A black Maltipoo is a lovely cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Its stunning appearance makes it highly sought after. However, they are extremely challenging to find!
Since the Maltese parent breed only has coat colors of white or cream, many people would assume that a pure black Maltipoo is not possible. So how does a Maltipoo appear with a pitch-black coat?
This guide will cover every aspect of this unusually-colored crossbreed. Learn more about a black Maltipoo’s appearance, genetics, health, pricing, and other specifics by reading on!
What Is a Black Maltipoo?
The black Maltipoo is a rare color variation of this crossbreed. This loving and playful hybrid is a cross between the Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Due to one of its parent breeds only having white and cream coats, producing a Maltipoo with solid black color can be quite challenging.
As a relatively new crossbreed, there isn’t much-recorded history about black Maltipoos. In addition, there are no details about the first black Maltipoo ever to exist.
The Maltese parent breed of a Maltipoo often comes in white, cream, or white with lemon hues. Because of this, Maltipoos with pitch-black coats are extremely uncommon. Hence, they are hard to come by!
Are Black Maltipoos Rare?
Black Maltipoos are incredibly rare. In actuality, neither the history of a pure black Maltipoo nor the ancestry of this crossbreed in this specific shade is known.
This is due to the fact that Malteses only come in white or cream colors. Since Maltese lacks the gene for a black coat, it is technically impossible to produce a purebred black Maltese.
The Maltipoo’s other parent breed, the Poodle, may have a completely black coat. Consequently, breeding it with white or cream breeds may result in all-black offspring.
However, the progressive greying gene that Poodles have causes their coats to lighten over time. So, it’s very likely that as your black Maltipoo puppy ages, its black coat will turn grey or develop white patches.
Breeders find it challenging to develop a solid black Maltipoo due to its complexity. As a result, finding a black Maltipoo is extremely rare.
Black Maltipoo Appearance
The sizes of black Maltipoos are strongly influenced by their parent breeds. They may weigh between 5 and 20 pounds and stand between 8 and 14 inches tall, which is quite large for the average Maltese.
The Poodle parent breed of a black Maltipoo can be a Toy, Miniature, or Standard variant. Despite this, black Maltipoos are still considered small crossbreeds and won’t grow much taller than 14 inches.
Including its eyes, nose, paws, and other physical features, a true black Maltipoo will be all-black in color. No matter how long the fur is or even if it is trimmed short, there won’t be any sign of other hues.
Like other colors of the same mix, black Maltipoos have small bodies, rounded heads, and floppy ears.
Black Maltipoos also exhibit fluffy, low-shedding, low-dander coats. Their coats can range in length from medium to long and can be slightly curly or wavy.
In general, black Maltipoos make charming friends who maintain their puppy-like appearance for the remainder of their lives!
Check out this video of a black Maltipoo puppy looking in the mirror for the first time to see how adorable it can be:
Black Maltipoo Color Genetics
Two pigments — eumelanin (a black pigment) and pheomelanin (red pigment) — are used to produce the colors of dog coats. A Maltipoo’s black coloring is brought on by the eumelanin pigment.
Your dog’s DNA contains a gene called the K-locus that controls whether or not it will have a solid coat color. The K-locus determines whether a dog will have a completely black coat or with markings.
The K-locus has three alleles by default that are in the following order of dominance: KB (black), KBr (brindle), and ky (yellow).
If a white Maltese is crossed with a black Poodle, it’s possible to carry one KB allele in its K-locus. Only one dominant black allele is needed to produce a full black Maltipoo.
Since Maltese may only carry the KBr or ky allele, the possibility of having a dominant black allele depends on a black Poodle. Hence, a black Maltipoo will only have the KBKy (one dominant, one recessive) gene combination.
Do Black Maltipoo Puppies Stay Black as They Grow?
A black Maltipoo can maintain its color until adulthood. On the other hand, as pups mature, it’s also possible for them to develop white or grey spots on their fur.
The G-locus, a gene that causes “progressive graying” in some Poodles, is found in black, blue, and brown dogs and causes these dogs to age with a gradual fading of color.
But not every Poodle possesses the gene. So long as the Poodle parent does not possess the G locus, black Maltipoos may maintain their black color as they mature.
In addition, the presence of eumelanin, TRP1, and TRP2 in a black Maltipoo’s Poodle parent breed will ensure that they will stay black as they grow.
The presence of these enzymes will also ensure that your Maltipoo is truly black. This can be determined through genetic testing.
Black Maltipoo Temperament and Personality
Black Maltipoos boast of their gentle, loving, and affectionate personalities. Like both its parent breeds, a black Maltipoo will enjoy spending playful moments with its owners.
Generally, black Maltipoos are very loyal to their family and love bonding with their owners. This stems from the history of its parent breeds being excellent companion pets.
One of the things you must be aware of is that a black Maltipoo, like its Poodle parent breed, could quite easily become attached to just one person.
This was experienced by my eldest sister, who owned this color of Maltipoo during our younger years.
Even though there were many of us in the household, Mina the Maltipoo took a liking to her, and she became the dog’s favorite person after just a few months.
She even followed my sister whenever she went to the bathroom and had a habit of whining whenever she left the house.
They are also very social, like Maltese, and get along well with other dogs and pets. Nonetheless, early socialization and training are needed to help them become well-rounded pups.
Having kids or elderly around the house is not a problem for those who want to get black Maltipoos. They make gentle companions, rarely bite, and are suitable for all types of homes.
Lastly, black Maltipoos are exceptionally intelligent and can be trained easily. Owners will be successful in training their black Maltipoos by using positive reinforcement methods.
Black Maltipoo Lifespan and Health Issues
Black Maltipoos are small dogs with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Crossbreeds generally have longer lifespans than purebreds. However, this still depends on other factors such as diet, exercise, and genetics.
Aside from diet and genetics, the sex of the Maltipoo also affects its lifespan. There are several differences between a male and a female black Maltipoo. For instance, females generally live slightly longer than males.
Despite being generally healthy and having a long average lifespan, black Maltipoos are still prone to developing certain health issues.
Listed below are some of the most common health issues for a black Maltipoo:
- Epilepsy: Black Maltipoos are predisposed to this neurological disorder which causes recurring seizures. Anti-epileptic drugs may be prescribed to manage the disease.
- Mitral Valve Disease: Mitral valve disease is a common condition among small dogs like black Maltipoos, where the mitral valve wears out and leaks over time. This causes heart murmurs and leads to congestive heart failure if left untreated.
- Osteochondrodysplasia: Osteochondrodysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition often affecting the bones, cartilage, muscles, and other connective tissues of black Maltipoos. This may cause them to walk differently, develop arthritis, or have breathing problems from deformed rib cages.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is a group of degenerative diseases affecting the cells in the eyes of a dog. Over time the eye cells of a dog with PRA deteriorate, causing blindness.
The aforementioned conditions are not entirely preventable. However, getting your puppy from a reputable breeder will play a vital role in getting a genetically healthy black Maltipoo puppy.
How Much Does a Black Maltipoo Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The average price of a black Maltipoo puppy ranges from $1,000 to $6,500, depending on their age, size, pedigree, and breeder’s reputation. Black Maltipoo puppies from certain bloodlines are usually priced at upwards of $2,500.
If the average price is out of your budget, you may consider getting a puppy from rescue shelters and organizations. However, black Maltipoos are rarely put up for adoption.
Aside from the initial puppy price, owners should also consider the initial expenses that come along with bringing home a puppy. Ensure that your black Maltipoo puppy will have a smooth transition as they arrive home.
Below is a table summarizing the initial expenses of owning a black Maltipoo:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
Aspiring pet owners may use the table above to assess their financial capabilities and budget before bringing home a black Maltipoo puppy. Note, however, that the costs listed above are just estimates.
Places to Find Black Maltipoo Puppies for Sale and Adoption
With my experience in breeding, I highly recommend that before you secure a Maltipoo deal, you must take time to thoroughly research and extend a bit of patience to find a reputable breeder.
They can give you peace of mind when it comes to the health and temperament of your puppy.
To help narrow down your search, we have listed the following reputable places where you can find a black Maltipoo puppy for sale:
- Bear Creek Maltipoo – Based in Arkansas, Bear Creek Maltipoo produces genetically healthy, hardy, and happy Maltipoo puppies of all colors. A black Maltipoo from Bear Creek Maltipoo undergoes regular vet exams and genetic testing before being sold.
- Maltipoo FurBabies – Maltipoo Furbabies is based in Illinois and is dedicated to producing high-quality Maltipoos that are available for everyone. Black Maltipoos from Maltipoo FurBabies come with age-appropriate vaccinations and a one-year health guarantee.
- My Doodle Puppy – My Doodle Puppy, formerly My Doodle Maltipoos, is committed to breeding the healthiest and happiest Doodles. Black Maltipoos from this breeder come with updated vaccinations, microchipping, neuro-stimulation programs, temperament testing, and a 10-year health guarantee.
If you’re on a tight budget, adoption is a practical option. Below are some of the most reputable rescue and animal shelters for black Maltipoos:
- Metropolitan Maltese Rescue (MetroMalts) – Based in New York, MetroMalts is a non-profit corporation that has been searching for permanent homes for abandoned Maltese and Maltese mixes since 1998. Depending on age, adoption fees from MetroMalts range from $300 to $500.
- Maltese Rescue California – This organization is committed to providing shelters for Malteses in California. Their dedicated volunteers ensure that homeless and unwanted small-breed dogs like Maltipoos are placed in loving homes. Adopting from Maltese Rescue California will cost around $295 to $500.
- Florida Poodle Rescue – Since 1994, Florida Poodle Rescue has been saving Poodles and Poodle mixes such as the Maltipoo. All rescues are placed in foster homes that help them adjust before being adopted. Their adoption fees range between $150 and $800.
Aside from the aforementioned organizations, you can also check out Facebook groups or contact Maltipoo owners to ask where they go their black Maltipoo.
Dog Name Ideas for Black Maltipoo Puppies
Choosing a name for a black Maltipoo is a fun and challenging experience for owners. There are just so many names to choose from! Each Maltipoo has its own quirks and personality that may influence name selection.
Before deciding on a name, it’s crucial to remember that shorter names with distinctive sounds work better to prevent your dog from being confused.
With that in mind, here is a list of great name ideas for black Maltipoo puppies:
- Alvin
- Bandit
- Benji
- Cooper
- Kenny
- Oreo
- Pluto
- Poco
- Rover
- Sparky
The most important thing is to make sure that whenever you say the name of your black Maltipoo, it feels just right. Also, make sure your dog enjoys responding to their name!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Maltipoo Color?
Black is the rarest Maltipoo color since the Maltese breed standard only includes bright and light colors such as cream or white. Other rare Maltipoo colors include brown, gray, and phantom.
Do Black Maltipoos Turn White?
It’s not uncommon for a black Maltipoo puppy to turn white as they grow older. Nonetheless, some Maltipoos undergo a “clearing” process where their coats naturally fade in color over time.
Do Black Maltipoos Shed a Lot?
Black Maltipoos generally shed very little to none at all. This is because they do not have an undercoat that sheds frequently. They may shed periodically but only in small quantities.
Are Black Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?
Black Maltipoos are low-shedders which makes them hypoallergenic. However, no breed is entirely hypoallergenic, and Maltipoos may still release other allergens through their urine or saliva.
Has the article encouraged you to own a black Maltipoo soon? Comment below and let us know! Ask us any questions you may have as well about the black-colored furbabies!
