Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Learn more.
The Chihuahua Maltese Poodle mix, also known as the Malchipoo, is a designer dog breed that is becoming increasingly popular. This crossbreed was created to provide allergy-free dogs, and it has become a favorite of those who are allergic to canines. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating hybrid breed!
Table of Contents
What Is A Malchipoo?
The Malchipoo is a tri-crossed mixed breed dog between a chihuahua, maltese, and poodle. The only way to breed a Malchipoo is to cross a maltipoo, malchi, or a chipoo with the missing purebred parent breed (e.g., a maltipoo and a chihuahua).
This mixed breed is not a purebred dog and does not have Kennel Club registration. However, the Malchipoo can be registered with a number of designer dog clubs, including the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).
What Was The Chihuahua Maltese Poodle Mix Bred For?
There are a lot of different kinds of dogs out there, and each one has its own unique history. The Chihuahua Maltese Poodle mix is no exception. This adorable little dog was originally bred for one specific purpose: to be a companion animal. And that’s exactly what they excel at!
These playful pups are known for their loving and affectionate nature, and they make wonderful additions to many families. So if you’re looking for a furry friend to cuddle up with on the couch, the Chihuahua Maltese Poodle mix might be the perfect breed for you.
Malchipoo Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
The Malchipoo is a small dog breed, with adults weighing anywhere from 4 to 12 pounds. They typically stand between 8 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat Colors & Texture
The Malchipoo can come in a wide variety of coat colors, including black, white, brown, cream, apricot, and red. Their coat is usually either wavy or curly, and it is often described as being soft and silky to the touch.
Shedding & Grooming
Malchipoos are considered low to moderate shedders. Each of the parent breeds in this mix is considered low shedders, but if the chihuahua is dominant, they may shed a little more. In general, they will shed a little throughout the year and slightly more in the spring and fall.
Unfortunately, all animals with hair/fur shed a little; even people do!
In terms of grooming, the Malchipoo will need to be brushed on a regular basis to prevent their coat from becoming tangled or matted. They should also be given a bath every few weeks to keep their skin and coat healthy.
Also, they’ll need their nails trimmed every month or so, and their teeth should be cleaned at least once a week to prevent dental problems.
Are Chihuahua Maltese Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
One of the reasons that the Malchipoo is such a popular breed is because they are considered to be hypoallergenic. This means that they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to dog dander.
Ears & Tail
The Malchipoo has long, floppy ears that are similar to those of the poodle. They also have a long, feathered tail that is often described as being “plume-like.”
Eye Color
Malchipoos have large, round eyes that are typically dark brown in color.
Lifespan
These dogs typically have a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, there are a number of factors that can influence a Malchipoo’s lifespan, such as diet, exercise, and genetics.
For example, Malchipoos that are well-fed and exercised regularly tend to live longer than those that are not. Additionally, Malchipoos with parents that have a long lifespan are more likely to inherit that longevity. Ultimately, the best way to ensure a healthy and long life for this breed is to provide them with plenty of love and care.
Common Health Issues
The Malchipoo is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health issues that affect this breed include patellar luxation, congenital heart defects, and tracheal collapse.
Patellar luxation is a condition in which the knee joint slips out of place. This can be painful for dogs and may require surgery to correct.
Congenital heart defects are abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. These defects can range in severity, and some may require treatment with medication or surgery.
Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea (windpipe) collapses. This can cause difficulty breathing and may require surgery to correct.
While these health problems can be severe, it’s important to remember that they are not common. The vast majority of Malchipoos are healthy dogs that enjoy long, happy lives.
Trainability & Intelligence
The Malchipoo is a very intelligent breed and is typically easy to train. They are quick to learn new commands, tricks, or behaviors and excel in obedience training.
This breed is also very food motivated, meaning they are more likely to respond to positive reinforcement (such as treats) than negative reinforcement (such as scolding).
When training this breed, it is important to use positive reinforcement techniques and to be consistent with your commands. Training sessions should be short, sweet, and fun for both you and your dog.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
These dogs are a relatively active breed, and they need a moderate amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. A daily walk or play session is typically sufficient to meet their needs.
However, it’s important to note that every dog is different, and some may require more exercise than others. Additionally, puppies and older dogs may have different exercise needs than adult dogs.
When it comes to exercise, it’s important to listen to your dog and provide them with the amount of activity they enjoy and need.
Too much exercise can be just as harmful as too little. Also, in between walks, fetch, and tug-of-war sessions, it’s a good idea to give them plenty of stimulating toys and puzzles to keep their minds occupied.
Temperament & Behavior
The Malchipoo is a friendly and loving breed that gets along well with people and other animals. They are typically gentle and playful, and they make great companions for both children and adults.
Do Malchipoos Bark A Lot?
This breed is not known for being a “barker,” but every dog is different. Some Malchipoos may bark more than others, and some may bark only when they are excited or feel threatened.
If you are looking for a quiet dog, it’s important to meet several Malchipoos before you choose one. This will give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of barking behavior.
At the end of the day, you can always help train them to bark less if you’re finding they’re barking more than you’d like. But in general, this is a quieter breed than many.
Do Malchipoos Like To Cuddle?
Malchipoos are a loving breed that enjoys spending time with their humans. They are typically very affectionate and love to cuddle.
If you are looking for a lapdog that will snuggle up with you on the couch, Malchipoos are a great choice.
Are Malchipoos Good With Kids?
The Malchipoo is a gentle and loving breed that gets along well with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, which makes them great playmates for kids.
As long as the kids know not to be too rough with them, they should have a wonderful relationship.
Are Malchipoos Good With Other Dogs?
Malchipoos are a social breed that loves being around other animals. They typically get along well with other dogs and can even do well with cats if they are raised together.
While they’re naturally good with other dogs, socializing them is still important, so they learn how to play nicely with new dogs.
Are Malchipoos Good With Strangers?
The Malchipoo is a friendly breed that loves meeting new people. They are typically outgoing and happy to meet anyone, making them great family dogs.
Again, it’s still important to socialize them, so they learn how to behave around new people, animals and when in new situations.
Are Malchipoos Good Apartment Dogs?
The Malchipoo is a relatively active breed, but they don’t need a lot of space to stay happy and healthy. They typically do well in apartments and small homes, as long as they get a daily walk or play session.
This breed is also relatively quiet, which means they won’t disturb your neighbors with excessive barking.
What Is The Price Of A Chihuahua Maltese Poodle Mix?
A Malchipoo can be as little as $400 up to $1,500. It really depends on the breeder. However, be very careful when you see puppies going for low prices.
Always make sure you are working with a reputable breeder.
There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies. Be sure to do your research before you purchase a puppy and make sure you are getting a healthy dog.
Where Can You Buy A Malchipoo?
Considering Malchipoos are a newer mixed breed, they aren’t incredibly popular quite yet, which means there aren’t dozens of places to buy one.
However, when looking for a reputable breeder, the best place to start is by asking your veterinarian or other healthy Malchipoo owners where they got their dogs.
You can also look for breeders online, but make sure to do your research before committing to anything. You can check out breeding pages on Facebook or Facebook’s marketplace to see if anyone is breeding Malchipoos in your area. Or, at the very least, find some breeders to contact and see if they sell this breed.
It’s important to be aware that there are many scams out there, so you have to be careful when choosing a breeder. A good breeder will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and will want to meet you in person before selling you a dog.
Final Thoughts
The Malchipoo is a designer breed that is slowly but surely becoming more popular. These dogs make great pets for families with children and are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
If you are thinking about getting a Malchipoo, make sure you do your research and purchase from a reputable breeder.
Other posts you might find interesting:
The Catahoula Australian Cattle Dog Mix (AKA Catahoula Blue Heeler)