Malti-Poo dogs are not recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club, but are rather considered a crossbreed of two recognized breeds; the Maltese and the Miniature Poodle. These little dogs range in size from 18 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, so they are a great choice for people who live in apartments with limited outdoor space. Malti-Poos are affectionate, intelligent and loyal to their owners, and they are happy to spend quiet time with their person or get outdoors for a walk. They require minimal grooming and are thought to be hypoallergenic for the most part.

Just like all small dogs, Malti-Poos can be injured by rough play, so parents of small children should make sure the kids know how to be gentle with their pet. It is not recommended to have any small dog in a home with children who are under six years old. These dogs are a great choice for seniors since they are companion dogs they may become anxious if left alone too much.

While Malti-Poos are well-suited for apartment living, they do enjoy activities such as fetching a ball or toy and other indoor games. They are very intelligent and easily learn to do tricks such as sitting, rolling over and "dancing". Due to their small size, Malti-Poos are easy to travel with. They seem to enjoy riding in a car, although they should be restrained with a harness which helps to prevent injury in case of a sudden stop or accident.

Small dogs such as Malti-Poos have a longer lifespan than larger breeds. Anyone getting one as a puppy can expect it to live an average of 12 to 14 years. With excellent care and no health issues, it is not unusual for this breed to live up to 16 years.