Are Maltipoos Smarter Than the Average Dog? Breed Cognition Facts & FAQ
The Maltipoo is a designer dog that was created by breeding the Poodle and the Maltese together. The result is a cute, wavy-haired pooch that has the smarts of the Poodle and the curiosity of the Maltese. With this pedigree, are Maltipoos smarter than the average dog? The short answer is that these dogs are indeed thought to be smarter than most dog breeds. Here is everything else that you should know.
It All Starts With the Parents
It’s important to note that all dogs are smart — none are “stupid” or “slow.” But what makes the Maltipoo so smart is that they have a Poodle parent, and the Poodle is considered one of the smartest dog breeds.
The Maltese are also intelligent, but their stubbornness sometimes outshines their smarts. With two intelligent parent breeds to draw from, the Maltipoo typically performs above average in intelligence tests. The Maltipoo’s smarts enable them to efficiently learn from training and perform tasks and services for their human companions.
Their Intelligence Helps the Maltipoo Do Various Things
The intelligence of the Maltipoo enables them to do many things that many other dog breeds aren’t known for doing well. For example, Maltipoos tend to take to obedience training extremely well and can learn a new trick or command in a few hours, if that. Other things that these dogs can do because of their intelligence include:
- Agility competitions
- Therapy support
- Disability services
- Elderly support
- Tricks for entertainment
Maltipoos are also smart enough to figure out their owners and learn how to "manipulate" them into doing the things that they want and to offer the treats that they desire, so prospective owners should beware!
Intelligent Dogs Still Need Training and Direction
Although the Maltipoo is considered highly intelligent, this dog breed, like any other, must receive training and will benefit from direction from their human companions. If left to their own devices, they would not be able to figure the world out and determine the best way to navigate social situations.
A Maltipoo performs and interacts the best when obedience training is made a priority and started early in their life. These dogs should also be socialized as soon as possible by being exposed to new places, people, and animals regularly. With the right direction and training, a Maltipoo’s intelligence is sure to shine.
Final Thoughts
Maltipoos are adorable dogs with plenty of personality and intelligence. They love kids, get along well with other animals, and enjoy spending time in social environments. These dogs require love, attention, direction, and training to be their best selves, but the work put into them is always worth it.
Featured Image Credit: Bokehboo Studios, Shutterstock
GetIn Your Inbox
Want content like this delivered to you?
News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000. In this time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need, both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and flock of chickens.
