Maltipoo vs Mastiff

Which dog breed is right for you?

Maltipoo

Size
5–20 lbs, 8–14 in
Lifespan
10–13 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Affectionate Playful Gentle Adaptable

Mastiff

Size
120–230 lbs, 28–36 in
Lifespan
6–10 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Dignified Brave Patient

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.

About the Mastiff

The English Mastiff is one of the most ancient and massive dog breeds, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years to ancient Britain and possibly earlier Molosser-type dogs of Asia. Males commonly weigh 160 to 230 pounds and stand 30 inches or taller at the shoulder, making them among the heaviest domestic dogs in the world. Their short, dense double coat comes in fawn, apricot, or brindle — always with a distinctive dark mask on the face.

Temperament & Personality

Despite their imposing size, Mastiffs are famously gentle, calm, and deeply loyal — often called "gentle giants" with good reason. They are patient and protective with children in their family, though their sheer mass means supervision around small kids is wise. Mastiffs tend to be reserved with strangers but rarely aggressive, preferring to position themselves between their family and any perceived threat.

Pros

  • Naturally protective without needing guard training
  • Surprisingly low energy indoors — content to lounge for hours
  • Gentle and patient temperament ideal for families
  • Short coat requires only basic weekly brushing

Cons

  • Massive food bills — adult Mastiffs eat 6 to 10 cups of food daily
  • Shorter lifespan of 6 to 10 years typical of giant breeds
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and heart conditions
  • Excessive drooling is a constant reality with this breed

Ready to welcome a magnificent gentle giant into your home? Explore Mastiff adoption opportunities on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Maltipoo and a Mastiff?
The Maltipoo is 5–20 lbs, 8–14 in sized while the Mastiff is 120–230 lbs, 28–36 in sized. They differ in size (5–20 lbs, 8–14 in vs 120–230 lbs, 28–36 in), lifespan (10–13 years vs 6–10 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Maltipoo or Mastiff?
Maltipoo is generally good with kids. Mastiff is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Maltipoo or Mastiff?
The Maltipoo has a lifespan of 10–13 years while the Mastiff has a lifespan of 6–10 years.

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