Do Maltipoos Shed?

Written by Amber LaRock
Published: September 15, 2022
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If you are thinking of welcoming a Maltipoo into your home, you may be wondering what to expect in terms of shedding. You might even be the proud parent of a Maltipoo already, but you are wondering why your Maltipoo is suddenly shedding so much. No matter what questions you have about Maltipoo shedding, we are here to answer all of your questions!

Let’s get started!

What Is A Maltipoo?

Before we dive into the details of Maltipoo shedding levels, we should first discuss what a Maltipoo is in the first place. A Maltipoo is the product of breeding both a Maltese and a Miniature Poodle, which creates the adorably fluffy hybrid many of us know and love. With them being a combination of both a long haired pup and a curly haired pup, your Maltipoo can either be a perfect combination of both fur types, or they can take after either parent.

What Type Of Coat Does The Maltipoo Have?

a Maltipoo running down the road

Most Maltipoos have medium length hair – the perfect combination of both parents

©Rita Petcu/Shutterstock.com

The Miniature Poodle is known for having short and curly hair, while the Maltese is most known for having long and straight to wavy hair. Though every Maltipoo will vary in which parent they take after most, the average Maltipoo will have wavy medium length hair. Their coat is typically smooth and soft, but it can be a bit more coarse if they are taking after their Poodle parent. They do not have a thick undercoat like some other furry friends, which is why they are known to shed significantly less then other canine friends.

How Much Does A Multipoo Shed?

If you are looking for an adorable pup that is known to be low shedding, then the Maltipoo could be the perfect dog for you. All dogs will shed a bit each day if they have hair on their body, as their hair goes through a natural aging process that causes the hair to turn brittle and eventually fall out. The Maltipoo does not have an undercoat, so the only shedding you will notice is shedding of the occasional dead hairs, or light seasonal shedding in the spring and fall.

You may find a few stray hairs on your furniture or on your clothing after a cuddle session, but it shouldn’t be so much that you need to have a lint roller in each room. Maltipoos actually shed so infrequently that they are often labeled as being hypoallergenic, but we’ll break down that argument a bit more below.

Is The Maltipoo Hypoallergenic?

Many animal lovers and breeders have begun to refer to low shedding dogs as hypoallergenic, but unfortunately, that is just not possible. While low shedding dogs may not leave a trail of fur behind them with each move, a dog’s fur is not the only thing can can trigger an allergy in humans. In fact, most people with dog allergies are actually allergic to the dander your pet leaves behind, as well as the proteins found in your dog’s saliva.

We can never eliminate dander or saliva in a canine friend, so no dog can be truly hypoallergenic. A Maltipoo may be less irritating for allergy sufferers due to their low shedding amounts, but you should know that the root of most allergies will always be there.

Why Is My Maltipoo Shedding Excessively?

Maltipoo standing in the grass

There are a few things that can cause Maltipoos to shed more than normal

©Rob Hainer/Shutterstock.com

If you are already a proud Maltipoo owner but are unsure why your Maltese is shedding more than usual, you may be searching for any explanation. We want you to get to the bottom of your Maltipoo’s sudden shedding, so let’s break down the possible causes below.

Shedding Their Puppy Coat

If your Maltipoo puppy is between the age of 8 months to 1 year, their increased amount of shedding could be due to them losing their puppy coat. Maltipoos will start to shed their plush puppy coat at around 8 months, and this process will likely occur gradually over the next few months. While this may increase shedding slightly, it is often so gradual that some people don’t even notice. Once the shedding process is complete, you may notice that your pup’s coat has a slightly different texture.

Seasonal Changes

Maltipoos do not have a thick undercoat to shed, but they may still experience increased shedding during the spring and fall months. In the spring your Maltipoo may shed a bit more to make way for the thin fur that keeps them cool in the summer, while in the fall they will prepare for growing a plush coat that keeps them warm in the winter. The Maltipoo will not undergo drastic coat changes to prepare for the seasons, but you may notice a slight increase of shedding during these times.

If their increased shedding bothers you during these periods, you can always brush them daily to decrease the amount of fur shed around your home. If you need help finding the best de-shedding tool for your Maltipoo, you can take a look at our detailed guide on the best FURminator brushes.

Skin Allergies

Unfortunately, our beloved Malipoos are prone to developing skin allergies to irritants in the world around them. Potential allergens for Maltipoos can include different types of pollen, grass, fragrances, essential oils, cleaning supplies, and more. If your Maltipoo has developed a sensitivity to anything in the environment around them, one of the most common symptoms they experience is itchy skin. Due to the chronic itching they experience, many Maltese will lose a bit more hair than usual. These pups may also experience skin redness, hives, watery eyes, itchy eyes, sneezing, and even GI upset. If you think your Maltipoo could have allergies, we always suggest having them seen by your vet for medical guidance.

Itchy Fleas

If fleas decide to make your Maltipoo their home, then you will likely notice some significant skin irritation. Your Maltipoo may be scratching and biting at their skin at every given chance, often causing them to lose a bit more fur than usual. Some Maltipoos will even have bald spots in the areas they bite or scratch most often, leading their owners to wonder what could possibly be going on with their pup. If you ever see any evidence of fleas on your Maltipoo (fleas or flea dirt), we suggest getting them started on an approved flea and tick prevention moving forward. If you don’t know which product to choose or where to start, we suggest giving your vet a call for help.

Anxiety Or Stress

We are not the only ones that can develop stress and anxiety about certain factors in our lives. Our Maltipoos can become stressed due to a variety of issues, and they are especially prone to separation anxiety. If there is an ongoing trigger in your pup’s life, they may begin to shed excessively because of it. If you think your Maltipoo’s shedding began around the time of a change in their routine or environment, they could be struggling with stress. We suggest trying to narrow down the exact trigger they are struggling with and supporting them in whichever method fits.

Chronic Health Conditions

There are a variety of chronic illnesses that can lead to changes in your Maltipoo’s coat texture and shedding habits. Many of these conditions will develop in adult or senior Maltipoos, but it’s always something that should be on your mind if your pup is experiencing strange symptoms. While increased shedding is a possible symptom, many of these dogs will have other complications as well. These symptoms could include a change in appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, bald spots, weight loss, weight gain, vomiting, chronic skin and ear infections, and any changes in behavior. If you think your Maltipoo is battling an underlying illness, we always suggest reaching out to your vet for care immediately.

How Often Should I Brush My Maltipoo?

maltipoo

Regular grooming helps keep your Maltipoo free from tangles

©OlgaOvcharenko/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to the routine brushing of your Maltipoo, this will be less about shedding and more about preventing mats and tangles. A 5 minute brushing session about 3 times a week works well for most Maltipoos, but you can always increase this amount if your pup is going through a high shedding period. A standard dog brush that tackles tangles is typically enough for these furry friends, but if they are shedding more than usual, you can always find a shedding tool of your choice on our guide on the best shedding brushes for dogs.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a canine friend that will not leave a trail of fur behind in their wake, then the Maltipoo might be the perfect pup for you! Just remember that they may shed occasionally when losing their puppy coat and preparing for the changing seasons, but otherwise, your home should be free of fur tumbleweeds!

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rob Hainer/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Amber LaRock is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering topics surrounding pet health and behavior. Amber is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with 12 years of experience in the field, and she holds a degree in veterinary technology that she earned in 2015. A resident of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Amber enjoys volunteering with animal rescues, reading, and taking care of her two cats.

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