When Does a Maltipoo Puppy Lose Its Coat?

The Maltipoo, a cross between a toy poodle or a miniature poodle and a Maltese, is a popular pet choice because it is considered a hypoallergenic dog. Both poodles and Maltese are known as minimal shedders, but it’s important for pet owners to note that young Maltipoos may lose their puppy coats and that even the adult dogs can shed to some extent.

Maltipoos do not always visibly transition from a puppy coat to an adult coat, but this transition may be more obvious if they have more poodle in them than Maltese. Poodles typically shed their puppy coat after one to two years. The poodle’s type of coat does not change, so if a puppy coat was naturally curly, the adult coat will be curly as well. Maltese may shed their puppy coats, but their transition is more gradual and less likely to be noticed by the owner. If a Maltipoo does have a noticeable coat change, it will likely occur around their first birthday.

Most people who are allergic to dogs aren’t actually allergic to dog hair. Rather, they’re allergic to the dander in dog hair and the chemicals in a dog’s saliva. Hypoallergenic dogs don’t shed as much as other breeds and therefore don’t release as many allergens into the environment. Although Maltipoos shed very little, some people still find that they are allergic to them. If you’re considering adopting a Maltipoo, spend time socializing with a dog of the type beforehand to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction.

Because Maltipoos have longer, slightly curly coats, they need brushing on a daily basis. If they live in a hot climate, they may need to be kept clipped so they stay cool. A groomer should clip their coats around their heads roughly once a month, taking special care to trim the hair around their eyes to keep it out of their field of vision and make them look neat. Maltipoos should also be bathed at least once a month to remove any dirt and debris that may have built up in their coat.

As stated above, some minor shedding and the transition from a puppy coat to an adult coat is considered normal for a Maltipoo. However, major hair loss could be indicative of a skin problem. Check your Maltipoo for sores, rashes, red marks, bumps or areas that the dog has continually chewed or licked. If you do find anything abnormal, you should take your dog to a vet. Resolving a skin problem will help restore the health of your Maltipoo’s coat.