide profile, we explain what a Maltipoo and other Poodle mixes are, how they originated, what to expect, and how to avoid falling into the trap of a puppy mill.

Maltipoo	Maltese × Toy or Miniature Poodle
Labradoodle	Labrador Retriever × Standard or Miniature Poodle
Goldendoodle	Golden Retriever × Poodle
Cavapoo	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle
Schnoodle	Schnauzer × Poodle
Recognition	Not recognized by the AKC, UKC, or the UK Kennel Club
Size	Depends on the Poodle's size and the other parent's breed
Coat	Unpredictable: curly, wavy, or straight
Pedigree	None; registered as a mixed breed

The Designer Dog Trend Started With the Labradoodle

The Encyclopedia Britannica traces the designer dog trend back to the late 20th century, when breeders began crossing purebred Poodles with other breeds to combine the Poodle's coat with the traits of another breed. The most famous example is the Labradoodle. Australian breeder Wally Conron, who introduced this mix to the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia in Victoria, wanted to create a guide dog for a person allergic to dog hair. He crossed a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, hoping to combine the Poodle's low-shedding coat with the Labrador's gentle and obedient nature. One dog from that litter, Sultan, worked as a guide dog in Hawaii for ten years.

Conron later repeatedly stated that he regretted starting this trend. According to him, the catchy name and the idea of a "hypoallergenic" dog fueled countless irresponsible puppy mills, and many of these dogs suffer from behavioral or hereditary problems—he even famously said he "released a Frankenstein's monster." Representatives of the AKC have voiced similar concerns. In the 1990s, Goldendoodles became popular in Australia and the US, followed by Maltipoos, Cavapoos, and dozens of other combinations ending in "-poo" or "-doodle."

Maltipoo: The Most Popular Small Poodle Mix

A Maltipoo is created by crossing a Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both parents are small, low-shedding, intelligent, and devoted companions, so a Maltipoo is usually a small dog (weighing just a few pounds), playful, and affectionate, with a curly or wavy coat. Colors vary widely—from white and cream to apricot or black, depending on the Poodle parent.

It is important to understand that mixed breeds, unlike purebred dogs, do not breed "true to type." Even within the same litter, puppies can vary significantly in size, coat, and temperament. Therefore, promises that a Maltipoo will "always weigh 6 to 7 lbs" or "never shed at all" are unfounded—the best point of reference is always both parents.

Do Poodle Mixes Really Not Shed?

The main reason people choose Poodle mixes is the promise of a low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat. However, coat type is inherited unpredictably: some puppies get the Poodle's curls, others get the straight, shedding coat of the Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever, and most end up with something in between. Because of this, breeders often create F1b generations (a mix crossed back with a Poodle) or multi-generational "multigen" dogs to achieve a curlier coat.

Furthermore, dog allergens are found not only in the hair but also in saliva and dander. A person with severe allergies should spend time with a specific dog or its parents before bringing a puppy home. If a low-shedding coat is the top priority, a more predictable choice might be a purebred Poodle, Bichon Frise, or Maltese.

Health: The Benefits and Risks of Crossbreeding

When crossing two different breeds, the likelihood of a puppy inheriting the same recessive disease from both parents decreases, which is why the first generation often exhibits hybrid vigor. However, this benefit diminishes when mixes are bred together, and diseases common to both parent breeds can still appear in the mix. For example, the Australian Labradoodle Association notes that Labradoodles are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and Addison's disease. Data from US veterinary clinics shows that the difference in lifespan between mixed breeds and purebred dogs is relatively small.

• Maltipoo – check both parents for patellar luxation, eye issues, and dental problems common in small breeds.
• Labradoodle and Goldendoodle – require hip and elbow X-ray evaluations, eye exams, and retriever DNA tests.
• Cavapoo – heart screenings are crucial, as mitral valve disease is very common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Price and Puppy Mills

Designer dog puppies sometimes cost more than their purebred parents. This high demand attracts puppy mills, which prioritize profit over the health and welfare of the dogs. A reputable breeder of mixed-breed dogs operates with the same standards as a purebred breeder: they health-test both parents, allow you to meet the mother, raise the puppies in a home environment, and willingly answer all your questions. In the US, while commercial breeding is regulated by the USDA, standards vary widely by state, making it essential for buyers to do their own due diligence. Avoid pet stores and online brokers, as they frequently source from large-scale commercial breeding facilities where close inbreeding, overbreeding, and early separation from the mother are common issues.

Mix	Parents	Size	Key Health Tests
Maltipoo	Maltese × Miniature/Toy Poodle	Small	Patellas, eyes
Cavapoo	Cavalier × Miniature/Toy Poodle	Small	Heart, patellas, eyes
Labradoodle	Labrador × Poodle	Medium to Large	Hips, elbows, eyes
Goldendoodle	Golden × Poodle	Medium to Large	Hips, elbows, eyes, heart

How to Choose a Poodle Mix Puppy

Ask to meet both parents, or at least the mother, and request to see their health test results. Inquire about the generation (F1, F1b, multigen) and what size Poodle was used. Beware of advertisements promising a "100% non-shedding" or "completely hypoallergenic" dog, and never agree to meet a breeder in a parking lot to pick up a puppy. Vets strongly recommend that every puppy be microchipped before going to its new home, and you should ensure the dog is registered with a national recovery database. Since they are mixed breeds, they cannot be registered with the AKC for conformation shows, though they can participate in AKC companion events. For more on finding a reputable breeder, check our guide introduction.

You can learn more about the parent breeds in our profiles for the Poodle, Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.