Quick answer: Yes, Maltipoos are considered hypoallergenic. They have hair instead of fur, shed very little, and spread less dander than most dogs, which makes them one of the best small breeds for people with allergies. No dog is 100% allergen free, so spend some time with a Maltipoo before bringing one home if someone in your family has allergies.
Maltipoos are Hypoallergenic and a great option for those with allergies. If you’re looking for a short answer to this question, there it is. But the more accurate answer to this question “Are Maltipoos Hypoallergenic” has a bit more detail we need to cover.
What does “Hypoallergenic" mean?
The Oxford Dictionary gives the definition relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. So when people are measuring the pros and cons of Maltipoos and ask if Maltipoos are hypoallergenic, although Maltipoos are hypoallergenic the real question you’re asking is “Will I or a member of my family be allergic to my new Maltipoo puppy?”
Maltipoos are low to non-shedding dogs which means your allergies are “relatively unlikely” to be triggered the way they are with other breeds. The Maltipoo breed has hair instead of fur, which most people think is the reason for being hypoallergenic. But most people that have allergies are allergic to the dander (dead skin cells that fall off and collect in the fur) and not the coat of the dog. Both dogs with fur and dogs with hair have dander. The top layer of skin is in a constant state of renewal where the dead cells are replaced with new ones, just like humans.
The thing that makes the difference in the severity of the allergic response is that fur is usually a lot thicker than hair. Because fur is thicker, it holds onto and collects the dander. The Maltipoo hair is silky and soft, which allows the dander to fall out. When a person that suffers from allergies pets or grooms a dog, they come into contact with whatever is on the coat. With the Maltipoo, there is much less dander that has collected so a person may have a smaller or no allergic response when handling the dog.
Also, Maltipoos are said to be non-shedding, but this is not entirely true. The coat will shed any dead hairs and replace with new ones just like the skin. This happens at a much slower rate than dogs with fur so there will be fewer dead hairs around the house to cause allergic reactions.
To conclude, the Maltipoo is hypoallergenic but that doesn’t mean there’s a zero percent chance you will have an allergic reaction. Like any dog, a Maltipoo is best described as low allergen rather than allergen free.
Tips for Living With a Maltipoo When You Have Allergies
Brush a few times a week. Brushing (outside if you can) removes loose hair and dander before it spreads around your home.
Bathe every 3 to 4 weeks. A gentle dog shampoo washes dander off the skin and coat without drying it out.
Keep a dog-free bedroom. Having one room with fewer allergens can help a lot.
Use a HEPA air purifier and vacuum. These trap dander in the air and on floors and furniture.
Wash bedding weekly. Wash your Maltipoo's bed and any blankets they use once a week.
What can I do to reduce the risk of allergic reactions?
When you are considering purchasing a Maltipoo and you or a family member have allergies, it is recommended that you hold the dog or puppy for at least 20 minutes and play with them to see if they cause any kind of reaction. Be sure to do this indoors since the air outside can push the dander away and give false results. To date, we have never had a complaint from someone with allergies that has adopted a Maltipoo from us which gives us high confidence in saying Maltipoo could be a great option for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Maltipoos good for people with allergies?
A: Yes, for many people. Maltipoos have hair instead of fur and shed very little, so they spread less dander around the home. Most people with mild to moderate dog allergies do well with a Maltipoo, but no dog is 100% allergen free.Q: Do Maltipoos shed?
A: Very little. Their hair grows continuously and only sheds slowly, a lot like human hair. Most owners notice almost no hair on floors or furniture.Q: Are Maltipoos more hypoallergenic than Cavapoos or Cockapoos?
A: Often, yes. Both of a Maltipoo’s parent breeds (Maltese and Poodle) have hair instead of fur, while Cavaliers and Cocker Spaniels shed more. That usually makes Maltipoos one of the most allergy friendly doodle mixes.Q: What grooming habits make a Maltipoo more allergy friendly?
A: Brush a few times a week, bathe every 3 to 4 weeks, and keep up with a professional groom every 4 to 8 weeks. Washing their bedding weekly and using a HEPA air purifier also help.
