Maltipoo Papillon Mix: An Introduction

Small dogs are all the rage these days, and in recent years it has become clear that an increasing number of owners are looking to downsize with their next furry friend.

However, a small package does not mean you have to compromise on a big personality, and today we are discussing the Maltipoo Papillon mix, a cross that proves that all the best things do come in small packages!

The History of the Parent Breeds

Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a mix that sits on the smaller end of the Doodle scale, resulting from the breeding of the Maltese with a Toy, or Miniature Poodle.

The two parent breeds, both small and highly desirable lap dogs in their own right, were first bred in the United States during the race to find new and unique combinations of designer dogs to sweep the burgeoning market.

As the economy boomed, houses got bigger, and people found themselves with more time and disposable income to spare, the demand for dogs skyrocketed. Previously kept only as companions by the richest of dog lovers, suddenly the working class could afford a dog that didn’t serve as a service or work animal, and so smaller and more amicable pups became all the rage.

For this reason, the Maltipoo was the perfect breed. Loyal, small, and highly intelligent, these dogs provided the much-desired companionship and were overall great and easy-going dogs. These traits made them a smash hit, and this popularity has pertained up to the present day, where they continue to dominate the companion dog market.

Papillon

As mentioned previously, historically companion dogs were luxuries afforded only by the richest members of society until modern times. In no such breed is this better evidenced than by the Papillon.

These dogs have been at the right hand of the highest echelon of society since as early as the 1500s and this record of companionship can be traced back through paintings of nobility, in which they are always in present company.

Originating from Italy, the Papillon are best known for their tiny stature complimented by their huge butterfly-like ears. They are a type of Toy Spaniel and as such, they are highly intelligent and incredibly motivated.

This makes them an incredible companion breed. However, the lap dog persona is a common misconception, as with any smart dog they require mental stimulation to function and thrive in life.

How is the Maltipoo Papillion Cross Achieved?

The cross is achieved through the breeding of any of the three breeds involved in the mix. Being 2/4 two breeds, and the other 2 being one breed, the purebred parent will inheritably bear a significant impact on your pup’s traits both physical and temperament-wise.

Therefore, you are afforded leeway in personality and looks, provided you have a say in the breeding process. For example, with a Poodle purebred, your dog will be more likely to have a much denser and curlier coat. For a purebred Papillon parent, your pup may have a greater chance of those big butterfly ears.

However, looks should not come at the cost of health, and if you have two breeds that are not well aligned be it physically or personality-wise – it is critical you think carefully about how to minimize risks when breeding.

Is the Maltipoo Papillion an Ethical Cross?

Luckily the three breeds in this mix are very well suited, making the breed an ethical one. The Maltese, Toy Poodle, and Papillon are all small dogs, each a popular companion breed in their own right, and as such their personalities fall in the remit of being sociable, smart, and relatively easy-going.

This means that compared to other breeds considered unethical, such as perhaps a Husky and Pomeranian due to sheer size difference, this mix poses no threats to the dogs involved.

The threats can be to the parents (in breeding or in pregnancy), or to the puppies. Risks to the puppies include increased risk of inherited illnesses, or misaligned temperaments leading to problem personalities.

What do you call a Maltipoo Papillion Mix?

This cross has no official name due to its relative obscurity. Despite it being great, and some would say, the obvious choice for a companion breed, other breeds such as the Maltipoo, and Cavapoo, are the go-to – being well-known (and therefore safe) bets for owners looking for a laid-back companion.

Therefore, we suggest that Maltipapipoo is the best name for this breed, encapsulating all three of the mix’s parentage.

The Benefits of the Papillion Maltipoo Mix

The immediate advantage of the Maltipapipoo is its small size. With three small breeds, this dog is easy to pick up and carry if needs be, and despite the tiny stature (which may cause some dogs to be standoffish with new faces), this dog is incredibly sociable and gets along with friends and strangers alike.

Along with being friendly, this breed is incredibly motivated when training due to its intelligence and is lively and playful. This little dog has a keen sense of adventure; however, its small size means that it doesn’t require large amounts of time dedicated to exercise – great for those with less time to spare, or limited access to dog-friendly outdoor spaces.

The Cons of the Maltipoo Papillion Cross

A con that comes as a direct result of the small size, however, is the fragility of the breed. Fine bones make for a lighter dog, but these are easier to break, so a watchful eye must be kept ensuring playtime doesn’t get too rough, and risk injuring your dog.

One other con is separation anxiety. Common in a lot of companion dogs, the Maltipapipoo is incredibly loyal and relies heavily on its owners for support and affection. This can make them an anxious breed if left unattended for extended periods. While training can help quell the anxious streak, these dogs may still struggle with being alone.

What can be Expected from the Maltipoo Papillion Cross?

Now that you know more about this unique little breed, here are some quick-fire stats and facts to help you determine whether this cross is for you!

Height & Weight

At an average of 8″-14″, this is one small dog. A healthy Maltipapipoo will weigh from 5lbs-15lbs if their diet and exercise are maintained, placing them firmly on the smaller side of the spectrum.

Colour & Coat

Thanks to the Maltese and Papillon, you can expect your pup’s coat to be medium to long, and on the straighter end. A frill of hair on the ears, chest, or top of the head can be expected also.

Your dog will most likely have a particolored coat, with white typically being the base coat. The other color will vary based on parent coat colors, but you can expect anywhere in the region of chocolate, sable, fawn, or red.

Maintenance

Due to the long hair, and on occasions, the coarseness curtesy of the Poodle parent, these dogs are high maintenance. Expect anywhere with a frill to be a problem area and maintain a vigorous grooming regime to ensure these areas stay matt free.

To keep the long coat in check, a groomer should be paid a visit every 6-8 weeks. These dogs have a quick-growing coat, and so extra precaution must be exerted to ensure that the problem areas stay out of your dog’s way in their day-to-day activities.

Health

One health issue unique to Papillons is that they are more likely than other breeds to be born deaf. Luckily, mixes tend to be resistant to such inherited disorders by virtue of combined DNA. However, this is still a possibility and is worth getting checked upon getting your pup.

Other issues include bone breakages due to size, as well as hyperthyroidism, and hernias. Most of the issues related to your dog will be due to physical wear and tear, so along with routine check-ups, it is good practice to maintain a watchful eye during playtime to ensure your dog isn’t overstretching itself.

Temperament

As mentioned previously, these dogs are a very intelligent breed. They are also incredibly positive little friends; however, they require a constant supply of stimulation to ensure they are keeping their wits about them as they age.

They are sociable and energetic, making them social butterflies, however, due to their size, you may find your dog is on the alert side when approaching larger dogs.

Exercise Needs and Feeding Requirements

Such a small dog requires 30 minutes of exercise tops to keep them fit and healthy. While this can be achieved by the standard walk around a park, games, and puzzles are another way to ensure you are keeping your pet stimulated in both the mental and physical departments.

A quarter to half a cup is all the food necessary to keep this breed sated. This is best split into two meals to allow for digestion without overfeeding.

Conclusion

As you should be well aware by now, the Maltipapipoo is a small but mighty companion for all those looking for a new friend with which to play, lay, and spend the day. For small dog lovers, this breed is a great choice, and if you are new to the dog market, or are looking for a change, this breed will come as a delight to all.

However, this breed is not for everyone, and if you find yourself seeking a small friend to call your own, but don’t feel the Maltipapipoo is right for you, then fear not – for there are lots of options out there. For those looking for an alternative to this small four-legged friend, why not take a look at the “Peekapoo Chihuahua Mix”.