Celebrity Maltipoo: How Stars in the US & UK Fueled a Furry Trend

Jul 30

Celebrity culture has long had a paw in shaping dog breed trends, and the Maltipoo (a Maltese–Poodle mix) is no exception. Over the past two decades, this adorable “designer” breed has skyrocketed in popularity, thanks in large part to A-list owners flaunting their fluffy companions on red carpets and social media. From Hollywood to London, famous Maltipoo moms and dads have turned these curly-haired canines into the it dogs of modern pop culture.

In this article, we’ll explore how celebrity ownership, both historical and current, has influenced the Maltipoo’s rise. We’ll spotlight key celebrities in the United States and the United Kingdom who own or have owned Maltipoos, and examine how their public love for these pups helped spark a Maltipoo craze.

The Rise of the Maltipoo Trend Among Celebs

Maltipoos first appeared in the U.S. in the late 20th century and gained traction as part of the early-2000s “designer dog” boom. By the late 2000s, they had become the must-have pup for style-conscious stars. As celebrities sought an alternative to the typical Chihuahua or purebred Maltese, the charming and unique Maltipoo fit the bill perfectly.

One of the first high-profile Maltipoo owners was singer-actress Jessica Simpson. Her dog Daisy became something of a Hollywood icon in the mid-2000s, often spotted in Simpson’s arms at events and even appearing in photo shoots. Daisy was so famous that she was considered a “style icon” among celebrity pets. Simpson’s very public adoration of Daisy introduced many fans to the Maltipoo breed and inspired many to want the same.

Hollywood’s Maltipoo Obsession: Stars and Their Pups

By the late 2000s and early 2010s, Hollywood was deep in its Maltipoo phase. Let’s look at some of the notable celebrity Maltipoo parents and how they helped boost the breed’s popularity:

Jessica Simpson – “Daisy”
Daisy became a staple in Simpson’s life, appearing at red carpets and in the media. The loss of Daisy even made national headlines, showing the deep bond Simpson had with her Maltipoo and how emotionally connected owners could be to this breed.
Ashley Tisdale – “Maui” and “Blondie”
Tisdale’s Maltipoos were frequently featured on social media, behind the scenes on movie sets, and even in her films. Maui made a brief cameo in High School Musical 3, and crew members were famously obsessed with the dog.
Miley Cyrus – “Sophie”
Sophie was a birthday gift to Cyrus during her early fame and was often seen in paparazzi photos and public events. Miley’s close relationship with Sophie added to the dog’s fame and helped promote the breed to her massive fanbase.
Rihanna – “DJ Oliver”
Rihanna’s caramel-colored Maltipoo, often referred to as DJ Oliver, made several appearances on social media and was once even given a social media account of his own. His celebrity status showed that Maltipoos were just as cool as their superstar owners.
Blake Lively – “Penny”
Penny became a regular sight with Lively in New York City, often snapped walking beside the actress or peeking from a designer bag. The dog’s photogenic appearance reinforced the idea of Maltipoos as the ultimate stylish companion.
Vanessa Hudgens – “Shadow”
Hudgens frequently traveled with Shadow, carrying her dog through airports and city streets. Shadow’s constant presence showed the breed’s adaptability and suitability for a busy lifestyle.
Carmen Electra – “Kiko”
Kiko was often dressed up for the camera and featured in matching outfits with Electra, blending Hollywood glam with dog-owner cuteness.
Ellen DeGeneres – “Wolf” and “Charlie”
DeGeneres’s Maltipoos not only made appearances on her talk show but also became beloved by her audience. Charlie was regularly featured in on-air segments, helping introduce the Maltipoo to a nationwide audience.

Maltipoo Lovers in the UK

Celebrity dog lovers in the UK also helped push the Maltipoo into public view:

Ant McPartlin – “Milo” and “Bumble”
British TV personality Ant McPartlin frequently walks his Maltipoos around London. His warm, family-oriented image, combined with these fluffy dogs, helped popularize Maltipoos in the UK.
Laura Whitmore & Iain Stirling – “Mick”
This couple regularly posts about their dog Mick on social media. From haircuts to holiday snaps, Mick has become a minor celebrity with fans loving every update.
Daisy Lowe – (Unnamed Pup)
Lowe has been spotted with her Maltipoo in fashion-forward appearances across London. Her pup often shows up in celebrity magazine spreads, pairing perfectly with her trendy look.
Susan Sarandon – “Penny” and “Rigby”
Though American, Sarandon’s pups have made appearances on both U.S. and UK media. She often brings them on talk shows, giving people a glimpse into their sweet personalities.

Social Media’s Furry Superstars

In today’s world, Maltipoos are going viral. They’re Instagram-famous, TikTok-loved, and constantly appearing in selfies with celebrity owners. Whether dressed up, dancing, or just cuddling, Maltipoos perform well online – and celebrities know it.

Fans have created entire fan pages dedicated to celebrity Maltipoos, while others simply post hashtags like #MaltipooStyle or #CelebrityDogLife to track adorable updates. Dogs like Ashley Tisdale’s new Maltipoo puppies, Ziggy and Sushi, now carry the torch on Instagram, continuing what Maui and Blondie started.

Some owners even create separate accounts for their dogs. Even when the owner isn’t a major celebrity, a cute Maltipoo can garner millions of likes, underscoring the trend's remarkable strength.

The Celebrity Effect

So why do celebrities have such an impact on dog trends? When a star posts a dog pic, it’s more than just a cute photo. It sends a message. It says: “This is the lifestyle I live, and this is the dog that fits it.” That’s powerful marketing, even if unintentional.

The Maltipoo fits that celebrity lifestyle perfectly:

It’s hypoallergenic
It’s portable
It’s affectionate and intelligent
And let’s face it it’s adorable on camera

It’s no surprise the breed has stuck around for so long in Hollywood and beyond.

Conclusion

Whether on Instagram, TV, or walking down a red carpet, Maltipoos have become part of the celebrity brand. These dogs aren’t just pets – they’re personality companions. They bring comfort, style, and relatability to some of the most public figures in entertainment. And in return, the public sees Maltipoos as the dog to have.

So next time you scroll through a celebrity’s feed and spot a fluffy little Maltipoo, remember that pup isn’t just cute. It’s part of a trend that started with stars and continues to sparkle in homes around the world.

Sources:

People Magazine – “Why We Love Maltipoos”
V.O.G Dog Journal – “Maltipoo in Fashion: Why the Breed Became a Trend Among Celebrities”
Purely Pets UK – “20 Pampered Pups with Celebrity Owners”
Trupanion Blog – “Get to Know the Maltipoo”
Animal Fair – Interview with Ashley Tisdale
Celebrity Pet News Weekly – “Top 10 Celebrity Pets of the Year”
Instagram and TikTok pet trend observations and archives

Larsen Stephens