Designer breeds are coveted by many, especially the mixes that are part Poodle. The Maltipoo is a mix between the Maltese and the Poodle, whereas the Yorkiepoo is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle. Both breeds are generally known for having a sweet and playful disposition.

It can be tough to choose between the Maltipoo and the Yorkiepoo. Both are adorable designer breeds with similar features. They are known to have good temperaments and are adored family pets for many. If you want to make an informed decision about which breed is right for you, this article will provide detailed overviews of the Maltipoo and the Yorkiepoo.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Maltipoo Overview

Personality/Character

Maltipoos are intelligent, friendly dogs. They have endless affection for their families and make excellent companions. Likewise, they are incredibly social, meaning they do not enjoy being alone for prolonged periods of time. They crave attention and will grow restless when you are not around. This can lead to your Maltipoo developing separation anxiety.

Maltipoos have high energy levels indoors but are also willing to snuggle calmly on the couch. This makes them suitable for apartment living. They may be prone to nippiness as puppies, but with training, this behavior can be easily curbed. They are known to be vocal and will surely bark when strangers are around, though they are not particularly aggressive.

Exercise

Two twenty-minute walks per day are ideal for a Maltipoo. A walk in the morning and a walk in the evening is suitable for burning off your Maltipoo’s energy, but you should make sure that any activity is done well before bedtime. Too much excitement will make it hard for your dog to sleep.

In addition to these daily walks, playtime is another excellent way to be active with your Maltipoo. For Maltipoos, 20 minutes of playtime will help keep restlessness at bay.

You can tell when your Maltipoo needs to burn some energy by its behavior. If the dog paces, barks, and whines, that is a sign that it needs some activity and mental stimulation.

Training

Maltipoos are intelligent dogs, making training much more manageable. They are also eager to please their owners, and for this reason, they can be perfect for first-time dog owners.

Obedience training will be essential to instill desirable behaviors in your Maltipoo. It may become disobedient and even aggressive if it believes it is the boss. Establishing the household hierarchy early on is the best way to prevent undesirable behaviors before they even begin.

Health & Care

Although Maltipoos shed very minimally, they require daily brushing because mats can quickly form in their fur if left unattended. A Maltipoo’s coat will need to be trimmed once or twice per year. To prevent fur from obscuring its vision, the hair around its face will need more regular attention.

Bathing and cleaning your Maltipoo’s ears can occur monthly or as needed, and nail trimming should be performed at least twice a month. Maltipoos will need their teeth brushed several times per week to boost their oral health.

There are some medical conditions that Maltipoos are at a higher risk for. These include various digestive issues, allergies, skin irritation, and ear infections.

Suitable For:

Maltipoos are great dogs for plenty of family situations. They are smart and sweet-tempered enough for first-time dog owners, energetic for families with children, and relaxed enough for older adults. They adapt well to apartments as well as in households with other pets.

The Maltipoo can be an excellent fit for nearly any household as long as the owner can spend enough time with the animal. Maltipoos do not enjoy being alone and can quickly become distressed if they are separated for too long.

Yorkiepoo Overview

Personality/Character

Yorkiepoos are affectionate, playful, and social dogs. They are always looking to join in on family activities. The Yorkshire terrier inside makes it bold, but it is not as demanding as other small dogs.

Like the Maltipoo, the Yorkiepoo is a great companion. Yorkiepoos have lively spirits and are full of spunk. They are curious dogs that do well with consistent boundaries and regular physical and mental stimulation.

Exercise

Although this dog is energetic, its need for activity is low. One 30-minute walk per day is enough, making the Yorkiepoo a great companion for the elderly.

Yorkiepoos need sufficient outlets for their energy, such as toys or space to roam. Although their exercise needs are low, their need for physical and mental stimulation should not be neglected.

Training

Consistency is critical when training any dog, but especially the Yorkiepoo. Training should begin when your Yorkiepoo is young and should be full of positive experiences. Thankfully, this shouldn’t be too hard since they are intelligent. Plus, they love being with their owners for any reason, even training.

Yorkiepoos may be somewhat easily distracted during training. Yorkshire terriers were bred to catch and kill rats, and some of that prey drive may be ingrained in your pet. Training where there are no distractions is the best way to help your dog maintain its focus.

Health & Care

Like the Maltipoo, the Yorkiepoo does not shed much but still needs daily brushing. Their shared poodle ancestry means that much of their coat care is similar, such as trimming more frequently around the eyes. They don’t need frequent baths but must have their teeth brushed two or three times a week.

When it comes to medical conditions, Yorkiepoos are generally healthy. However, there are some medical problems that they are at a higher risk of developing. These issues can include mobility complications such as patellar luxation or hip dysplasia.

Endocrine problems may also arise, such as hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s disease. Even neurological conditions, like epilepsy, may occur.

Suitable For:

Yorkiepoos are suitable for first-time pet owners since they are easy to train and have excellent temperaments. They are apartment-friendly and are much more tolerant of being alone than the Maltipoo. They are easy to groom and considered hypoallergenic, although there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.

Most Yorkiepoos are not fussy. They are up for anything, whether an outdoor activity or indoor snuggles.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Visually, the Maltipoo and the Yorkiepoo are not too different. And while they share a few personality traits, some significant differences between the two might help you decide which is the right fit for you.

Maltipoos are somewhat livelier than Yorkiepoos and more welcoming of other pets. They do not do well with being alone and can quickly develop separation anxiety if their families are away for prolonged periods.

Yorkiepoos are a bit more patient than Maltipoos, making them more tolerant of younger children. Although they can endure being alone better than the Maltipoo can, they still do not enjoy it. They prefer to soak up your attention whenever possible. They have a stronger prey drive than the Maltipoo and are likelier to chase backyard wildlife.

In the end, either breed could be the perfect fit for you. They are both excellent companions with lots of love to give.

Related Reads:

• Maltipoo vs. Yorkie – How Do They Compare? (With Pictures)
• Maltipoo Yorkie Mix: Dog Breed Guide, Pictures Care, & More

Featured Image Credit: Top – dezy, Shutterstock | Bottom – Mary Swift, Shutterstock