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View 6 More +Maltipoos have an awful lot going for them—they’re intelligent, trainable, affectionate, and have an infectious cheerful disposition. A cross between the Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Maltese, Maltipoos are small, sprightly dogs that come in a variety of colors including white, cream, black, apricot, red, and brown.
Breed Overview
Height:
6–14 inches
Weight:
5–12 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Brown, but also black, tan, apricot, cream, and white
Suitable for:
Small houses and apartments, families with children
Temperament:
Active, friendly, outgoing, intelligent
Though you can often find Maltipoos in various shades similar to brown, like beige and tan, truly brown Maltipoos are a deep chocolate color and are pretty rare due to their genetic makeup.
To understand the brown Maltipoo (and Maltipoos in all colors and shades) better, we need to first look into the history of its parent breeds—the Poodle and the Maltese, so let’s get started.
Brown Maltipoo Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Brown Maltipoos in History
The Maltipoo is a modern “designer” breed that originated in the United States in the 1990s, but its two parent breeds—the Poodle and the Maltese—go back much longer. Standard Poodles first started to be developed in medieval Germany as water retrievers.
Water retrievers are dogs that were bred to fetch waterfowl from bodies of water. Because of this, Poodles are excellent swimmers. The breed’s name comes from the word “pudel” or “pudelin”, a German word that means “to splash in the water.”
Though the Maltese’s exact origins aren’t quite as clear, it is possible that the Phoenicians were responsible for bringing their ancestors to Malta several thousands of years ago.
Their ancestors were popular lapdogs (and fashion statements) for wealthy women and were a source of intrigue for the Greeks in the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. As a result of this intrigue, the Maltese’s image was immortalized in ancient Greek art. These dogs have also been the subjects of Roman myths and legends.
Later, post-Roman Empire, it was Chinese breeders who were responsible for preventing the breed’s extinction.
How Brown Maltipoos Gained Popularity
Both Maltipoo parent breeds had been popular for hundreds and thousands of years before the curly little hybrid dog burst onto the scene in the 1990s. They’re what are known as “designer” dogs—breeds created by pairing two pure-bred dogs with the purpose of combining the very best characteristics of each.
The Maltipoo is certainly a wonderful representation of the two parent breeds, with the gentleness of the Maltese and the spunkiness and intelligence of the Poodle. This, not to mention how cute and affectionate they are, accounts for why Maltipoos have become so popular.
Furthermore, Maltipoos are small dogs suited to both house and apartment living and are labeled “hypoallergenic”, which means they don’t shed much dander, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. Just bear in mind, though, that no dog is truly hypoallergenic because they all shed to an extent.
Formal Recognition of the Brown Maltipoo
The American Kennel Club does not recognize designer dogs like the Maltipoo. The Kennel Club in the UK does not recognize Maltipoos, either. However, the two parent breeds are recognized by both kennel clubs and have been so for a pretty long time.
The Poodle was first officially recognized by the AKC in 1887 and the Maltese was officially recognized one year later in 1888.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Brown Maltipoos
1. Maltipoos Are Very Expensive
Maltipoos typically cost between $800 and $1,000, but some cost upwards of $2,500. Maltipoos with rare-colored coats like brown and phantom are often the most expensive.
2. The bb Gene Results in a True Brown Maltipoo
Maltipoos that are truly brown do not have any black pigmentation—their deep chocolate brown color is caused by the bb gene.
3. Maltipoos Are Prone to Tear Staining
Lighter-colored Maltipoos are especially prone to tear staining, which is red/brown discoloration under the eyes caused by porphyrin in tears. In some cases, it’s caused by a medical condition.
Does a Brown Maltipoo Make a Good Pet?
Maltipoos are typically fun-loving, spirited, and loving little dogs that make the perfect companion as long as they’ve been properly socialized and trained. Maltipoos in loving homes tend to thrive off of human companionship and love being involved in all family activities.
They don’t shed much, which is a bonus, but their coats require daily brushing as they’re prone to knotting and tangles like their two parent breeds. Another thing to be mindful of is that Maltipoos can be quite sensitive, particularly to a lot of noise or an otherwise chaotic environment. For this reason, they may be best suited to quiet homes. They’re also said to be prone to separation anxiety.
Final Thoughts
To recap, a Maltipoo is a blend of the Toy or Miniature Poodle and the Maltese and has inherited plenty of wonderful traits from both parent breeds. As such, they often make excellent family dogs, but one of the major drawbacks is how expensive they are. Adoption is a great alternative to buying from a breeder, so that’s an option well worth considering.
See also:
- How Much Do Boston Terriers Shed? Facts & Groom Tips
- Why Is My Boston Terrier Licking So Much? 5 Likely Reasons
Featured Image Credit: Alex Boc, Shutterstock
