Moodle
Moodles or Maltipoos are cute, fragile small-sized dogs that are a hybrid of the Maltese and Miniature or Toy Poodle. A perfect lap dog in both size and nature, they make great companions for both families and seniors. Relaxed and placid, they have low exercise needs and love playing with their owners and lying on their laps. They do tend to bark at strangers and noises.
| Recommended for | Families, seniors, singles, first time dog owners |
| Breed Classification | Hybrid / designer breed |
| Other names | Maltipoo |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Size | Small |
| Temperament | Affectionate, relaxed, playful |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to bark | Average |
| Maintenance Level | Medium |
| Health Risk | This breed has an around average probability of having health issues in its lifetime, hence it is one of the more affordable breeds to insure. |
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Insuring a Moodle?
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Breed history of Moodles
The Moodle was created by mixing Maltese dogs with Miniature or Toy Poodles. These breeds were selected in an effort to produce a small, hypoallergenic dog; however, Moodle owners report that they do still shed some fur.
The Moodle, or Maltipoo as it is known in the USA, is not officially recognised as a true breed, being a relatively new hybrid breed. A club called the North American Maltipoo/Maltepoo Club & Registry was formed because of the love and popularity surrounding the dog.
Moodle’s don’t have deep historical roots themselves; however, their parent breeds have lengthy histories and it is recommended to look into these to trace back the Moodle’s lineage.
Physical description of Moodles
The Moodle is a small sized dog with a fragile body, a cute face and expressive eyes.
There are 3 basic Moodle coat types: straight and silky, thick and curly, or wavy and wiry, depending on whether the Poodle or Maltese genes are dominant. Often the coat is fluffy, curly and a little scruffy, with a wool-like feel similar to a Poodle.
The Moodle coat comes in various colours including white, cream, peach, gold, brown, black and grey, either as a solid colour or a combination of two or more colours. In most cases, the influence of the Maltese ancestry results in a coat that is on the lighter side.
| Weight range | 3 to 8 kg |
| Height range | Up to 20 cm |
| Colours | Cream, white, silver, black or a mixture of all |
| Coat length | Medium to long |
Moodle personality and temperament
Moodles or Maltipoos are known for being intelligent, loving, loyal, level-headed and affectionate. They are happy as long as they are with their companions and will seek out their affection.
The perfect lap dog in both size and temperament, Moodles make great family pets and are well suited as companions for seniors. They have a relaxed approach to life and can often be found lying in the laps of their owners. This laid back attitude doesn’t mean that they don’t like playing; in fact, they love playing with their owners.
Moodles are comfortable living in any environment and adapt well to smaller living environments such as apartments.
They do have a tendency to bark at strangers and noises, and early training and socialising will help to minimise these issues.
Moodles with kids and other pets
Moodles get along with children very well, however, children who play rough can easily cause physical injury to the Moodle because they are so small and fragile.
Moodles tend to develop a stronger relationship with teenagers and adults, who know how to handle their delicate nature, than with small children.
Their relaxed nature makes them an ideal companion to other animals in the household.
Moodle training and exercise
Moodles have fairly low exercise requirements but they do enjoy going for short walks.
They are easy dogs to train because they are very intelligent, which makes them a great choice for first time dog owners.
Highly sensitive to stern reprimands, loud voices or a chaotic households, the Moodle will benefit from a calm environment and lots of praise and positive reinforcement.
| Energy level | Medium |
| Exercise requirements | Low |
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Moodle feeding and nutrition
The Moodle or Maltipoo should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and level of activity. As a small breed, it is recommended to feed your adult Moodle at least two meals per day.
Small dogs can suffer from obesity, diabetes and dental problems, so extra care should be taken around their dietary and nutritional requirements. Avoid feeding them “people” food and excessive treats.
Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Moodle care and grooming
Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, Moodles shed little to no hair, making them an ideal pet for people with allergies.
However, Moodle coats require a lot of care and attention because their hair grows very fast. They need daily brushing and combing to prevent knots and tangles, and well as professional grooming and clipping every six weeks or so. Non-regular grooming can cause health problems for this breed.
Tear staining can occur around the Moodle’s eyes, which may require daily cleaning.
Health issues for Moodles
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which causes seizures that can manifest themselves in unusual behaviour, dizziness, rigidity and fainting spells. Though it is frightening to watch, the prognosis for affected dogs is usually quite good, and treatment is available.
- Patellar luxation occurs when the bones of the patella are not aligned properly and as a result slip in and out of place, causing pain and an abnormal gait. Mild cases generally do not require treatment and do not impact too much on the dog’s life, but severe cases may require surgery.
- Portosystemic Shunt of the Liver (PSS) is when an abnormal connection forms in between the portal vein or one of its offshoots and another vein, causing blood to bypass or ‘shunt’ the liver. It’s usually caused by a birth defect and symptoms include poor muscle development or stunted growth. Disorientation is another sign of this condition. Surgery is often required if your dog develops PSS.
- Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye conditions which lead to the gradual deterioration of the retina, causing first night blindness, then full blindness. There is no cure, but many dogs adapt easily to the loss of sight and can lead relatively normal lives, as long as their environment does not change too drastically.
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