Are Maltipoos Hypoallergenic? (What Breeders Don’t Tell You)

The Maltipoo (AKA Maltepoo, Mal-t-poo or Moodle) is a cross breed between a Maltese and a Poodle. Both the Maltese and the Poodle are hypoallergenic, but are their offspring?

If you are interested in knowing how hypoallergenic Maltipoos really are, keep reading this article to find out the the answers to your all questions about this topic!

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Are Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

Maltipoos are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed as they do not produce or release much allergy inducing dander into their immediate environment. Generations of Maltipoos that have a higher percentage of Poodle genes such as cross-back generations (F1b, F1bb, F2b etc.) are usually more hypoallergenic than your average Maltipoo. Smaller sizes of Maltipoo are also considered to be more hypoallergenic as smaller sized dogs produce less dander than larger dogs. Maltipoos inherit their hypoallergenic nature from the Poodle and Maltese.

Factors That Affect How Hypoallergenic Maltipoos Are

There are many factors that can affect how hypoallergenic a Maltipoo is. This includes but is not limited to:

Generation (F1, F1b, F1bb, F2 etc.)
Size (Teacup, Toy, Mini or Standard)
The individual dog

maltipoo hypoallergenic — Maltipoo via @m.o.k.a.111

How Generation Affects How Hypoallergenic Maltipoos Are

All generations of Maltipoo are hypoallergenic. Unlike other Poodle mixes where cross-back generations are more hypoallergenic than regular generations, cross-back generations of Maltipoo are about as hypoallergenic as regular generations. This is because both the Maltese and the Poodle are hypoallergenic breeds to start with.

Are F1 Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

F1 Maltipoos are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed as they only release a minimal amount of dander (dead skill cells) into their surrounding when they shed. Dander is what most people are allergic to. F1 Maltipoos are 50% Maltese and 50% Poodle.

Are F1b Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

F1b Maltipoos are hypoallergenic as they don’t release much dander (dead skin cells) into their immediate environment when they shed. An F1b Maltipoo is the first back-cross generation of the breed. Back-cross means that the Maltipoo has been bred back to a purebred Poodle. They are 25% Maltese and 75% Poodle.

How Size Affects How Hypoallergenic Maltipoos Are

All sizes of Maltipoo are hypoallergenic but some consider the smaller sizes to be more hypoallergenic as they produce less dander due to their comparatively smaller size.

Are Teacup Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

Teacup Maltipoos are hypoallergenic as they are very light shedders and do not release much allergy inducing dander (dead skin cells) into the environment when they shed. Out of all sizes of Maltipoo, Teacup Maltipooss may be considered to be the most hypoallergenic as they drop the least dander as smaller dogs produce everything in smaller quantities.

Are Toy Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

Yes, Toy Maltipoos are hypoallergenic. The size of a Maltipoo, whether they are teacup, toy, miniature or standard sized does not have a big effect on hypoallergenic they are. The generation of the breed is more influential on how much a Maltipoo sheds. For example an F1b and other cross-back generations tend to be more hypoallergenic as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

Are Mini Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

Mini Maltipoos are hypoallergenic as they are very light shedders and do not release much allergy inducing dander (dead skin cells) into the environment when they shed. To make a Mini Maltipoos even more hypoallergenic, keep up a good grooming routine such as brushing every second day with a slicker brush to remove old hairs.

Are Standard Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?

Standard Maltipoos are hypoallergenic like all sizes of Maltipoo. They are hypoallergenic as they do not produce large quantities of dander which are dead skill cells that irritate allergy sufferers. To make a Standard Maltipoos even more hypoallergenic, keep up a good grooming routine such as brushing every second day with a slicker brush to remove old hairs.

Do Maltipoos Shed?

Maltipoos shed but it is very light and quite insignificant. They drop a few hairs here and there throughout the year. The actual reason why they were cross bred was to be a low shedding dog. It is important to note that there is no such thing as a non shedding dog and a Maltipoo is one of the breeds that come closest to this definition.

Misconceptions About Hypoallergenic Dogs

1. “Dog Breeds Can Be 100% Hypoallergenic” (False!)

The term ‘hypoallergenic’ is often misused by breeders and pet shops. Many sellers of dogs suggest that ‘hypoallergenic’ means that their puppies are guaranteed to be safe for allergy sufferers but this is not the case at all. No dog can be 100% hypoallergenic as all dogs shed and release dander into their immediate environment. The question really is how much dander they produce throughout the year.

2. “Dog Fur/Hair Is Responsible For Allergies” (False!)

Dog fur or hair is not responsible for allergy symptoms. Many people think that dogs that are hypoallergenic don’t shed but this isn’t true. In fact, dog hair or fur is harmless but dander is not.

Dander is composed of dead skin cells that have flaked off a dog’s skin and have become airborne. It’s one of the leading causes of allergies symptoms but not the only one.

People are also allergic to proteins in dog saliva, urine and feces. These proteins may get all over a dog’s fur from them licking themselves and playing with other dogs so when you touch a dog you may get a reaction. Dried saliva can also flake off a dog like dander and become airborne which may cause issues for allergy sufferers.

3. “All Dog Breeds Are Just As Bad As Each Other For Allergy Sufferers” (False!)

Not all dog breeds are just as bad as each other for allergy sufferers. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, many breeds are much more hypoallergenic than others. For example, Poodle mixes are much more hypoallergenic than a lot of purebred dogs.

In more cases than not, it comes down to the individual dog rather than the breed as a whole as to whether or not they are suited to allergy sufferers. One dog may produce lots of allergy causing proteins while another dog from the same litter may not. At the end of the day, you have to spend time with puppies and see if any of your symptoms flare up.

Some people also believe that smaller breeds are more suited to allergy sufferers than large dog breeds. While this isn’t proven, it makes some sense as small breeds produce everything in smaller quantities. Less dander, less shedding, less saliva etc. If you are an allergy sufferer, getting a toy or miniature sized dog rather than a standard one may be a good move.

Of course, consult your doctor about your allergies before purchasing a dog.

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Causes Of Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergy symptoms are usually caused by dander which is composed of tiny particles of skin shed by dogs along with a bit of their fur. It can be really problematic as dander is so small and can linger in air for long periods of time.

Allergy symptoms can also flare up from the proteins founds in dog saliva, urine and feces. Like dander, dried saliva can flake off a dog’s skin or fur and become airborne which is problematic for allergy sufferers.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergy symptoms varies depending on your level of exposure and the severity of your reaction. The most common symptoms one can experience from coming into contact with a dog include:

Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Red, itchy or watery eyes
Skin rash
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Wheezing

How To Reduce Allergens From Your Maltipoo

If you do not suffer from severe or life-threatening allergies, there are many ways you can reduce the allergens your Maltipoo produces so you can still happily live together.

1. Groom Your Maltipoo Regularly

Regularly grooming your Maltipoo will prevent them from releasing as many allergens into your home. Your dog’s grooming routine should include both brushing and bathing. It’s best to use a slicker brush on a Maltipoo every other day to remove any loose hairs. As for bathing, you should give them a bath every 3 months to remove any dead skin cells, dirt and debris. This may not seem that often but you don’t want to over wash your Maltipoo otherwise their coat will dry out which will only cause flaky skin.

2. Clean Your Home Frequently

Cleaning your home regularly will remove allergens from surfaces. It’s much easier if you have hard surface floors like floorboard or laminate as dander can wedge itself into carpet and be very difficult to remove. Invest in a high quality pet vacuum cleaner to make your life easier.

3. Regularly Wash Your Hands

Reduce your allergy symptoms by washing your hands every time after petting or playing with your Maltipoo. This will stop you from accidentally touching your face with allergens on your hands.

4. Keep Your Maltipoo Out Of Your Bedroom

If you suffer from allergies it’s best to keep your Maltipoo out of your bedroom as you need somewhere to go to feel relief from your symptoms. While it may be tempting to let your Maltipoo curl up with you at night in your bed, it’s best to have a place where there is no dander or dog fur around at all.

5. Invest In An Air Purifier

Investing in an air purifier is a good idea as it will remove allergens straight from the air as well as other airborne household pollutants like dust, pollen and mould spores. it will make your home a healthier environment for both yourself and your dog.