In a world where square footage is everything, those that may not be able to afford a mansion may worry that they are unable to introduce a dog into their life. But rest assured that this isn’t the case.
Toy dogs are the perfect pet for places with particularly limited room, and today we will be breaking down one such portable pooch; the Maltipoo Pomeranian mix.
Table of Contents
The History of the Parent Breeds
Maltipoo
Maltipoos are the result of crossing a Maltese with a Poodle. The kind and gentle demeanor of these dogs have made them a go-to therapy dog in the modern age. While the resulting temperament of the mix may seem coincidental at best – their calm and loving demeanor actually has its roots in the history of each breed.
One such factor contributing to their suitability for therapy is the history of the Maltese breed. These four-legged ancestors were most commonly found at the side of the most affluent figures in the central Mediterranean.
These dogs were bred to be companions, in both shape and personality. Rich businessmen and women desired company when working and at home and as such, they sought a breed that was laidback, personable, and happy to accompany them without becoming fatigued at the constant interaction.
While this may have been enough for some – another factor breeders had to consider was that the regular seafaring and commuting in day-to-day life required these dogs to be small enough to be easily portable. The result? The Maltese we know and love today.
The Poodle on the other hand was historically used as a game dog. This required the same personability as in the Maltese – however, the long hours and vigorous swimming and running required a strong motivation and bigger build. Both of these traits complement those of the Maltese, resulting in a breed that is happy to spend long amounts of time with a person in need – and has the stamina for arduous workdays.
Pomeranian
While you would be forgiven for thinking that Pomeranians have retained their iconic tiny stature throughout history – this actually isn’t the case. Originating from Pomerania (hence the name), this Spitz breed was originally much larger resembling wolves, and was used in protecting stock, homes, and pulling sleds.
The modern Pomeranian, however, is the result of generations of selective breeding to make the ‘wolf dogs’ more appealing to European nobility. Much like the history of the Maltese – the Pomeranians had the ideal temperament to be an effective companion – however owners desired portability, and so over time, the breed was shrunk to a more manageable build.
What do we call the Maltipoo Pomeranian Cross?
The Maltipoo Pomeranian cross has no official name as of yet, however, there are many names for Poodle, Pomeranian, and Maltese crosses. With names such as the Pompapoo, Maltipom, and Maltipoo, we at Know Your Doodles feel that the name Maltipompapoo most accurately reflects this Maltipoo Pomeranian mix.
The Good Side of the Maltipompapoo
The Maltipompapoo juggles three breeds and so with that in mind, there are a variety of benefits and disadvantages to consider before adopting.
The first pro is their small and convenient size. As we know through the history of the Maltese and Pomeranian respectively, it is expected that this cross is going be the ideal size for comfort and portability. With very little change since their time spent at the side of nobility, these dogs are easy to pick up and carry, and don’t require acres of land to expend their energy – making them a great fit for any dog-loving apartment dwellers out there.
While this size may set off alarm bells in the health department, another huge advantage of this mix is their resistance to illness. Descending from two voracious work breeds, this cross is known for its resistance to many such illnesses and bacteria-related health conditions – guaranteeing a long and happy life.
The Bad Side of the Maltipompapoo
Some of the downsides to keep in mind include:
The physical fragility of toy dogs. While the Maltipompapoo is larger than the average Pomeranian due to the Maltipoo parent, they are still prone to injury if mishandled. These dogs are good with children, but excessive rough and tumble in play may result in broken bones or other physical injuries. The same can be said for interaction with bigger dogs – so be mindful if you are looking to introduce this dog as part of a bigger family.
Another downside is their independence and watchdog syndrome. Both Maltese and Pomeranians are vocal breeds with an independent streak and a proclivity towards stubbornness when not getting their way.
This doesn’t mean your dog is impossible to train, and most of the time this breed will be an absolute delight, but be warned there may be some friction when training, and you may need to double down on discipline to quell their urge to bark at everything.
Why is the Maltipoo Pomeranian Cross Bred?
Pros and cons in mind, why exactly is this cross being bred? There are a few reasons.
Maltipoos are already a widely popular breed, and the addition of a Pomeranian gives owners a little bit of variety when looking for a companion dog. This breed may be perfect for a number of personal circumstances, such as if you live in a small space and require a dog that needs less exercise than average, or if you travel lots and anticipate needing a portable dog that fares well when on the road.
But size aside, the Maltipompapoo is being bred largely for its unique temperament. Companion dogs are very popular these days (especially with an increase in working at home) however one looming issue is that of separation anxiety.
Typically, adopting a breed that loves to be around their new family comes with a high level of separation anxiety when they aren’t. The Maltipompapoo cross addresses this issue, as Pomeranians are a rare case of companion that is also perfectly content on their own. It is all about balance, and you should be looking for a dog that is as happy when alone as they are when with others. This ensures no issues arise with any unforeseen changes in circumstance.
What Can be Expected from the Maltipompapoo:
Height & Weight
This dog is small. Between 7″-13” on average, and weighing 4lbs – 17lbs with a healthy lifestyle, your Maltipompapoo will be no trouble to lift or carry for extended durations. With a cross this small, you can rest easy that your new friend will never feel claustrophobic at home or out and about.
Colour & Coat
Coats can range from a medium wavy, typical of that of the Maltipoo, to the long and silky coats of the Pomeranian. With such a range of types in this mix, the Maltipompapoo is a real wildcard, and there is no way of knowing for sure what you will get until you see the dog for yourself.
On colors, however, it is fair to say that you can expect a solid color dog of white, cream, brown, or black. While it isn’t unheard of for a Pomeranian to be two colors, it is more than likely your dog will be one.
Maintenance
With a long to medium coat and a variety of hair types, it can be assumed that the Maltipompapoo is on the higher maintenance side. Such a small size will exacerbate issues common with longer coats and so it is important that you keep on top of your dog’s plume with cuts every 6-8 weeks.
Health
As mentioned above, your dog will be robust against illness and bacteria, however, being so small opens up the potential for a variety of physical health issues.
The first is CM/SM. While the Maltipoo genes may negate this, Pomeranians are prone to inheriting this issue in which their brain protrudes from their skull. This may be a bigger issue in some than others, but it is important to keep an eye out for when at the vet’s.
Another issue to be wary of is broken bones and ligament damage. With small bones comes a more fragile skeleton, and as such, this cross suffers an increased likelihood of fractures or breakages.
Temperament
The temperament of this dog is loyal, happy-go-lucky, and affectionate. You may find however that they are sometimes hard-headed and can get lost in their own world. Their independent streak and curiosity give these little dogs a big sense of adventure.
Exercise Needs and Feeding Requirements
These dogs will need feeding three times a day and at around about half a cup of food per pound of weight.
They will require walking twice a day and for anywhere from 20-30 minutes depending on your dog’s energy levels.
The reason for this staggering in routine is to give their stomach and bodies time to recover as their smaller size constitutes diminished stamina when it comes to eating and exercise.
Final Thoughts
This has been a deep dive into the wonderful world of the Maltipompapoo. These delightful little crosses are a bundle of fun wrapped up in a small package, and whether you are after a therapy dog, a companion, or just another friendly face around the house, these pups are just the ticket!
But when it comes to Toy Doodles you have many options to pick from. From the well-known to the relatively unheard of, there are a huge number of crosses on the market to explore, but with such a variety where do you begin? We suggest starting off your search with the ‘Goldendoodle Shih Tzu Mix’.