Last week, I was at a friend’s house for coffee, and as we sat on her couch, her tiny Maltipoo curled up in my lap and promptly fell asleep. Meanwhile, her neighbor’s Pomapoo was bouncing around the room, pausing every now and then to demand attention before dashing off again. We both laughed, and she turned to me and said, “So, which one do you think is the best lap dog?”
If you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. Maltipoo vs Pomapoo is a debate many small dog lovers have, especially if they’re looking for a cuddly, affectionate pup. Both of these pint-sized doodle mixes are adorable, but they have some key differences that might make one a better fit for your home than the other. Let’s break it down!
Temperament: Sweet Snuggler vs. Lively Charmer
- Maltipoos (Maltese + Poodle) are affectionate, gentle, and thrive on human companionship. They’re known for being calm, cuddly, and easygoing, making them an excellent choice for people who want a devoted lap dog.
- Pomapoos (Pomeranian + Poodle) are just as loving but tend to be more playful and energetic. They adore attention and can be a little more independent than Maltipoos, though they still love a good snuggle session.
Bottom Line: If you want a mellow, affectionate dog that will gladly snooze in your lap, a Maltipoo is perfect. If you prefer a pup with a spunky, playful personality that still enjoys cuddles, a Pomapoo might be your match.
➡️ For more on Maltipoo temperament, check out Dogtime: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/maltipoo
➡️ For more on Pomapoo traits, visit PetMD: https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/pomapoo
Size: Tiny and Compact
- Maltipoos generally weigh between 3-15 lbs, making them small enough for apartments and easy to carry around. Storytail Dogs maltipoos are more like 4-7 lbs.
- Pomapoos typically weigh 5-12 lbs, so they’re also very compact but might have a fluffier build due to their Pomeranian genes.
Bottom Line: Both breeds are tiny and lightweight, perfect for small living spaces and travel. If you’re looking for an ultra-portable pup, either one could work!
➡️ For tips on traveling with small dogs, check out the American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/small-dog-travel-tips/
Trainability: Eager to Please vs. Free Spirit
- Maltipoos are highly trainable and eager to please, making them one of the easiest small breeds to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and pick up commands quickly.
- Pomapoos are intelligent but may have a stubborn streak, thanks to their Pomeranian genes. They can be trained well but may take a little more patience.
Bottom Line: If you want a super trainable, eager-to-please dog, go for a Maltipoo. If you’re okay with a little extra effort in training and enjoy a dog with spunk and personality, a Pomapoo might be a good fit.
➡️ For training tips, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-behavior-training
Storytail Dogs: Ethical Cavapoo & Maltipoo Breeder in Pennsylvania
At Storytail Dogs, we specialize in raising Cavapoos and Maltipoos with loving temperaments and excellent health. As an ethical Cavapoo breeder in Pennsylvania and an ethical Maltipoo breeder in Pennsylvania, we focus on responsible breeding, early socialization, and temperament testing to ensure our puppies are well-adjusted for their future families. Whether you’re looking for a gentle Maltipoo or another loving small-breed pup, choosing a reputable breeder is key to getting a happy, healthy puppy.
If you’re looking for a well-socialized, affectionate puppy, we’d love to help you find the perfect match for your home!
➡️ See our available puppies here: https://storytaildogs.com/puppies-available
Which Breed is Right for You?
✔️ Pick a Maltipoo if:
- You want a calm, affectionate lap dog that loves cuddling.
- You’re looking for a dog that’s easy to train and eager to please.
- You prefer a slightly lower-energy companion that enjoys cozying up next to you.
✔️ Pick a Pomapoo if:
- You love a tiny, playful dog with personality.
- You don’t mind a little bit of stubbornness in training.
- You want a dog that’s both affectionate and independent.
Final Thoughts on Maltipoo vs Pomapoo
When it comes to Maltipoo vs Pomapoo, both breeds make excellent lap dogs—but in slightly different ways. If you want a gentle, easygoing, cuddly pup, a Maltipoo is a fantastic choice. If you love a spunky, playful, and entertaining companion, a Pomapoo might be the perfect match.
Both breeds thrive in loving, structured homes where they get plenty of attention and mental stimulation. Whether you’re looking for a cuddly lap dog or a tiny social butterfly, you can’t go wrong with either breed!
So, which one sounds like the perfect match for you? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!