What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Maltipoo?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Maltipoo is 5–20 lbs, 8–14 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 in vs 5–20 lbs, 8–14 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 10–13 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Maltipoo?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Maltipoo is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Maltipoo?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Maltipoo has a lifespan of 10–13 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltipoo — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

About the Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a popular designer crossbreed combining the Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle — first intentionally bred in the United States during the 1990s. These charming small dogs typically weigh 5 to 20 pounds and stand 8 to 14 inches tall, depending on the Poodle parent's size. Their coat is soft, wavy to curly, and comes in cream, white, apricot, red, and a range of other colors — often low-shedding thanks to the Poodle influence.

Temperament & Personality

Maltipoos are affectionate, playful, and thrive on human companionship — making them excellent lap dogs and emotional support animals. They tend to be gentle with children and can coexist well with other pets when properly socialized. Their alert nature means they'll bark to announce visitors, though they're far too friendly to serve as guard dogs.

Pros

Low-shedding coat is more suitable for allergy sufferers
Adapts well to apartments and small living spaces
Eager to please and relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement
Long lifespan of 12 to 16 years compared to many breeds

Cons

Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods
Coat requires regular professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks
Can develop patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy
Tendency toward excessive barking without consistent training

If a cuddly, low-shedding companion sounds like your perfect match, browse Maltipoo listings on Puplister today.

Labrador Retriever vs Maltipoo