Maltese vs Maltipoo vs Teacup Poodle: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Small Dog

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This is Kim's Pups, Korea's specialized teacup puppy breeder and boutique.

 

Small Dogs with Big Personalities

Small dogs with big personalities steal hearts every day!

While Maltese, Maltipoo, and Teacup Poodles are beloved worldwide, each breed has distinctive traits and temperaments that might make one a better match for your lifestyle than others.

Though all three breeds share adorable small statures, their histories, personalities, and care requirements differ significantly.

At Kim's Pups, we've raised healthy, well-socialized teacup puppies for over 18 years.

Today, we'll compare these three popular breeds to help you find your perfect lifelong companion.

 

 

 

Origins & Breeding Basics

Maltese: An Ancient Aristocratic Breed

The Maltese is a purebred dog with an impressive history dating back 2,800 years to the island of Malta.

This elegant little breed was historically cherished as a companion to Roman nobility and royalty.

Their silky white coats and graceful demeanor have been beloved characteristics for centuries.

Today's Maltese offers owners predictable traits and rich lineage, making them ideal for those seeking traditional beauty and classic canine companionship.

 

Teacup Poodle: Big Brains in Tiny Bodies

Teacup Poodles are essentially smaller versions of Toy Poodles, specifically bred to stand under 10 inches tall.

While standard Poodles originated as water retrievers in Germany and France, smaller varieties evolved as companions for nobility and the wealthy.

Despite their diminutive size, Teacup Poodles maintain the remarkable intelligence and athletic ability of their larger relatives.

These tiny dogs pack impressive brainpower into small packages!

 

Maltipoo: The Best of Both Worlds

The Maltipoo is a designer breed created by crossing a Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

This intentional mix aims to combine the Maltese's gentle temperament with the Poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat.

As a relatively new hybrid, Maltipoos have quickly gained popularity for their teddy bear-like appearance, friendly personalities, and adaptable nature.

Each Maltipoo is unique, with some showing more Maltese traits and others displaying more Poodle characteristics.

 

 

 

Size Matters: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?

When selecting a small dog, size is an important consideration that affects everything from the space they'll comfortably inhabit to the exercise they'll require.

Let's compare the physical dimensions of all three breeds:

 

As you can see, Teacup Poodles are generally the smallest of the three, making them ultra-portable companions who can go almost anywhere with you.

However, their tiny size means they require careful handling and may be more vulnerable to injuries.

Maltese fall into the middle range, offering a perfect balance—small enough to sit comfortably on your lap but sturdy enough to enjoy gentle play.

Maltipoos have the most variation in size, as they can inherit different proportions from their parent breeds.

Some may be quite tiny while others might be on the larger end of the small dog spectrum, offering versatile options.

Pro Tip: When visiting Kim's Pups, try holding and interacting with various sizes of puppies. Feeling what size is most comfortable for you is the best way to determine your preference!

 

 

 

Coat Care: Grooming & Maintenance

One of the most distinctive features of these three breeds is their beautiful coats, each with unique characteristics and care requirements.

 

Maltese: Silky Elegance

The Maltese coat is truly magnificent—long, silky, straight, and pure white. This luxurious coat:

• Requires daily brushing to prevent tangles

• Needs professional grooming every 4-8 weeks

• Grows continuously and sheds minimally

• Often requires a top knot or clip to keep hair out of the eyes

• Can be trimmed into a "puppy cut" for easier maintenance

Many Maltese owners opt for shorter "puppy cuts" that maintain cuteness while reducing grooming time.

However, if you desire the classic floor-length "show dog" style, prepare for dedicated daily grooming sessions.

 

Teacup Poodle: Curly Hypoallergenic Beauty

Teacup Poodles sport the classic Poodle coat—curly, dense, and remarkably hypoallergenic.

Their coat:

• Requires brushing several times weekly to prevent mats

• Needs professional clipping every 4-6 weeks

• Sheds minimally, making them ideal for allergy sufferers

• Can be styled in various ways from classic "poodle cuts" to simpler styles

• Comes in various colors including apricot, black, white, and silver

The Poodle's coat is closer to human hair than typical dog fur, which is why they're so hypoallergenic.

However, this also means they need regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.

 

Maltipoo: Fluffy Teddy Bears

Maltipoos typically have soft, wavy to curly coats that combine characteristics from both parent breeds.

Their coat:

• Generally requires brushing 3-4 times weekly

• Benefits from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks

• Sheds minimally, especially in puppies with more Poodle-like coats

• May be slightly easier to maintain than purebred Maltese coats

• Comes in various colors including cream, white, silver, and apricot shades

The Maltipoo's coat gives them an irresistible teddy bear appearance.

Many owners find their maintenance requirements to be a happy medium between Maltese and Poodles.

 

 

 

Temperament: Personality & Training

Each of these lovable small dogs has a unique personality profile that makes them special.

Understanding these differences can help you find your perfect match!

 

Maltese: Gentle Aristocrats

The Maltese personality features:

• Sweet, gentle affection toward their family

• Moderate energy levels suited to indoor living

• Some stubbornness during training (requiring patience)

• Potential separation anxiety if left alone for long periods

• Good watchdog capabilities despite their small size

• Suitability for homes with older children who can handle them gently

When training a Maltese, consistency and positive reinforcement are key.

They respond well to praise and treats but may occasionally show an independent streak.

Early socialization helps prevent shyness that sometimes occurs in small breeds.

 

Teacup Poodle: Canine Einsteins

Teacup Poodles stand out for their:

• Remarkable intelligence and problem-solving abilities

• Higher energy levels requiring daily mental and physical exercise

• Eagerness to please that makes training enjoyable

• Sensitivity to their owner's moods and emotions

• Adaptability to various living situations

• Compatibility with children who understand gentle handling

Training a Teacup Poodle is typically a rewarding experience thanks to their quick learning and desire to please.

They excel at obedience, tricks, and even complex tasks.

However, their intelligence means they can become bored and mischievous without proper stimulation.

 

Maltipoo: Friendly Extroverts

Maltipoos are beloved for:

• Friendly, outgoing personalities with family, strangers, and other pets

• Playful demeanors that often continue into adulthood

• Moderate exercise needs satisfied by daily walks and play sessions

• Adaptability to various home environments and family structures

• Good balance of affection without extreme dependency

• Good compatibility with children and other pets

Training a Maltipoo is generally straightforward thanks to their intelligence and desire to please.

They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning new things.

Many Maltipoo owners report that their dogs seem to intuitively understand what humans want.

 

Training Insight: Teacup Poodles and Maltipoos often learn commands more quickly, while Maltese may require additional patience during training sessions.

All three breeds respond well to early socialization and positive, reward-based training methods.

 

 

 

Health & Lifespan: Raising a Happy, Healthy Companion

An important part of being a responsible small dog owner is understanding the common health considerations and expected lifespan of each breed.

 

Maltese: Healthy Long-Livers

Maltese typically boast an impressive lifespan of 12-15 years.

They're fairly hardy small dogs, but there are a few potential health issues to watch for:

• Dental problems: Regular dental care is essential due to their small jaws and crowded teeth

• Patellar luxation (knee issues): A condition where the kneecap temporarily dislocates

• Tear staining: Brown-reddish stains beneath the eyes on their white fur

With regular veterinary checkups and quality nutrition, most of these issues can be effectively managed.

 

Teacup Poodle: Tiny but Tough

Teacup Poodles have lifespans varying from 10-18 years. Their extremely small size creates some special health considerations:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Particularly important to feed frequently as puppies

• Dental disease: Too many teeth for their tiny mouths can cause issues

• Patellar luxation: Like other small breeds, knee problems can occur

• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: A joint condition affecting leg/hip joints

Due to their tiny size, Teacup Poodles require special care to protect them from injury.

Purchasing from a responsible breeder helps reduce the risk of genetic health issues.

 

Maltipoo: Benefits of Hybrid Vigor

As a mixed breed, Maltipoos often benefit from what's called "hybrid vigor," enjoying a good lifespan of 10-13 years.

This is the concept that crossbreeding reduces the risk of certain genetic health problems.

Nevertheless, they can still be prone to conditions such as:

• Progressive retinal atrophy: A genetic eye condition that can develop over time

• Patellar luxation: This knee issue common to many small breeds

• Dental disease: Regular dental care is necessary

While Maltipoos are generally robust, regular veterinary checkups and preventative health care are still important to maximize their lifespan and quality of life.

 

Kim's Pups Health Commitment: At Kim's Pups, all our puppies are breastfed for a full two months to ensure optimal nutrition and immune system development.

They receive comprehensive veterinary examinations before going to their new homes, and all our puppies come from parents who have undergone genetic health testing.

 

 

 

Exercise Needs: How Active Should You Be?

Despite their small size, these three breeds have different activity requirements.

It's important to choose a breed that matches your lifestyle and activity level.

 

Maltese: Quiet Companions

Maltese have relatively low exercise requirements, making them ideal for apartment living and less active owners:

• 20-30 minutes of light exercise daily (short walks and indoor play)

• More need for affection and attention than physical stimulation

• Can easily meet exercise needs with indoor play during bad weather

• Prefer clean walking paths to keep their coats from getting dirty

Maltese are the ultimate lap dogs, content to lounge with you on the sofa.

This makes them perfect for those with busy lifestyles or exercise limitations.

 

Teacup Poodle: The Perfect Blend of Energy and Intelligence

Despite their tiny size, Teacup Poodles have surprising energy levels and active minds:

• 30-60 minutes of exercise daily (walks + mental stimulation activities)

• Find great satisfaction in puzzle toys and training games

• Need regular mental challenges to prevent boredom

• Enjoy light daily activity good for weight and joint health

Teacup Poodles are ideal for more active owners or families who enjoy regular light activity with their dog.

Their intelligence thrives on regular training and puzzle games.

 

Maltipoo: The Balanced Middle Ground

Maltipoos are perhaps the most adaptable of the three breeds, offering moderate energy and activity levels:

• 30-45 minutes of activity daily (moderate walks and play sessions)

• Prefer gentle walks and play over running or vigorous exercise

• Have the ability to adapt to their family's activity level

• Enjoy varied training and socialization activities

Maltipoos are perfect for families who enjoy moderate activity.

They'll happily join you for walks on active days and contentedly curl up on your lap on lazy days.

 

Expert Advice: Because all three breeds are small, it's important to adjust walks to their tiny legs.

Shorter, more frequent walks are generally better for all small dogs than longer treks.

 

 

 

Family Friendliness: Compatibility with Children and Other Pets

When finding your perfect companion, compatibility with family members is an important consideration.

Each breed has slightly different ways of interacting with children and other pets.

 

Maltese: Adult-Centered Companions

Maltese are loving and loyal companions but thrive in certain home situations:

• Best suited for older, quieter children

• Delicate build that can be vulnerable to rough play

• Generally fine with other pets but may show some territorial tendencies

• Happiest in adult-only or pet-free homes

If you have children, it's important to teach them proper handling techniques with a Maltese.

These small, elegant dogs can be easily injured if handled carelessly.

 

Teacup Poodle: Careful Friendships

Teacup Poodles are quite spirited and enjoy interaction with children, but their ultra-small size comes with some caveats:

• Better suited for older children rather than toddlers

• Need gentle handling due to their tiny size to avoid injuries

• Generally get along well with other pets but need supervision around larger dogs

• Thrive in pet-friendly homes but need supervised introductions

Teacup Poodles may be more robust than some other small breeds, but their extremely small size still requires special consideration.

They can make wonderful companions in homes with children who know how to handle them gently.

 

Maltipoo: The Family-Friendly Choice

Maltipoos often excel as family dogs with:

• Great compatibility with children of various ages (with proper supervision)

• Playful nature that matches well with active children

• Generally friendly attitude toward other household pets

• Adaptability to various family dynamics

The Maltipoo's friendly temperament and sturdy-for-its-size build make it particularly suitable for families with children.

However, as with any small breed, supervision during play is essential to ensure the safety of both the dog and the child.

 

 

 

FAQ: Your Top Questions About These Popular Breeds

Are these breeds good for first-time dog owners?

All three breeds can be excellent for first-time owners, but each offers different advantages.

Maltipoos are perhaps the most beginner-friendly due to their adaptability and ease of training.

Maltese require more grooming commitment, while Teacup Poodles need more mental stimulation and exercise.

 

How much grooming do these breeds require?

All three breeds are considered high-maintenance in terms of grooming.

Maltese need daily brushing and regular professional grooming every 4-8 weeks.

Teacup Poodles require brushing several times weekly and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

Maltipoos typically need brushing 3-4 times weekly and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

 

Do these small breeds bark a lot?

Small dogs often have a reputation for being vocal, and these breeds are no exception.

Maltese can be quite alert and bark at unfamiliar sounds.

Teacup Poodles are moderately vocal but responsive to training.

Maltipoos vary but tend to be somewhat less vocal than purebred Maltese.

Early training can help manage barking tendencies in all three breeds.

 

How do I choose between these three similar breeds?

Consider your lifestyle, grooming commitment, and personality preferences.

Choose a Maltese if you want an elegant, classic lap dog and don't mind regular grooming.

Pick a Teacup Poodle if you value intelligence and want an active, trainable companion.

Opt for a Maltipoo if you desire a friendly, adaptable dog with moderate grooming needs.

 

Why Kim's Pups Stands Out

• Expert Breeders: KKF and FCI registered with international show experience.

• Health First: Puppies are socialized, vet-checked, and raised with care.

• Global Shipping: Safe delivery worldwide with stress-minimizing travel protocols.

 

 

 

Making Your Final Decision: Which Is Right For You?

After considering all these factors, your perfect match often comes down to lifestyle fit and personal preference.

Here's a simplified guide:

 

Choose a Maltese if:

• You appreciate classic elegance and traditional breeds

• You don't mind dedicated grooming routines

• You want a calm, devoted lap dog

• You prefer a quiet home environment

 

Select a Teacup Poodle if:

• You value high intelligence and trainability

• You enjoy daily mental and physical activities

• You want the smallest possible healthy companion

• You prefer a more independent personality

 

Pick a Maltipoo if:

• You desire a friendly dog that gets along with everyone

• You want a balance of playfulness and affection

• You prefer moderate grooming requirements

• You need adaptability to various living situations

Ready to find your perfect match? Explore Kim's Pups' available puppies and let us guide you through the adoption process!

 

 

 

About the Author

Youngsang Kim is the CEO and a breeder at Kim's Pups and Cheongdampets, a premium teacup puppy store in Seoul, Korea.

With over 18 years of family expertise in the industry, Kim is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and ethics.

Under his leadership, Kim's Pups and Cheongdampets have become trusted names in the teacup puppy world, backed by numerous international accolades and certifications from the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

 

For more information or assistance in finding the perfect Maltipoo—or any of our other Korean Teacup Puppies—please feel free to contact us at any time.

This is Kim's Pups. Thank you.

* Every picture in this article is from Kim's Pups puppies.