Looking for a fluffy bundle of joy that’s part teddy bear, part Einstein, and 100% adorable? Meet the Goldendoodle-Maltese mix, a pup that takes charm to the next level!
In this article, canine connoisseur Kevin spills the kibble on this furry masterpiece. If you’re in the market for a pooch that combines the hypoallergenic fabulousness of the Maltese with the goofy intelligence of a Goldendoodle, then buckle up, my friend.
Also known as the Golden Maltipoo, this mix is the canine equivalent of a stand-up comedian crossed with a therapist—endlessly entertaining and always there to cuddle your worries away.
Intrigued? Keep reading to discover more about your next fluffy obsession!
Breed Summary
The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix, also known as the Golden Maltipoo, is a hybrid breed resulting from crossbreeding a Goldendoodle with a Maltese. This breed is a designer dog, also known as a designer breed.
The Golden Maltipoo is created through artificial insemination. This is due to the size differences between a Maltese and a Goldendoodle. There are smaller sizes of Goldendoodles, such as Toy and Micro, that could be used to mate with a Maltese.
This breed is not to be confused with a Maltipoo, which is a Poodle mixed with a Maltese. The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is a smaller version of the beloved Goldendoodle breed, making it a perfect choice for those who want the fun and affectionate personality of a Goldendoodle in a smaller package.
One of the most significant advantages of the Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is their intelligence and trainability. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
This breed is also very affectionate and loves to be around people, making them great family pets. Some key characteristics of the Goldendoodle-Maltese mix include:
- Size: This breed is smaller than the standard Goldendoodle, typically weighing between 25 and 50 pounds and standing 13 to 21 inches high at the shoulder.
- Temperament: The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is known for its friendly and affectionate nature. They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train.
- Coat: This breed has a hypoallergenic coat that is curly or wavy, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies.
- Exercise: The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is an active breed that requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
History of the Parent Breeds
The Maltese and the Goldendoodle are breeds bred for different purposes, but both have become popular and beloved companion dogs.
The Maltese has a long history as a lapdog, while the Goldendoodle is a relatively new breed created to be a hypoallergenic guide dog. Let’s take a close look at both parent breeds.
Maltese
The Maltese is an ancient breed that originated on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. This breed has been around for over 2,000 years and was highly valued by the aristocracy in ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt.
The Maltese is a small dog initially bred as a lapdog and companion. They are known for their long, silky white hair and affectionate personalities.
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a relatively new breed created in the 1960s by breeding a Golden Retriever with a Poodle.
This crossbreed aimed to create a dog with the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle and the friendly, loyal nature of the Golden Retriever. The Goldendoodle is a medium to large-sized dog known for its curly, hypoallergenic coat and friendly personality.
The Poodle crossbreed trend started with the Labradoodle in the late 20th century. Breeders began crossing purebred Poodles with other pedigree breeds to obtain a dog with the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat and desirable characteristics from other breeds. The Goldendoodle was one of the resulting breeds from this trend.
The Goldendoodle was initially bred to be a guide dog for people with allergies, but they quickly became popular as family pets due to their friendly and affectionate nature.
They are now one of the most well-loved hybrid dog breeds and are familiar sights among working and companion dogs.
Appearance
The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is a small to medium-sized dog with a charming appearance. Here are some details about the appearance of this hybrid breed:
- This breed has a small, round head with floppy ears.
- Their eyes are usually dark and expressive.
- Their body is compact and muscular, with a short tail.
- The average weight of this breed ranges from 15-35 pounds.
- The height of this breed ranges from 10-20 inches at the shoulder.
Coat Type
The coat of the Goldendoodle-Maltese mix can be curly or wavy, depending on the dominant genes inherited from its parents. The coat is usually soft and fluffy, making it a favorite among dog lovers.
This breed is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Coat Colors
The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix can come in a variety of colors. Below is a list of possible colors:
- Solid white
- Light tan
- Lemon
- Cream
- Black
- Gray
- Red
- White
- Brown
- Yellow
- Golden
The coat color of this breed is usually determined by the genes inherited from its parents. It is important to note that the coat color of this breed can change as it grows older.
Coat Patterns
The coat pattern of the Goldendoodle-Maltese mix can also vary. Some dogs may have solid colors, while others may have a combination of colors.
Typical coat patterns:
- Solid
- Parti
- Merle
- Phantom
- Tuxedo
- Abstract
- Solid white coat pattern
- Light tan shades on the ears
The parti-color and merle are relatively uncommon in Doodle mixes.
Size
The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is a small to medium-sized dog breed. Its adult size strongly depends on the size of its parents.
It is perfect for people who want a smaller dog but still want the fun-loving personality of a Goldendoodle.
Height
When fully grown, they are typically 10-20 inches tall at the shoulder. The height of the Goldendoodle Maltese mix can vary depending on the size of its parents. Generally, they are smaller than a standard-sized Goldendoodle and larger than a Maltese.
Weight
The weight of a Golden Maltipoo is usually between 15-35 pounds, which is smaller than a standard-sized Goldendoodle. They are an excellent option for people who want a smaller dog but still want the fun-loving personality of a Goldendoodle.
Temperament
The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is a friendly, energetic, intelligent, playful, and affectionate dog. They make an excellent choice for new owners or large families as they adapt well to any environment.
They are social dogs and love to be around people. They are sensitive and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. However, with proper training and socialization, they can learn to be independent and confident.
One of the most significant traits of the Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is their joyous nature. They are always happy and eager to please their owners. They are also known to be cuddly and love to be around their owners, making them great lap dogs.
These dogs are easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning new things.
The adaptability of the Goldendoodle-Maltese mix is another notable trait. They can adjust to different living situations and environments, making them perfect for families who move frequently.
In summary:
- They are friendly, energetic, and intelligent dogs.
- They are sensitive and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
- They are social dogs that love to be around people.
- They are joyous and cuddly dogs that love to be around their owners.
- They are easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners.
- They are adaptable dogs that can adjust to different living situations and environments.
Health Issues
Like any mixed breed, the Goldendoodle-Maltese mix may be predisposed to specific health issues. The table below highlights a few breed-specific diseases this mix may be vulnerable to.
Disease | Parent Breed Affected | Description | Preventive Measures |
Hip Dysplasia | Goldendoodle | A deformity of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis | Weight management, regular vet check-ups |
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Both | A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness | Regular eye check-ups |
Addison’s Disease | Goldendoodle | An endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones | Regular vet check-ups, hormone replacement |
White Shaker Syndrome | Maltese | Causes full-body tremors; white dogs are more affected | Anti-inflammatory medication, supportive care |
Patellar Luxation | Maltese | Kneecap dislocation, common in smaller breeds | Weight management, surgical intervention if severe |
Atopic Dermatitis | Both | Allergic skin disease causing itchiness and discomfort | Anti-allergic medication, topical treatments |
Lifespan
The Goldendoodle-Maltese mix has a relatively long lifespan of 10-15 years. However, this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise.
Caring for a Goldendoodle-Maltese mix
To ensure a long and healthy life for your Goldendoodle-Maltese mix, it is important to provide them with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care.
Regular check-ups can help detect any potential health issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and management.
Feeding requirements
- Provide a nutritious diet to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
- Avoid overfeeding or feeding table scraps, as this can lead to digestive issues and weight gain.
Exercise needs
- Goldendoodle-Maltese mixes require regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity.
- Daily walks or playtime can help meet their exercise needs.
Grooming
- Regular grooming is important to prevent issues such as ear infections and allergies.
- Brushing the coat and cleaning the ears regularly can help prevent these issues from arising.
Training
- Goldendoodle-Maltese mixes are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.
- Positive reinforcement training methods are recommended to encourage good behavior.
Attention
- Goldendoodle-Maltese mixes thrive on attention and may become anxious or destructive if left alone for extended periods.
- Providing plenty of attention and socialization can help prevent these issues from arising.
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