The Maltese Poodle Mix with Yorkie: Everything You Need to Know

The Maltese Poodle mix with Yorkie, affectionately known as the Yorkie-Poo or Malt-a-Poo, is a delightful blend of three charming breeds. This designer dog inherits the playful energy of the Yorkshire Terrier, the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, and the gentle nature of the Maltese. Their unique combination of traits makes them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

If you’re considering bringing a Yorkie-Poo or Malt-a-Poo into your life, you’re in for a treat. These dogs are known for their affectionate personalities, playful spirit, and charming looks. But before you take the plunge, there are a few things you should know. This comprehensive guide will answer all your burning questions about the Maltese Poodle mix with Yorkie.

What is a Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mix?

The Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is a hybrid breed created by crossing a Maltese, a Poodle, and a Yorkshire Terrier. It’s a relatively new breed, and as such, there’s no official standard for its appearance or temperament. However, Yorkie-Poos and Malt-a-Poos typically inherit a mix of traits from their parent breeds.

These designer dogs often have a long, silky coat that can range in color from white to black, brown, and tan. They inherit their small size from their parent breeds, typically weighing between 5 and 15 pounds. Their personalities are typically affectionate, playful, and intelligent, making them excellent companions.

What Does a Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mix Look Like?

The Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is a small, adorable dog with a distinct, fluffy appearance. Their coat can range from long and flowing to short and curly, depending on the Poodle parent’s coat type. Their color can be white, black, brown, tan, or a combination of these colors. They often have a long, silky coat with a soft, luxurious texture. Their eyes are usually dark and expressive, and their ears are typically small and floppy.

One of the defining features of the Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is their charming, playful personality. They are known for their affectionate nature, and they love to cuddle and play with their owners. They are also incredibly intelligent and easy to train, making them great family pets.

What is the Temperament of a Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mix?

The Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is known for its charming and affectionate personality. They are typically playful and energetic, but they also enjoy cuddling and being close to their owners. They are generally friendly and social, but they can be a bit shy around strangers.

The Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is also very intelligent and easy to train. They are quick learners and enjoy being challenged. With consistent training, they can be taught a variety of tricks and commands.

How Big Do Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mixes Get?

The size of a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix can vary depending on the size of its parents. However, they are typically small dogs, weighing between 5 and 15 pounds. They are also relatively short, with most adults standing between 8 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder.

It’s important to note that the size of a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix can also be influenced by its diet and exercise habits. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help keep your dog at a healthy weight.

How Much Do Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mixes Cost?

The cost of a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix can vary depending on a number of factors, including the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s lineage, and the location where you purchase the dog. However, you can generally expect to pay between $800 and $2,000 for a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix puppy.

It’s important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Look for a breeder who is willing to provide you with a health guarantee and who is knowledgeable about the breed. You may also want to consider adopting a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix from a rescue organization, as this can be a more affordable option.

What are Some Common Health Issues for Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mixes?

Like all dogs, Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns include:

• Patellar luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness and pain.
• Hypoglycemia: This condition is characterized by low blood sugar, which can lead to weakness, lethargy, and seizures.
• Dental problems: Due to their small size, Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes are prone to dental problems. Regular dental care is essential for their health.
• Eye problems: Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes can also be prone to eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma.

It’s important to choose a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for health issues. You should also have your Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix examined by a veterinarian regularly to catch any potential problems early on.

How Do I Groom a Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mix?

Grooming a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is a relatively simple process. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. You should brush their coat at least once a day, and more often if they are active or live in a humid climate.

You should also bathe your Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix regularly. The frequency of bathing will depend on their lifestyle and coat type. However, most Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes will benefit from a bath every 4-6 weeks. You should use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat clean and healthy.

In addition to brushing and bathing, you should also trim your Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix’s nails regularly. Their nails can grow quickly, and if left untrimmed, they can become overgrown and painful. You can trim their nails using a dog nail clipper or file.

How Do I Train a Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mix?

The Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is a highly intelligent and eager-to-please breed, making them relatively easy to train. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living, but they require regular walks or playtime in a safe area.

Here are some tips for training a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix:

• Start early: Begin training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Early socialization and training will help them develop into well-adjusted dogs.
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, and toys when they perform a desired behavior. Avoid punishment or harsh training methods, as these can make your dog fearful or anxious.
• Be patient and consistent: Training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t learn a new trick right away. Just keep practicing and reward them for their effort.
• Keep training sessions short and fun: Keep training sessions short and engaging to keep your dog’s attention. Use games and toys to make training enjoyable for them.

It’s also important to socialize your Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix early on. This will help them learn how to interact with other dogs and people in a positive way. Introduce them to a variety of people, dogs, and environments to help them become well-rounded dogs.

Are Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mixes Good Family Dogs?

Yes, Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes are often considered to be good family dogs. They are affectionate and playful, and they enjoy spending time with their families. They are also relatively small, which makes them suitable for families with young children. However, it’s important to supervise all interactions between children and dogs, as even the most well-behaved dog can accidentally injure a child.

Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes are typically gentle and patient with children, but they can also be easily overwhelmed or scared by roughhousing or loud noises. It’s important to teach children how to interact with dogs properly and to respect their boundaries.

What are the Pros and Cons of Getting a Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mix?

Pros:

• Affectionate and playful: Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes are known for their loving and playful personalities.
• Intelligent and easy to train: They are quick learners and enjoy being challenged.
• Hypoallergenic: Their coats are generally hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
• Small and portable: Their small size makes them easy to manage and travel with.
• Long lifespan: Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes typically have a long lifespan of 12-15 years.

Cons:

• Prone to certain health issues: Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health problems.
• Can be prone to barking: They can be prone to barking, especially if they are bored or anxious.
• Require regular grooming: Their long coats require regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
• Can be sensitive to cold weather: Their small size and thin coats make them sensitive to cold weather.

Maltese Poodle Yorkie Mix Summary Table

FAQ

Is a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix right for me?

Ultimately, whether a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is right for you depends on your individual lifestyle and preferences. These dogs are great for people who are looking for a small, affectionate, and intelligent companion. They are also a good choice for families with older children who can handle them gently. However, if you are looking for a low-maintenance dog or if you have a very active lifestyle, a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix may not be the right breed for you.

How long do Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes live?

Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes typically have a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, their lifespan can vary depending on their genetics, diet, and exercise habits.

Are Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes hypoallergenic?

While Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes are generally considered to be hypoallergenic, it’s important to note that no breed is truly hypoallergenic. They have a short, dense coat that sheds very little, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies. However, some people with severe allergies may still react to their dander or saliva.

What is the best way to feed a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix?

The best way to feed a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix is to choose a high-quality dog food that is formulated for small breeds. You should also feed them according to their weight and activity level. It’s important to avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to obesity. Your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate diet for your dog.

How much exercise does a Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix need?

Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes need moderate exercise. They require daily walks or playtime in a safe area. They are not high-energy dogs, but they do need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. You can also engage them in interactive games and puzzles to stimulate their minds.

Are Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes prone to barking?

Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes can be prone to barking, especially if they are bored or anxious. It’s important to provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from barking excessively. You can also use training techniques to teach them when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not.

What are some common health issues for Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes?

Maltese Poodle Yorkie mixes can be prone to certain health issues, including patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, dental problems, and eye problems. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for health issues. You should also have your Maltese Poodle Yorkie mix examined by a veterinarian regularly to catch any potential problems early on.