Cheerful, clever and affectionate, Moodles blend Maltese charm with poodle smarts to create a small, family-friendly dog with low-shedding curls, though they do need regular grooming to stay tidy.
Personality and temperament
Moodles are teddy-bear like in their looks and nature. They bond quickly to their humans and don’t like to let them out of their sight. Going to the bathroom? Your Moodle is more than happy to come along for the journey. As Moodles tend to have gentle and cheerful personalities, they make great little play buddies for kids and are a safe choice for first-time owners and seniors. They love warming laps and accepting numerous pats but can be fearful of strangers. If someone is about to ring your doorbell (or cross the street), your Moodle will feel it’s their duty to let you know.
Size and appearance
As a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, two words apply when describing their appearance: cute and cuddly. Depending on whether their Poodle parent was a Toy or Miniature, they can weigh up to 8kg, but most weight slightly less making them easy to pick up and carry. It’ll be impossible to say no to their big round eyes (you’ll need to be strong!) and that mass of curly/wavy fur – allergy-friendly – requires regular grooming.
History
This little Aussie champion came about when Australian breeders mixed two popular small-sized hounds in the 1990s – the Maltese and the Poodle (typically the Toy or Miniature version). Their popularity here grew steadily with owners wanting a small-sized, intelligent but gentle dog that’s hypoallergenic and cuddly. While not recognised as an official breed with all associations, they pride themselves in being part of the new ‘oodle’ trend– think Labradoodle, Schnoodle, Sheepadoodle. Yes, those are actual dog breeds. Today, Moodles (also called Maltipoo) are hugely popular in both Australia and in New Zealand.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Moodles are generally healthy pooches, but they can be affected by some inherited health conditions, including:
- Patella luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Dental disease (very common in small dogs)
- Inherited eye diseases, including cataracts and progressive vision loss
- Allergies and skin sensitivities
- Ear infections (due to floppy, hair-covered ears)
- Collapsed trachea (where the windpipe weakens and obstructs airflow)
- Heart conditions (mitral valve disease in older dogs)
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Moodle healthy.
Food and exercise
It’s essential these sweet little dogs are fed a highly nutritious, small-breed-specific diet. Moodles, like humans, tend to gain weight if overfed and under exercised so watch their portion control (avoid eye contact with them or you’ll cave).
Surprisingly for such a small breed, Moodles need around 30-60 minutes of daily exercise. This doesn’t have to be long trail runs – in fact it’s better for their little legs if it isn’t – instead try short walks, gentle play, park visits and puzzle feeders.
Grooming and maintenance
Moodles are low-shedding, so they won’t leave much fur around the house, but their grooming requirements put them in the high-maintenance category. To keep them happy and healthy, you will need to commit to brushing several times a week and a regular appointment at the groomers every couple of months.
- Bathe: every 3-4 weeks
- Professional groom: every 6-8 weeks
How to groom your Moodle
- Fur: brush 3-4 times a week with a slicker bush and comb
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly and watch for wax, debris and moisture
- Eyes: wipe gently to reduce tear staining
Training and space requirements
Moodles tend to bond fiercely with their humans from a young age, however socialisation as a puppy can help with separation anxiety. As intelligent, eager-to-please dogs, training Moodles can be very successful, especially with positive reinforcement and short training sessions.
With enough exercise and time with their humans, this breed can adapt to small space living – apartments, townhouses and small houses can make great homes for them. Mental stimulation in the form of interactive toys and food puzzles can stop boredom getting them down.
Best suited for…
Moodles are gentle, friendly hypoallergenic little pooches who love spending as much time with their human as possible. They suit just about anyone who is looking for a constant companion, including young families, seniors, first-time dog owners and those looking for a low-shedding fluffy housemate. Just make sure you get friendly with your local dog groomer – you’ll be spending plenty of time there.
