Pomeranian vs Maltipoo: Purebred vs Designer Breed Comparison
Should you choose a Pomeranian — a centuries-old purebred with a devoted following — or a Maltipoo, the increasingly popular Maltese-Poodle cross that has taken the companion-dog world by storm? Both breeds are small, affectionate and wonderful for first-time owners, yet they differ significantly in coat type, temperament and predictability. In this guide we put the two side by side so you can make a confident, informed decision. And full disclosure: at Woefkesranch we breed both Pomeranians and Maltipoos, so we have first-hand experience with both breeds and love them equally.
Pomeranian vs Maltipoo at a Glance
Purebred vs Designer Breed: What Does It Mean?
A Pomeranian is a well-established purebred with a documented history stretching back centuries. Breed standards are set by kennel clubs (FCI, AKC, KC), so you know within a fairly narrow range what a Pomeranian puppy will look and act like when it grows up. Predictability is the key advantage of purebreds.
A Maltipoo is a first- or multi-generation cross between a Maltese and a Poodle (usually Toy or Miniature). Because it is a crossbreed, there is somewhat more variation in size, coat texture and temperament — even within the same litter. The often-cited concept of “hybrid vigour” suggests crossbred dogs may benefit from a wider gene pool, though this is not guaranteed and responsible health testing of both parents is still essential.
Size Comparison
Pomeranians are consistently small — 1.8 to 3.5 kg. Maltipoos have a wider size range depending on whether the Poodle parent is a Toy or a Miniature, so they can weigh anywhere from 2.5 kg up to 9 kg. If a very small dog is important to you, make sure to ask the breeder about the expected adult size of the Maltipoo parents. At Woefkesranch, our Maltipoo puppies are bred from Toy Poodle parents, keeping them at the smaller end of the range.
Coat and Shedding
Here lies one of the most significant differences. The Pomeranian’s iconic fluffy double coat sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal coat blows. If you have allergies or simply dislike vacuuming, this is worth considering. You will need to brush your Pom three to four times a week and visit a professional groomer every six to eight weeks.
The Maltipoo inherits the low-shedding qualities of both the Maltese and the Poodle. Most Maltipoos have a wavy to curly coat that traps loose hair rather than dropping it, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. However, that curly coat is prone to matting, so daily or every-other-day brushing is recommended, along with professional grooming every four to six weeks.
Temperament
Pomeranians are bold. They strut into a room as if they own it, bark at dogs ten times their size, and demand to be the centre of attention. They are playful and entertaining but also have an independent streak — a Pom is happy to nap alone while you work, as long as you give it quality attention later.
Maltipoos are the quintessential “velcro dogs.” They want to be on your lap, at your feet, or ideally in your arms at all times. Their gentle, affectionate nature makes them exceptional therapy and emotional-support dogs. They are sociable with strangers and other animals, and they adapt quickly to new environments. The downside of that devotion is that Maltipoos can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long stretches.
Trainability
Thanks to the Poodle lineage, Maltipoos often have a slight edge in trainability. They are keen to please and pick up commands quickly. Pomeranians are equally intelligent but can be wilful — they know what you want; they just sometimes choose not to comply. Short, fun, reward-based sessions work best for both breeds. House training can be a challenge in all toy breeds due to their tiny bladders, so patience is key.
Barking
Pomeranians are among the most vocal small breeds. They alert-bark at nearly everything — sounds, people, other dogs. Training can reduce the frequency, but a completely silent Pom is unrealistic. Maltipoos are generally quieter, though they can develop nuisance barking if under-stimulated or suffering from separation anxiety. If you live in an apartment with noise-sensitive neighbours, the Maltipoo is usually the safer choice.
Health Comparison
Both breeds share a vulnerability to luxating patella and dental disease. Pomeranians additionally face risks of tracheal collapse and alopecia X. Maltipoos can inherit progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) from the Poodle side and white-shaker syndrome from the Maltese side. In both cases, purchasing from a breeder who performs health screenings — including patella evaluation and eye testing — is the single most important step you can take to ensure a healthy puppy.
Grooming Requirements
Grooming effort is surprisingly similar for both breeds, just different in nature. Poms require regular brushing to manage shedding and prevent mats in the undercoat. Maltipoos need regular brushing to prevent their curly coat from tangling. Both benefit from professional grooming sessions every four to eight weeks. Neither breed is “low maintenance” — if grooming is not your thing, consider a short-haired breed instead.
Price and Ongoing Costs
In Luxembourg, prices for both breeds from reputable breeders are very similar: € 1 800 – € 3 500 for a Pomeranian and € 1 800 – € 3 200 for a Maltipoo. Ongoing costs — food, grooming, veterinary care, insurance — are comparable. The Maltipoo may cost slightly more in professional grooming due to the curlier coat requiring more frequent clipping.
Final Verdict
Both breeds make fantastic companion dogs, and we are proud to breed both at Woefkesranch. Choose the Pomeranian if you love a bold, independent personality wrapped in a fluffy coat and you are comfortable with shedding. Choose the Maltipoo if you want a gentle, cuddly, low-shedding companion who thrives on constant togetherness. Whichever you choose, you are getting a loyal friend for life.
Ready to meet your new companion? Explore our Pomeranian puppies or our Maltipoo puppies, and feel free to contact us with any questions about availability and upcoming litters.
Ready to welcome a Pomeranian into your home?
Contact Woefkesranch to enquire about current litters or join our waiting list.
Looking for a Pomeranian Puppy in Luxembourg?
Woefkesranch breeds quality Pomeranians with FCI pedigree, full veterinary documentation and EU pet passport included.
