Understanding Maltipoo Generations: A Personal Journey
Have you ever wondered about the different Maltipoo generations? When I first heard terms like F1 and F2, I thought, “Is this dog breeding or a new smartphone model?” It all sounded so technical and confusing. But if you’re considering bringing one of these adorable fluffballs into your home, understanding their generational differences can help you make the best decision for your lifestyle.
Maltipoos have skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade, thanks to their affectionate nature, playful energy, and reputation as hypoallergenic companion dogs. But not all Maltipoos are the same. Their traits—such as coat type, shedding tendencies, and even temperament—can vary depending on their generational lineage. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of Maltipoo generations, and I’ll sprinkle in some personal experiences along the way.
At Story Tail Dogs, we take a lot of pride in breeding F1 and F1b Maltipoos, not just because they’re adorable (which, trust me, they definitely are), but because we know how much the right puppy can change a family’s life. Our F1 Maltipoos are the classic first-generation mix—one Maltese parent, one Poodle parent—giving them that perfect balance of gentle, affectionate personality and those soft, wavy coats everyone loves. Then there’s our F1b Maltipoos, which are a little extra Poodle (75% Poodle, 25% Maltese), making them even curlier and more allergy-friendly. We carefully choose our parent dogs based on temperament, health, and structure, because we don’t just want cute puppies—we want happy, well-adjusted ones who fit seamlessly into their families. Every puppy is raised with early socialization, enrichment, and lots of love, so by the time they leave us, they’re ready to be someone’s shadow, snuggle buddy, or even a future therapy companion. It’s not just about breeding dogs—it’s about adding the right tail to your story. ❤️
You can see our available puppies here https://storytaildogs.com/puppies-available
Why did I Choose to Breed Maltipoo Generations?
One of the best parts of breeding Maltipoos at Story Tail Dogs isn’t just raising the puppies—it’s hearing from the families after they’ve gone home. I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to get those calls and texts, sometimes weeks, sometimes years later, with stories about how much their Maltipoo has changed their life. These little dogs aren’t just pets; they become best friends, emotional lifelines, and constant companions. I’ve placed puppies with retirees who wanted a gentle, loving lapdog, with families looking for a child-friendly, affectionate pup, and even with people who needed an emotional support animal to help navigate life’s ups and downs. No matter the home, the feedback is always the same—these Maltipoos thrive when they’re someone’s everything. They’re not high-maintenance, not demanding, just happy to be wherever their person is—curled up on a couch, trotting beside them on a walk, or gazing up with those soft, adoring eyes. Knowing that my puppies are out there, filling that niche for people who just need a small, fluffy, endlessly devoted companion, makes every bit of work worth it.
Decoding Maltipoo Generations
Let’s start with the basics: Maltipoos are a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Poodle. But depending on how many generations removed they are from the original Maltese-Poodle cross, they fall into different generational categories.
F1 Maltipoo (First Generation)
- 50% Maltese + 50% Poodle
- Coat: Can be wavy, slightly curly, or straight
- Shedding: Low to moderate
- Temperament: A mix of both breeds
Sarah’s pup, Bella, is an F1 Maltipoo. Bella has a wavy coat and a playful personality that embodies traits from both her Maltese and Poodle lineage. She’s intelligent, affectionate, and loves to cuddle—but she also has a streak of independence. One thing Sarah learned is that Bella does shed a little, which can be a dealbreaker for people with severe allergies.
F1b Maltipoo (First Generation Backcross)
- 75% Poodle + 25% Maltese
- Coat: Usually curlier and more hypoallergenic
- Shedding: Minimal to none
- Temperament: More Poodle-like, often highly intelligent and trainable
F2 Maltipoo (Second Generation)
- 50% Maltipoo + 50% Maltipoo (both parents are F1s)
- Coat: Can vary widely—straight, wavy, or curly
- Shedding: Can be low, moderate, or even high depending on genetics
- Temperament: A mix of traits from both parents
F2b, F3, and Multigenerational Maltipoos
The deeper you go into the generational chart, the more refined the breed becomes. Some breeders are now producing F2b (F2 Maltipoo crossed with a Poodle), F3 (third-generation Maltipoos), and even multigenerational Maltipoos to achieve more consistent traits.
For example, if a breeder is looking to produce a dog with a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, they might breed an F1b with another Poodle, resulting in an F2b. These later generations tend to have more predictable characteristics, making it easier for owners to find a Maltipoo that meets their exact needs.
Why Do Maltipoo Generations Matter?
Now, you might be thinking, Does any of this really matter? The short answer: Yes! Here’s why:
✅ Allergy Considerations: If you or a family member have allergies, an F1b or multigenerational Maltipoo may be the best choice due to their increased Poodle genetics and lower shedding.
✅ Coat Maintenance: An F1 Maltipoo might have a lower-maintenance wavy coat, while an F1b’s curlier fur will require professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.
✅ Temperament: While all Maltipoos are affectionate and intelligent, their exact personality can be influenced by their generational lineage. Some may be more outgoing, while others might be more reserved.
✅ Predictability: The more generations removed from the original Maltese-Poodle mix, the more predictable their traits become, making it easier to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle.
Trends in 2025: What’s New with Maltipoos?
As of February 2025, Maltipoos continue to be one of the most sought-after designer dog breeds. Some notable trends include:
🐶 Multigenerational Breeding: More breeders are focusing on creating consistent traits in Maltipoos, particularly when it comes to non-shedding coats and calm temperaments.
🏡 Mini and Micro Maltipoos: There’s a rising demand for smaller-sized Maltipoos, sometimes called Micro or Teacup Maltipoos. These pint-sized pups are often under 5 pounds fully grown!
💡 Therapy & Emotional Support Maltipoos: Given their affectionate nature, more Maltipoos are being trained as therapy and emotional support dogs, particularly in hospitals and schools.
Final Thoughts: Which Maltipoo Generation is Right for You?
Choosing the right Maltipoo generation depends on what matters most to you. If allergies are a concern, an F1b or multigenerational Maltipoo might be your best bet. If you prefer a balanced mix of Maltese and Poodle traits, an F1 could be perfect.
No matter what, Maltipoos are loving, intelligent companions that bring so much joy to their owners.
Do you have a Maltipoo or are you considering getting one? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
- Pet Maltipoo.com-“Teacup Maltipoo”- https://www.petmaltipoo.com/teacup-maltipoo
- Dogster-“Teacup Maltipoo: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Traits”- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/teacup-maltipoo
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance-“All About Maltipoo”-https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/maltipoo/
