Summary:
The Moodle, a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, is a small, affectionate, and playful companion perfect for families and apartment living. Known as the Maltipoo outside Australia, this low-shedding breed is ideal for allergy sufferers. Moodles are gentle, social, and thrive on human interaction but require early training and socialisation to prevent excessive barking. With regular grooming, a balanced diet, and routine vet check-ups, Moodles remain healthy and vibrant, making them delightful and devoted pets.
Combine the elegance of a Maltese and the mischievousness of a Poodle and you’ll have the Moodle! It is a small-sized hybrid dog packed with an affectionate, warm, and funny personality.
This adorable dog will fit anywhere from the palm of your hand to a teacup! But don’t be fooled by its size, its action-packed personality is strong enough to keep you on your toes all day.
Also known as Maltipoo in the US and Europe, this designer dog is continuously gaining popularity around the globe.
Fun fact: Moodle is called Maltipoo outside Australia.
If you are planning to get a Moodle puppy or you may already have one and are looking for a detailed breed guide, you are in the right place. In this article, you’ll find everything about the Moodle dog you need to know including traits, health issues, temperament, pros and cons, grooming needs, etc.
So, let’s explore this fluffy and cute dog.
Table of Contents
History and Introduction to Moodle Dog
Crossbreeding of dogs has been a popular practice since the start of the 20th century. One such experiment led to the breeding of the first Moodle or Maltipoo, a small fluffy dog that became an instant hit among dog lovers. Anyhow, the exact date/year of Moodle’s initial breeding and its origin is unknown.
Although the Moodle dogs were initially bred for people with common dog allergies, their fluffy cuteness turned them into a designer breed.
Although the major kennel clubs do not officially recognise Moodles as a pure breed, this has not stopped fans from forming their own Moodle clubs.
What are the best features of a Moodle Dog?
The Moodle dog is an adorable little dog with various distinctive features. Here are a few of them.
- Smaller in size: Categorized as small dogs, Moodle does not grow beyond 14 inches and can weigh as little as 5 to 15 pounds.
- Curlier coat: They may have a medium-length wiry, wavy, or curly coat depending on the tendency of the parent breed. More from Poodle means more curls and vice versa in the Maltese’s case.
- Colour variety: As a result of diverse breeding practices, Moodles can be found in various colours, ranging from chocolate brown to cream white. Maltese has a white or cream coat while Poodle comes in various colours, so you can expect some of the coolest colour patterns.
- Button eyes: Their eyes are small and round like cute buttons giving them a puppy look.
- Beautiful tail: They have tiny, hooked tails that curl up over their body.
- Adorable face: They have small faces, triangular muzzles, and an adorable little tongue that sticks out.
- Floppy ears: Their ears are long and flappy, sticking out of either end of their head.
- Short legs: They have short legs that perfectly complement their delicate and compact body structure.
- Happy & cheerful: Owing to their jowls, they can be mistaken for sporting a frown all the time. But they are actually very happy and cheerful creatures.
Temperament and behaviour:
Having a Moodle dog is just like getting a box of chocolates, you usually do not know what you are going to get as an adult dog! While it is impossible to predict for certain what your dog will be like, the Moodles do have a reputation for being gentle, delightful, and affectionate.
These dogs are also known as the canine clowns. They are silly and goofy and enjoy fooling around with their owners. By nature, they are slightly mischievous but friendly and caring.
They love to run around the house, chase after children or play with other animals. In fact, because of their overly sweet personalities and small stature, they are not suitable as guard dogs. They are more likely to befriend strangers than scare them away.
However, it is not always happiness and sunshine and sometimes Moodle can be noisy, yappy, and aggressive if not socialized well. Hence it is important to give them proper attention and socialization opportunities so they grow up to be warm and cheerful pups.
Due to their excellent temperament and gentle personalities, Moodle can serve as great therapy dogs, especially for elders who can not handle large-sized dogs.
Read: Shih Poo Temperament and Behavior
Living with the Moodle Dog
Small dogs are more likely to get injured and hurt because of their fragile bodies. The Moodle is, therefore no exception and requires diligent care. They are well suited to condos and apartment lives and love curling up in their owner’s lap. If you already have a large-sized dog, consider not getting a Moodle puppy or any other small dog for their safety.
Additionally, they get along well with children and are quite fun to live with. Another interesting thing about these cuddly pups is that they are hypoallergenic so they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in their owners.
Grooming and maintenance
What is a dream dog? One that does not shed, so that dog owners don’t have to vacuum three times a day. Fortunately, Moodle fits this category and is one of the few breeds that shed their hair the least.
However, their soft, wavy coats require daily brushing and detangling. They also need haircuts every 2-3 months, so that they don’t appear shabby. Ignoring daily brushing and professional haircuts may lead to some serious health issues.
It is also recommended that you clip your fur baby’s nails regularly and brush their teeth twice or thrice a week. Keep an eye on their ears too and make sure there is no wax or foreign object stuck in them.
Training
Training a Moodle dog can be challenging but is not impossible. They are generally intelligent dogs but they require more time and effort-consuming training practices.
Research proves that the best way to teach your Moodle is through positive reinforcement. Give them a treat every time they do something good. Buy them interactive toys that stimulate their interest and keep them engaged. Canine enrichment activities are highly recommended for their mental stimulation.
Also, remember to take your Moodle out on a walk or jog daily so that he does not turn into a couch potato.
Dietary needs
While these dogs may be small, they are very energetic and hence, have a fast metabolism. The best diet plan for a Moodle consists of small-breed dog food that is abundant in protein and contains minimum carbohydrates.
Carbs can make your dog obese and lazy, leading to several health complications. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t occasionally reward your dogs with a delicious dog treat.
Health-related issues
Even though crossbreeds tend to be much healthier than pure breeds if crossbred responsibly, there are still several health complications that can occur.
Moodle has a slightly higher risk of developing eye diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). There is no cure for PRA and in most cases, it leads to permanent loss of vision. Therefore, it is recommended that you take extra good care of your dogs and schedule routine trips to the vet. Also, get your Moodle puppy from a reputable breeder that follows the best breeding practices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Moodle Dog
How big is a full-grown Moodle?
Most Moodle dogs grow up to 14 inches and weigh up to 13 pounds but you should expect more or less depending on several factors such as the bloodline and parents.
Do Moodles bark a lot?
No, this adorable dog is a moderate barker and would not always disturb you.
Can Moodles stay alone for a long time?
Yes, they can. But it is recommended to not leave them alone for more than 4-6 hours.
Wrapping it up:
Moodle are amazing dogs, they aren’t just comical and clever but also incredibly caring. Owning a Moodle is therefore a rollercoaster of emotions and responsibilities. But who could resist such a charming and loveable pet?
So, if you are looking to adopt a pet, go get a Moodle and we are sure you won’t regret it. Who knows, you might just find the perfect companion.
