Moodle in Australia — the honest 2026 guide
Maltese × Toy Poodle · Also known as: Maltipoo
By Dogthings Editorial · Updated 2026-04-23
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we'd use with our own dogs.
Tiny, affectionate, and low-shedding — the Moodle is a Maltese × Toy Poodle cross popular for apartment living and allergy sufferers. Genuinely small (most stay under 6kg), making them the lightest doodle option.
Moodle temperament
Gentle, affectionate, and people-focused. Moderate energy — a 20–30 min walk plus indoor play is enough. Can be yappy if not trained out of it, and prone to separation anxiety.
What each parent contributes
Maltese: tiny size, affectionate lap-dog nature, minimal shedding
Toy Poodle: curly low-shedding coat, intelligence, higher exercise tolerance
Who the Moodle suits
Good for:
- Apartment living
- Seniors and retirees
- Allergy-conscious households
- Single-person households
Watch out for:
- Dental disease (overcrowded jaw)
- Patellar luxation
- Fragile — careful with young kids
- Barking if not trained
Training a Moodle
Toilet training takes longer than larger breeds — small bladders plus fluffy legs make accidents more common. Start from day one with strict frequency. Teach a 'quiet' command early to prevent demand barking.
Common Moodle health issues
- Dental disease
- Patellar luxation
- Portosystemic shunt (rare)
- White Shaker Syndrome (rare, Maltese line)
Insurance note: Premiums are low for the size, but dental disease claims are frequent. Make sure the policy actually covers dental disease (not just dental injury) and keep up annual dental check-ups.
Feeding and food costs
Budget roughly $35 – $60 per month on quality kibble for an adult Moodle. Premium kibble (Black Hawk, Advance, Hill's) sits at the upper end; super-premium (Ziwi, Acana, Orijen) pushes higher. See our best dry dog food Australia 2026 ranking for options, or use our dog food cost calculator for a year-one estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How small is a Moodle?
Most adult Moodles are 3–7 kg and 20–30 cm tall. True Toy Moodles from two Toy-sized parents stay at the small end. Mini Poodle × Maltese crosses produce slightly larger 'Mini Moodles' at 6–9 kg.
Are Moodles good with children?
Gentle temperament, but their small size makes them fragile. Supervise closely with toddlers — a playful grab can injure the dog. Better suited to families with kids 7+ who understand small-dog handling.
How much does a Moodle cost?
$3,000 to $5,500 in Australia. Smaller 'Teacup Moodles' advertised at $6,000+ are almost always undersized due to poor breeding — avoid.
Still deciding?
Compare the cost of insurance for a Moodle on our best pet insurance 2026 page, or run year-one numbers with our first-year dog budget guide.
Updated 2026-04-23 · Not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.