Maltese vs Maltipoo: Which Small Dog Breed is Better for Indian Homes?

Small, fluffy dogs are becoming very popular in India, especially in metro cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai, where apartment living is the norm. Two breeds often compared are the Maltese (a pure breed) and the Maltipoo (a designer hybrid between Maltese and Poodle). Both are adorable, hypoallergenic, and affectionate — but which one fits the Indian lifestyle better?

Origins and Background

• Maltese: An ancient European toy breed, famous for its long silky white coat. Purebred and recognized globally.

• Maltipoo: A hybrid breed (Maltese × Toy Poodle). Not officially recognized as a pure breed, but very popular as a companion dog in urban India.

👉 In India, Maltese are more established and available through breeders, while Maltipoos are emerging and usually costlier due to demand.

Appearance

• Maltese:

  • Always white, with long, straight silky hair.

  • 3–4.5 kg, perfect for Indian apartments.

• Maltipoo:

  • Coat varies from wavy to curly (thanks to Poodle genes).

  • Colors: cream, apricot, white, or mixes.

  • Slightly larger (3–7 kg) but still apartment-friendly.

👉 Maltese have a uniform look; Maltipoos look “teddy-bear like” and vary depending on genetics.

Temperament in Indian Homes

• Maltese: Calm, affectionate, and lapdog-like. Great for families, singles, and seniors. They prefer being indoors in AC comfort, which suits Indian apartment living.

• Maltipoo: More energetic, playful, and clever. They need a bit more exercise and mental stimulation. Ideal for younger families and active households.

👉 If you live in a busy Indian city and want a calm, easygoing pet → Maltese. If you want a lively dog that engages in play → Maltipoo.

Climate Adaptability in India

• Maltese:

  • Very sensitive to Indian summers.

  • Must be kept in air-conditioned rooms to avoid heatstroke.

  • Coat attracts dust → daily grooming needed in dusty Indian cities.

• Maltipoo:

  • Adapts slightly better to Indian climate (thanks to Poodle genes).

  • Still needs AC in peak summers.

  • Curly/wavy coat can mat in humidity (Mumbai, Chennai), so regular trimming helps.

👉 Maltipoo has a slight edge in India’s hot-humid conditions, but both breeds need indoor, climate-controlled living.

Grooming and Maintenance in India

• Maltese:

  • Daily brushing is a must.

  • Tear staining is a common issue in India due to hard water and dust.

  • Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks (₹1,500–₹3,000/session in metros).

• Maltipoo:

  • Needs brushing 3–4 times a week.

  • Coat may be easier to manage if trimmed short (“puppy cut”).

  • Grooming costs similar to Maltese.

👉 Maltese coat is harder to maintain in dusty/humid India; Maltipoo’s coat is a bit easier if kept short.

Health and Lifespan

• Maltese:

  • Lifespan: 12–15 years.

  • Issues: dental problems, tear staining, hypoglycemia in pups.

  • Fragile in Indian heat.

• Maltipoo:

  • Lifespan: 12–16 years.

  • Issues: ear infections (due to humidity in India), patellar luxation, dental problems.

  • Slightly hardier due to hybrid genetics.

👉 In India, Maltipoos may have fewer health concerns, but both breeds require good vet care and indoor living.

Diet and Feeding in India

Both breeds need high-quality small-breed food (like Royal Canin Mini, Farmina N&D, or Arden Grange).

• Maltese: Sensitive stomach → light meals, avoid spicy/oily Indian food.

• Maltipoo: Active → needs protein-rich diet.

Homemade options (under vet guidance):

• Boiled chicken, pumpkin, carrots, beans, rice.

• Fruits like apple, papaya, watermelon (in moderation).

👉 Avoid giving chapati, roti, or leftover spicy curries (common mistake in Indian homes).

Availability and Price in India

• Maltese: Widely available in India through reputed breeders.

  • Price: ₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000 depending on lineage.

• Maltipoo: Rare, usually imported or bred by select breeders in metro cities.

  • Price: ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000+ due to high demand.

👉 Maltese are easier to find and slightly more affordable in India. Maltipoos are trending but costlier.

Maltese vs Maltipoo: Quick Comparison for Indian Homes

Final Thoughts

In India, both Maltese and Maltipoos are luxury companion dogs that require indoor living, AC comfort, and regular grooming.

• Choose a Maltese if you want a royal, calm lapdog with a classic look.

• Choose a Maltipoo if you want a playful, teddy-bear like dog that adapts slightly better to Indian weather and has hybrid vigor.

👉 Either way, both breeds are not low-maintenance. They suit Indian families in metros with access to grooming, vet care, and climate-controlled homes.