Moodles: Low-maintenance Companion Dogs
Moodles, or also commonly referred to as Maltipoo outside of Australia, is perhaps the cutest and cuddliest pet one can ask for!
Although they are not a specific dog breed, as they are a hybrid mix between a Maltese and a Toy-size or miniature Poodle, these low-maintenance dogs are one of the most popular designer dog breeds for pet owners. Designer dog breeds are dogs specifically bred for domestication and companionship, a trait which the Maltipoo has mastered with its gentle and sweet disposition.
Moodle Fun Facts:
Standing at an average height of 20cm to 26cm, when full grown, and weight falling around 3kg to 9kg, they are mostly classified as “toy-sized” dogs, but may grow to be taller and larger, depending if the size of their poodle parent. Their particularly small size ensures that they live longer lives than most dogs. Moodles often have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years if they are properly cared for.
Inheriting the intelligence and curiosity of the Poodle, they are sensitive to their surroundings and can adapt easily to indoor living, making them great pets to keep at home. Fortunately as well, their Poodle parents were able to pass on their laser focus to the Maltipoo making it easy to housebreak and train them. Thus, they can be perfect pets for first-time dog owners as they are low-maintenance, sweet, and loving.
From their Maltese parents, the Maltipoo got their sociable personalities as they are not afraid to interact with, and hop into their human’s lap for cuddles. Their people-oriented outlook paired with the ease in training them solidifies their status as perfect companion dogs!
What do Moodles look like?
Moodles have small, short, and round faces that are common among the maltese. They have huge rounded dark eyes that spark with brilliance and curiosity. Their long and floppy ears are situated well above their eyes, flowing smoothly down the side of their head, framing their
small round faces.
Their bodies are often built like poodles, with slim long legs, a flat back, and a petite elongated torso. Their tails are quite long and slim, as their bodies are, and fall just a bit past their knees.
Maltipoos have soft, curly coating that have a tendency to tangle and mat easily. Hence, they would often require frequent brushing, which isn’t so hard to do, given that maltipoos are gentle and love curling into the laps of their owners. They often come in lighter colors of white, cream, apricot, beige and a light caramel color. This is due to the fact that most maltese sport clean white coats, but of course their coloring still depends on their parents and the uncertainty of the cross-breeding process.
Since both Maltese and Poodles possess non-shedding coatings, it is only natural for Moodles to possess this trait as well, making them cute hypoallergenic dogs that even allergic dog lovers would be able to take home. This quality also further backs up their title as low- maintenance dogs as owners wouldn’t have to worry so much about grooming and cleaning up after them.
Moodle
Temperament
As gentle creatures, Moodles are known to be affectionate, relaxed, and friendly. They are very easy to care for as they have low tendencies to howl, dig or drool. Maltipoos make for great companion dogs as they can be very playful and mingle well with little children, strangers,
and other animals. Since they are incredibly intelligent dogs, it would be wise to teach them to be a bit suspicious of strangers so they wouldn’t get dog-napped easily, as they are very trusting and would let strangers carry and pet them without complaints.
However, this intelligence can be a double-edged sword as Maltipoos are very sensitive. They don’t tolerate harsh and firm treatment very well. This would often cause them stress and may lead them to develop behavioural problems. Thus, when dealing with Moodles, it is
important to match their friendly and gentle disposition and always shower them with patience and affection.
Their sociable and friendly personality can be delightful especially when out for walks or when guests come to visit as they can be energetic and entertaining. However, due to their people-oriented lifestyles, Maltipoos cannot tolerate being alone and may become restless and unhappy if left alone for long periods of time. They are called companion dogs, after all.
Unlike most dogs of their size, Moodles have relatively low levels of energy. Hence physical and mental stimulation is not much of a problem with them. They can easily be entertained by playing with their toys inside the house, interacting with children and other pets, frolicking in the yard, or even just hanging out on the couch while lounging right next to their owners. Thus, if you are the kind of owner who frowns upon the active lifestyle and would rather keep it low-maintenance, then Maltipoos are the perfect pet for you!
Moodle
What to expect
If you are living with a moodle pup in the house, then you have to remain vigilant, especially if the pup is just learning house training. Moodles can be very fragile and delicate because of their small size, what more if they are little pups!
Due to their people-oriented disposition and eagerness to please, they might have a tendency to follow their owners around the house, as they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone. Thus, it is imperative, before plopping down on the couch or putting down big and heavy objects, to check the surrounding area for the presence of the Moodle. They love to curl up next to you, hide underneath furniture and lounge around the house, so you need to be careful not to sit on them or drop something heavy on them.
Thus, with their cheeky and sunny disposition, sensitivity and intelligence, and their general chill and laid-back attitude, it is easy to fall in love with Moodles. They make for great human companions and are loyal pets. With very minimal grooming needs, independence, and trainability, they are the perfect pets for first-time dog owners looking for low-maintenance entry-level dogs with a cute and cuddly appearance!
