A fairly new crossbreed, the Moodle dog comes from mixing a Maltese with a Poodle. Also known as the Maltipoo in other countries, it was first intentionally bred in the United States nearly 30 years ago to create a hypoallergenic dog that is affectionate and adaptable. Today, it is one of the most popular toy breeds in the world. If you are considering adopting a puppy but have yet to decide on the right breed for your family and lifestyle, here are five reasons why you should get a Moodle.
#1 It has an excellent temperament
Aside from being affectionate, the Moodle is known for being gentle, devoted, and fun-loving. It is completely satisfied with snuggling on your lap as it is happy playing fetch with you. A boisterous breed, it tends to become even more playful the older it gets.
The Moodle enjoys life and loves getting attention. It likes to please its human, making it a wonderful choice for first-time pet parents. It also does well with children as well as other household pets, given that it has been properly socialised as a puppy. Bear in mind, however, that because it is small and fragile, children need to be taught to handle it gently. Furthermore, the Moodle should not be left alone for long periods as it can get sad.
#2 It looks adorable
If you are looking for a small dog that’s oozing with cuteness, the Moodle makes a perfect choice. It has round eyes, a dark nose, and a short- or medium-length muzzle. Unlike most breeds, it has a head that is well proportioned to the rest of its body.
The Moodle usually only grows to about 20 centimetres and weighs between two and nine kilograms. Its soft and fluffy coat can either be fine, thick, wavy, or curly. Because it is a crossbreed, it comes in just about any colour, including bicolour and tricolour. Common colours of the Moodle include white, cream, black, and apricot.
#3 It is easy to train
Both of the Moodle’s parents were originally bred as hunting and working dogs, so they are often good at doing exactly as taught. This, and given that the Moodle is an intelligent dog, are the reasons why this crossbreed learns commands and skills easily and efficiently.
Like all dogs, the Moodle needs your patience when being trained. Avoid getting discouraged or showing frustration if your dog isn’t catching up quickly on new commands. Try to praise it verbally whenever it performs well. Also, keep your training sessions short and to the point, as dogs generally have a short attention span. Furthermore, always remember that some Moodles learn slower than others, so continue being patient with your dog. Otherwise, take a different approach if there is minimal progress.
One of the most effective approaches is giving your dog treats. If you are just starting to train your Moodle, food can be a huge motivator. However, treats must be given in moderation, as too much can lead to weight gain and health issues.
#4 It is adaptable
As long as the Moodle is with the people that it cares about, it can adapt to any kind of home, whether a tiny apartment or a large house. It tends to love the indoors more, so there is no need for you to have a backyard to please this toy breed. It is important, however, to never leave this dog outside or in a kennel as it does not like to be separated from its pet parents.
While the Moodle thrives in indoor spaces, it will still need its daily exercise and sunshine outdoors. Luckily, this toy breed only needs a short 15-minute walk or game of fetch to keep it happy and healthy.
#5 It requires minimal grooming
Despite being a low-shedding, hypoallergenic toy breed, the Moodle still needs regular grooming just like most other dogs. However, its grooming needs are low to moderate. This means daily brushing to keep its coat free of mats as well as monthly bathing to keep its coat clean. Hair trimming may be done once a month, while hair clipping may be needed only once or twice a year.
While daily is better, the Moodle’s teeth need to be brushed at least twice a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. Its nails should be trimmed at least once a month or as needed. It is recommended that you start grooming your Moodle while it is still a puppy to allow it to get used to the process. Also, make sure to make grooming a positive experience for your dog by giving it praises and rewards.
