Maltipoo Stud Dog Guide: Health Testing, Generations & What to Look For

The Maltipoo is one of the most popular small designer breeds — affectionate, low-shedding, and well-suited to apartment life. Producing healthy, predictable Maltipoo puppies requires careful selection of the stud.

The Maltipoo (Maltese × Toy or Miniature Poodle) has been consistently popular for two decades. Buyers love their manageable size, social temperament, and low-shedding coats. Breeders are drawn to the reliable demand and strong puppy prices. But like all hybrid breeds, quality varies enormously depending on the health and genetics of both parents.

Generations and Size Planning

Maltipoo size is primarily driven by the Poodle parent.

• Toy Poodle × Maltese (F1): Produces Maltipoos typically 5–12 lbs. The most common cross.
• Miniature Poodle × Maltese (F1): Larger Maltipoos, typically 10–20 lbs. Less common but growing in demand.
• F1b (F1 Maltipoo × Toy Poodle): 75% Poodle. Curlier, lower-shedding, more predictable coat. Popular for allergy-sensitive buyers.
• Multi-gen: Consistent results when lines are well established.

The stud must match your size goals. A Miniature Poodle stud bred to a Toy Poodle-based dam will produce larger-than-expected puppies.

Health Testing for Maltipoo Studs

Testing requirements depend on which breed the stud represents.

If the Stud is a Poodle

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA) The most important DNA test for Poodles in any Maltipoo breeding. PRA causes progressive blindness. The stud must be Clear or Carrier — but Clear to Clear ensures no PRA-affected offspring.

Hip Evaluation Even Toy Poodles can develop luxating patellas and hip issues. OFA evaluation is important.

Patellar Luxation Patellar luxation is extremely common in small breeds and Toy Poodles specifically. OFA patella grading is the standard — Normal preferred.

von Willebrand Disease Type I Bleeding disorder present in Poodles. DNA test — Clear or Carrier documented.

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NEwS) Relevant to Standard and some Toy Poodle lines. Fatal condition — DNA test to confirm Clear.

If the Stud is a Maltese

Patellar Luxation Critical for Maltese. OFA patella evaluation — Normal required.

Cardiac Evaluation Mitral valve disease is present in the breed. OFA cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist (not a general vet) is the gold standard.

Eye Certification (CAER) PRA occurs in the Maltese. CAER annual exam or DNA test for known mutations.

Bile Acids / Liver Shunt Screening Liver shunts are more common in small breeds including the Maltese. A bile acids test at 8–12 weeks is worthwhile for breeding dogs from affected lines.

Coat Genetics and Expectations

Maltipoo coat type is one of the main factors buyers care about.

• Flat or slightly wavy coats indicate lower Poodle influence. These dogs often shed more than expected.
• Wavy to loose curl is the classic "teddy bear" look — low-shedding, easy to maintain.
• Tight curls indicate strong Poodle influence — very low shedding but requires regular grooming.

If you are producing puppies for allergy-sensitive buyers, choose an F1b breeding with a proven low-shedding Poodle stud. Genetics for furnishings (the IC locus) determines whether a dog has a full "doodle" face coat or a shedding-type flat face. Testing the stud for IC (Improper Coat) locus status helps predict coat outcomes.

Stud Fees for Maltipoos

Maltipoo stud fees in 2026 range from $800 to $2,500:

• Toy Poodle studs for standard Maltipoos: $800–$1,500
• Health-tested Toy Poodle studs with PRA Clear and patella Normal: $1,200–$2,000
• Miniature Poodle studs for larger Maltipoos: $1,000–$2,000
• Apricot, red, or phantom-coloured Poodle studs: premium pricing

What to Avoid

• No patella evaluation. Luxating patella is the number one health issue in small breed offspring. A stud without a patella exam is a significant risk.
• No PRA testing. Blindness is devastating in a companion dog and entirely preventable with one DNA test.
• Unknown size history. If the stud owner cannot confirm the dog's adult weight or his parents' sizes, you are guessing on puppy size outcomes.

Summary

A quality Maltipoo stud — whether Toy Poodle or Maltese — should be PRA tested, patella evaluated, and cardiac screened. The Poodle side carries the most genetic risk for this cross, so prioritise PRA Clear and patella Normal ratings. Match your size goals deliberately by selecting a stud whose known size aligns with your dam's.