The Toy Poodle and the Maltipoo are both small, curly, affectionate dogs that get mixed up all the time — but they're not the same thing. The big difference is simple: a Toy Poodle is a purebred with an FCI standard, while a Maltipoo is a crossbreed (Maltese × Poodle). That one fact drives almost every other difference below. This is part of our complete Toy Poodle breed guide.
The key difference
A Toy Poodle is 100% Poodle, a recognised FCI breed — so its size, coat and temperament are predictable. A Maltipoo is half Maltese, half Poodle — a popular hybrid, but not a recognised breed, so its traits vary more from one dog to the next. Both are small and low-shedding.
Toy Poodle vs Maltipoo at a Glance
| Toy Poodle | Maltipoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Breed status | Purebred (FCI breed) | Crossbreed (not FCI-recognised) |
| Parentage | 100% Poodle | Maltese × Poodle |
| Height | 24–28 cm (FCI standard) | ~20–35 cm (varies) |
| Coat | Curly, single, low-shed | Wavy to curly (varies) |
| Shedding | Very low, predictable | Low, but varies |
| Temperament | Bright, trainable, predictable | Friendly, blend of two breeds |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | ~12–15 years |
| Grooming | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
Breed vs Crossbreed: Why Predictability Matters
A purebred Toy Poodle is bred to a written FCI standard, so a responsible breeder can tell you with confidence roughly how big the puppy will grow, what its coat will be like, and the temperament to expect — and you can see the pedigree behind it. For where the Toy sits in size, see our Toy vs Miniature Poodle guide.
A Maltipoo inherits a mix of Maltese and Poodle genes, so littermates can differ more in size, coat texture and personality — especially in first-generation crosses. That variety is part of the charm for some owners; for others, the predictability of a purebred is exactly what they want. Neither is "better" — it depends on what you're after.
Coat, Shedding & Allergies
Both dogs owe their low-shedding, curly-to-wavy coats to the Poodle side, which is why both are popular with allergy-conscious owners. The Toy Poodle's coat is the more consistent of the two; a Maltipoo's can lean curlier or straighter depending on which parent it favours. Either way, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic — read more in our are Toy Poodles hypoallergenic? guide.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a Toy Poodle if you want a predictable size, coat and temperament, a documented pedigree, and an FCI-recognised breed.
- Choose a Maltipoo if you love the hybrid look and don't mind more variation between individual dogs.
Both make wonderful small companions. If predictability and pedigree matter to you, the purebred Toy Poodle is the surer bet.
Considering a Purebred Toy Poodle?
Valivans breeds red and apricot Toy Poodles in Valencia, Spain — FCI & UKU registered, from health-tested parents, raised in a family home. We deliver across Europe and internationally.
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
A Toy Poodle is a purebred dog recognised by the FCI, so its size, coat and temperament are predictable. A Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle — a popular hybrid, but not a recognised breed, so its traits vary more from dog to dog. Both are small, affectionate and low-shedding.
No. A Maltipoo is half Maltese and half Poodle, while a Toy Poodle is 100% Poodle. They look similar and share the curly, low-shedding coat that comes from the Poodle side, but only the Toy Poodle is a purebred with an FCI standard.
Both are considered good choices for allergy sufferers because the curly Poodle-type coat sheds very little. A purebred Toy Poodle gives the most predictable low-shedding coat, while a Maltipoo's coat can vary depending on which parent it takes after. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
Both are friendly, people-oriented companions. The Toy Poodle's temperament is more predictable because it's purebred — typically bright, trainable and affectionate. A Maltipoo's personality is a blend of two breeds, so it can lean more toward the Maltese or the Poodle side.
No. A Maltipoo is a crossbreed (Maltese × Poodle), not a purebred, and it isn't recognised by the FCI or major kennel clubs as a breed. A Toy Poodle, by contrast, is a purebred with an established FCI standard and pedigree.