No, Maltipoos do not bark a lot compared to most small dogs. Neither the Maltese nor the Toy Poodle is known as an excessive barker, so most Maltipoos only bark to alert you to something new, when they are bored, or when they want attention. With enough exercise, a steady routine and early training, a Maltipoo is usually a fairly quiet companion that does well in apartments.
All dogs will bark at one time or another, it’s just what dogs do. To determine whether the Maltipoo barks a lot, we must look at the Poodle and Maltese breed. Neither breed has a reputation of being an excessive barker. Some dogs are bred to be barkers for different reasons. There are guard dogs and watch dogs that bark when they sense any kind of threat. There are also hunting dogs that are trained to bark to scare prey out of their hiding places for hunters.
There are no real statistics of which dogs bark the most, it is all a matter of opinion. Small dogs have the reputation of being the biggest barkers, but most barking depends on the dog’s environment. There is usually a specific reason for barking and if you make sure your Maltipoo is well taken care of, there shouldn’t be very much barking going on. Below, I will talk about the different reasons for barking and how to prevent it.
Boredom
Maltipoos get bored just like any other dog if they don’t have any activities to keep them busy. If a dog is bored, the barking will be a constant/rhythmic barking. It will sound like the dog is barking just to hear her own voice and can last for hours. A bored dog barks out of loneliness or to get rid of excess energy.
To keep your Maltipoo from getting bored, you should have a variety of toys for them to play with. It will teach them to play independently. Be sure to have toys for chewing and reward-giving toys. Rewards can be either treat-releasing toys or toys that respond with noise or movement when touched. Refer to my Best Toys for Your Maltipoo article. It is also a good idea to have 2 sets of toys for your Maltipoo to be switched out every week so they don’t get bored with them. Just be sure to leave their favorite toy out at all times as Maltipoos can become attached to certain toys.
Attention
When a dog is left alone for long periods of time they can become lonely and crave attention, which causes them to bark or whine. Some dogs will bark and whine together, sounding like a whining child when they want attention.
To prevent attention-seeking barking, keep your Maltipoo on a schedule for activities. If you have a set time for walking, training, playing etc., your Maltipoo will get used to the schedule and know that he will be getting attention soon. Older Maltipoos are great at knowing when things are supposed to happen, and if it doesn’t happen, it can cause barking. Maltipoo puppies live in the moment and will bark as soon as they need/want something so it’s a good idea to keep them on a strict schedule.
Fear/Anxiety
Every dog has fears just like humans. If they hear a new sound, it can scare them and cause them to bark or whine. Feeling cornered may also cause them to be aggressive. Or if they see someone that they don’t know, they might go into protection mode and bark. The barking is usually high pitched if they are anxious or scared.
There isn’t much you can do about the noises outside or the neighbors coming home every night. The best thing you can do for your Maltipoo in these situations is to offer them some reassurance that there is no danger and distract them with something to do.
How to Stop a Maltipoo From Barking
Find the reason first. Watch what happens right before your Maltipoo barks. Boredom, attention, fear and excitement each need a different fix.
Give daily exercise. A 20 to 30 minute walk plus some play time burns off the extra energy that often turns into barking.
Do not reward the bark. If your Maltipoo barks for attention, wait for a few seconds of quiet before you look at them, talk to them or give them a treat.
Teach a "quiet" command. When your Maltipoo barks, calmly say "quiet," wait for them to stop, then praise and reward right away. Practice a few minutes every day.
Socialize early. Puppies that meet lots of new people, dogs and sounds grow up less worried about them and bark less at strangers. See our Maltipoo training guide for more tips.
Build up alone time slowly. Start with short periods away and leave a chew toy or treat puzzle so your Maltipoo learns that being alone is okay.
While both the Maltese and the Toy Poodle are sometimes said to be barkers, neither breed has a very bad reputation for being an excessive barker. These two breeds are neither hunting dogs nor watchdogs. So looking at this purely by the breed, the Maltipoo is not an excessive barker.
With this being said, a Maltipoo will bark. There are very few dogs that do not.
If you are looking for ways to help your dogs become less anxious one way could be giving them a certain kind of food. If you haven’t found anything have you tried Dope Dog's CBD treats for your furry friend? These treats are becoming a favorite for many dog owners. They're a natural and safe way to help your dog relax and feel less anxious. Unlike some strong medicines, Dope.Dog's treats are made from natural ingredients and are very gentle. When your dog eats these treats, it helps to soothe their nerves. This is because the treats work with their body's own system to release a happy chemical called serotonin. This not only makes your dog feel happier but can also help if your dog barks a lot. If your dog barks because they feel anxious or bored, these treats can be a big help. They're a simple, natural way to calm your dog and reduce unnecessary barking.
Maltipoo Barking FAQ
Are Maltipoos good apartment dogs?
Yes. Maltipoos are small, adaptable and not known as big barkers, so they usually do very well in apartments as long as they get daily walks and play.
Do Maltipoo puppies bark more than adults?
Puppies often bark more because everything is new and they have not learned household rules yet. Most Maltipoos bark less as they mature, especially with consistent training.
Why does my Maltipoo bark at night?
Nighttime barking is usually caused by needing a potty break, hearing new noises, or feeling lonely. A last potty trip before bed, a crate in your bedroom and a calm bedtime routine usually help.
Are Maltipoos yappy?
Most Maltipoos are not considered yappy. Like any small dog they can become vocal if they are bored or under-exercised, but a well exercised and trained Maltipoo is usually quiet. Learn more about Maltipoo behavior and how to calm a hyper Maltipoo.
