Havapoo vs. Maltipoo: The Main Differences (With Pictures)

Havapoo vs Maltipoo: A Detailed Comparison
If you‘re looking for an affectionate, low-shedding lap dog, you may be trying to decide between a havapoo and a maltipoo. These adorable poodle mixes have a lot in common, but some key differences as well. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m here to provide an in-depth look at how these breeds compare to help you choose the ideal furry companion.

Ancestry and History
Both havapoos and maltipoos are designer dog breeds created by crossing a poodle with another small dog breed. Havapoos are a cross between a poodle and a Havanese dog, while maltipoos have a poodle parent and a Maltese parent.

The poodle breed originated in Germany around 400 years ago, where they were used as water retrievers. Their intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coats have made them a popular choice for creating hybrid breeds like havapoos and maltipoos.

Havanese dogs are native to Cuba, likely descending from small companion dogs brought to the island by European sailors in the early 1600s. They became the favored lapdogs of the Cuban aristocracy. After the Cuban Revolution, many Havanese dogs were brought to the United States.

The Maltese is an ancient breed that has existed for over 2000 years, believed to have originated on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Maltese dogs were popular pets among royalty and nobility throughout history.

While the exact origins of havapoos and maltipoos are uncertain, these hybrid breeds have become increasingly popular over the past 20-30 years due to their cute appearance, small size, and friendly temperaments. However, it‘s important to note that mixed breed dogs can inherit traits from either parent breed, so their appearance and personality can vary.

Size Comparison
One of the main differences between havapoos and maltipoos is size, although both are considered small dogs:

Havapoos typically stand 8-15 inches tall and weigh 7-30 pounds when fully grown. Their size can vary quite a bit depending on their poodle parent – toy poodle crosses will be smaller than miniature poodle mixes.

Maltipoos tend to be slightly smaller on average, usually measuring 8-14 inches tall and weighing 5-20 pounds. Again, their adult size depends on whether they have a toy or miniature poodle parent.

Of course, these are generalizations – any individual dog may fall outside these ranges. But if you have a size preference, this is a factor to keep in mind when choosing between a havapoo and maltipoo.

Temperament and Personality
Both havapoos and maltipoos are bred to be friendly companion dogs, so they have some personality traits in common:

• Affectionate and people-oriented
• Intelligent and trainable
• Good with other pets and children when socialized properly
• Can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone too long
• Need a moderate amount of exercise

However, there are some general differences in temperament to be aware of:

Havapoos are known for being gentle, even-tempered dogs. They love being with their owners and will often follow them from room to room. They‘re usually patient with children and other animals. While they can experience some separation anxiety, they tend to be less prone to this than maltipoos. They also aren‘t very "yappy" and don‘t tend to bark excessively.

Maltipoos tend to be a bit more high-energy and excitable than havapoos. They bond very deeply with their owners and hate being left alone. Many maltipoos experience significant separation anxiety and will bark constantly when their owner is gone, which can be a problem for apartment living. Early training is essential to prevent excessive barking. On the plus side, maltipoos‘ affectionate, intuitive nature makes them excellent therapy dogs.

Of course, every dog is an individual. These breed traits are generalizations – your havapoo or maltipoo‘s unique personality will be shaped by factors like socialization, training, and their individual genetic makeup.

Grooming Needs
Many people are drawn to poodle mixes because they are considered low-shedding and hypoallergenic. However, it‘s a myth that any dog can be 100% hypoallergenic – all dogs produce some allergens. But havapoos and maltipoos are a good choice for many allergy sufferers due to their poodle heritage.

Havapoos‘ coats are usually soft, wavy or loosely curled. They need regular brushing (at least 2-3 times a week) and the occasional bath to prevent matting. Their coats continue to grow, so they need haircuts every 4-8 weeks. Havapoos‘ floppy ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections. Overall, they are fairly low-maintenance in the grooming department.

Maltipoos‘ coats are usually long, soft and silky. They often have more of their Maltese parent‘s straight, fine hair rather than classic poodle curls. Daily brushing is a must to prevent mats and tangles. They need baths every 3-4 weeks and regular haircuts. Their fast-growing nails need monthly trimming. Maltipoos are also prone to tear stains around their eyes that need regular cleaning. So maltipoos are a bit higher maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Regular dental care is also important for both breeds. Daily tooth brushing is ideal, or at least a few times a week. This prevents painful dental disease down the road.

While you can handle basic grooming tasks like brushing at home, I recommend taking your havapoo or maltipoo to a professional groomer every 4-8 weeks for a haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning and anal gland expression. Groomers have the experience and tools to safely take care of these needs.

Exercise and Activity Level
Despite their small size, both havapoos and maltipoos have a moderate amount of energy and need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A good target to aim for is 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day, broken up into a couple walks and some playtime.

Havapoos love going on walks and playing games like fetch. They have a playful streak and enjoy romping with their owners. They tend to match their owner‘s activity level – they‘re up for hikes and trips to the dog park, but also content with short walks and indoor playtime.

Maltipoos have a bit more energy to burn. In addition to daily walks, they need plenty of playtime to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Puzzle toys and games provide important mental stimulation. Many maltipoos enjoy trips to the dog park during off-peak hours to socialize and burn off steam.

When exercising your havapoo or maltipoo, watch for signs of fatigue like excessive panting or lagging behind. Flat-faced dogs are prone to overheating. Limit outdoor exercise on hot days and always bring water. Also be cautious with high-impact activities like jumping, as small dogs are prone to orthopedic injuries. Low-impact activities like swimming are a great option.

Health Concerns
No dog breed is without health issues, and havapoos and maltipoos are prone to some inherited conditions. However, both are generally healthy breeds with an average lifespan of 10-15 years.

Potential health concerns in havapoos include:

• Hip dysplasia and luxating patellas
• Various eye disorders like cherry eye and cataracts
• Heart conditions like valve disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Allergies and skin problems

Maltipoos have similar health risks, as well as:

• Collapsing trachea
• Portosystemic shunt
• Epilepsy
• Dental disease
• White shaker syndrome

Of course, not every dog will develop these problems. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for common issues to reduce the risk of passing them on. If you‘re buying a havapoo or maltipoo puppy, ask the breeder for health test results on the parents.

To keep your dog healthy, take them to the vet at least once a year for a checkup and preventive care. Feed a high-quality diet, keep them at a healthy weight, and stay up-to-date on vaccines, flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Brushing their teeth and providing dental chews also supports their health.

Which Breed is Right For You?
Choosing between a havapoo and maltipoo ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. They have similar grooming and exercise needs. Both can be good choices for apartment living as long as you help them get enough mental and physical stimulation.

Maltipoos‘ tendency to bark could be an issue if you have close neighbors. Havapoos are a bit quieter and more lowkey. Maltipoos also tend to have more separation anxiety, so they need an owner who is home more often.

Size may also be a factor – while both breeds are small, havapoos are a bit larger on average. This could be a pro or a con depending on your size preference.

I recommend meeting some adult havapoos and maltipoos in person to get a feel for their personality and to see which you connect with more. Many owners say their havapoo or maltipoo is the perfect fit for their family – these loving, loyal dogs have a way of stealing your heart.

If you think a havapoo or maltipoo is right for you, I encourage you to adopt from a shelter or rescue if possible. If you go through a breeder, do thorough research to find an ethical breeder who health tests their dogs. Avoid pet stores and online ads, as these often come from puppy mills.

Whichever breed you choose, get ready for your life to be filled with love and laughter. With proper care and training, havapoos and maltipoos make wonderful companions that will be by your side for many years to come.