Aussiedoodle vs Maltese
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Aussiedoodle
Also known as: Aussiepoo, Aussie Poodle, Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix
The Aussiedoodle, also called Aussiepoo, brings together two of the smartest dog breeds—the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. This designer breed is known for its exceptional intelligence, boundless energy, and stunning coat that often features the merle patterns of the Aussie parent. Aussiedoodles excel in agility, obedience, and as active family companions who thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
Medium
High
10-14 yrs
35-58 cm
18-32 kg
Maltese
Also known as: Maltese Lion Dog, Melita, Roman Ladies' Dog, Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta
The Maltese is an ancient companion breed with a long, silky white coat. Known for its affectionate, devoted nature and low-shedding coat, this toy breed requires dedicated grooming but rewards owners with unwavering devotion. Originally bred for over 2,000 years solely for companionship, the Maltese thrives on human contact and struggles when left alone.
Extra Small
Medium
12-15+ yrs
21-25 cm
1.8-3.2 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Chew strength | N/A | Light |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Beginner (with grooming commitment) |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who works from home or has flexible schedule. Experienced with high-energy breeds. Ready for significant grooming commitment. Enjoys training and dog sports. | Retirees, empty nesters, or remote workers who enjoy constant physical contact. Someone who wants a 'baby' rather than just a dog and has time for dedicated grooming. |
Aussiedoodle Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - if you want a couch dog after a 20-minute walk
- Long work hours - 8+ hours away from home daily
- Budget constraints - $100/month grooming is a hardship
- No yard or outdoor space
Maltese Dealbreakers
- Work away from home 8+ hours
- Have toddlers (fragile breed - falling on Maltese can break bones)
- Cannot commit to daily grooming and dental care
- Noise-sensitive living situation
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | High | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | He's too hyper - energy underestimated, He nips the kids - herding instinct, Grooming costs overwhelming, Cute puppy → High energy adolescent → Backyard isolation → Barking → Surrender | Moving/housing changes, Lack of time for grooming and companionship, Behavioral issues (barking, housebreaking failures) |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | High |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
Aussiedoodle Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly with dogs
Maltese Social Traits
Moderate
Often doesn't realize small size - may challenge large dogs (Napoleon Complex)
Training
Aussiedoodle
- Use food motivation for rapid learning
- Keep sessions short and varied to maintain interest
- Channel herding instinct into controlled activities
- Start bite inhibition training early for nipping
Maltese
- Use treats and praise exclusively - harsh methods backfire
- Don't laugh when puppy growls at slippers - set boundaries early
- Consistency is key with housebreaking - frequent outings, crate training
Aussiedoodle Considerations
Both parent breeds are 'Velcro' dogs selected for close human cooperation. Aussiedoodles often cannot tolerate isolation, leading to destructive chewing, self-mutilation, and incessant vocalization if left alone for standard workdays.
The Australian Shepherd's herding instinct manifests as nipping heels of running children, chasing bicycles, or attempting to control movement of other pets. Requires consistent training from puppyhood.
Without a 'job' (agility, advanced obedience, nosework), their intelligence turns inward, resulting in obsessive-compulsive behaviors like shadow chasing or flank sucking.
Unlike purebred Aussies, the coat grows continuously. Professional grooming is mandatory every 6-8 weeks at $100-150 per session. Matting can cause skin damage.
Maltese Considerations
Bred for millennia solely for companionship, Maltese often panic when left alone. This manifests as destructive chewing, self-mutilation (licking paws raw), and relentless vocalization. Not suitable for 8-hour workdays without intervention.
Despite their size, Maltese are vigilant watchdogs. They will announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and leaf. In apartments, this high-pitched, persistent barking can lead to noise complaints and eviction notices.
The single most common frustration. Small bladders require frequent outings, and they can be sneaky about indoor accidents. Even adult Maltese may not be 100% reliable outside a crate or pen.
Because they are fragile, owners often tolerate behaviors (growling, snapping, resource guarding) that would be unacceptable in larger dogs. This can create a dog that rules the household.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | May harass by trying to herd them - can coexist if raised together | Generally excellent - one of the most cat-compatible breeds |
| Small Mammals | Moderate risk - may harass guinea pigs/rabbits by poking/herding | Generally safe with supervision - not a terrier, low prey drive |
| Birds / Reptiles | High risk - Poodle bird dog instinct + Aussie chase drive | Use caution - fluttering birds may trigger chase instinct |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested/None |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
Aussiedoodle: Eye -> Stalk -> Chase sequence from Aussie, Poodle adds retrieval mouthing. Generally safe with family but chase instinct is strong.
Maltese: Kill instinct largely bred out - may chase but rarely grab or kill. Cooperative partners who want to please, but also prioritize comfort. Leash reactivity stems from feeling vulnerable at small size.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-10 |
| House Training | Easy | Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Aussiedoodle: Combines mouthiness with herding nipping and high intelligence. Will outsmart novice owners. Harder than a Cavalier (2/10) but easier than a Malinois (9/10).
Maltese: Hypoglycemia risk in young puppies - monitor food intake vigilantly. Small bladder makes housebreaking a 4-6 month challenge minimum. Crate training essential but must be introduced gently.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 10 months |
| Adolescence | 6-24 | 6-10 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 1-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-4 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 35-58 cm | 21-25 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years | N/A |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 2-4 |
Aussiedoodle Coat
Maltese Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Designer companion combining intelligence and low-shedding coat | Companionship for Roman matrons and royalty |
| Origin | North America, late 1990s/early 2000s | Mediterranean (Malta), referenced by Aristotle 384-322 BC |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | 20-30% |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Moderate |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Medium | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.8m | 0.6m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Aussiedoodle Health Issues
Maltese Health Issues
Aussiedoodle Suggested Tests
- MDR1 DNA test (MANDATORY)
- Hip Evaluation
- Eye Examination
- Adrenal Function Tests
- Skin Biopsy (if skin issues)
Maltese Suggested Tests
- OFA Patella clearance
- OFA Cardiac clearance
- Serum Bile Acid test (liver shunt screening)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | High |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Medium |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grains | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Medium | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Aussiedoodle Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Hip dysplasia progression
- Cognitive decline
- Vision loss (PRA)
Highly active brains can be prone to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Ramps may be needed for cars/beds.
Maltese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Dental disease escalation
- Heart murmurs (MVD onset)
- Cataracts/vision loss
- Arthritis requiring furniture stairs
Significant dental intervention often needed by age 9+. Heart murmurs common - regular cardiac monitoring essential.
Grooming & Care
Aussiedoodle
high maintenanceMaltese
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Aussiedoodle Daily Life
Maltese Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs (Mini) / Over 50lbs (Standard) | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | High | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Medium | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,200-3,500+ | $2,000-4,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,200–$3,500 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $200–$300 | $100–$180 |
| Yearly Range | $2,400–$3,600 | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $25-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-90 | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1,000 | $400-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Aussiedoodle Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Maltese Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Aussiedoodle | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Weekly |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | None |
Aussiedoodle Quirks
The Aussie Lean
Will lean their entire body weight against you as a sign of affection
Goose-ing
May nip the butts or heels of guests as they leave the house (herding instinct)
Counter Surfing
Intelligence allows them to solve 'kitchen puzzles' to get food
The Stare
Inherited from Aussie parent - intense eye contact to get your attention
Maltese Quirks
Reverse Sneezing
A common, alarming honking gasp sound caused by excitement or allergies. Usually harmless but terrifying for new owners.
Tear Staining
Rusty streaks under eyes caused by porphyrins in tears. Requires constant cosmetic management with daily wiping and filtered water.
Picky Eating
Master manipulators who may refuse food to hold out for something better. Don't give in or you'll create a monster.
Frequently Asked Questions
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