Malti-Poo/A Maltese/Poodle Hybrid by Debora Johnson Visit HorseHints The Malti-Poo is a cross between the Maltese and the Poodle. They are not considered pure bred dogs, however, they can be registered. My malti-Poo puppies are registered Continental Kennel Club (CKC). Many hybrid crosses are also recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Malti-Poo is one of these hybrids recognized. It is also important to explain that not all hybrid dogs are 50%/50%. Many breeders do multi generational breeding of the various crosses. For example, the first breeding may be 100% pure bred maltese and 100% pure bred poodle.. The second breeding may be to other dogs who have already been crossed, or any variation from that time forward. So, the second breeding might be 50% maltese and 50% poodle, etc. Genetics can come through from both breeds. Be familiar with the maltese and the poodle, in this case. What Is A Designer Dog? The "designer" dog just means that a cross had been made between two pure bred dogs. Pure bred means that when you breed the dogs they breed true to characteristics. A standard has been set by the industry. Only dogs who meet that standard are to be bred. Therefore, when you buy a pure bred dog, you have an idea of what you are going to get in temperament, size, habit, looks, possible genetic predispositions, etc. A mutt is of uncertain ancestry. A "designer" dog has documented purebred ancestry. You know what you are getting. The American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) is the leading registry for designer dogs. Mixing the gene pool between the two pure bred dogs can cut down on genetic problems. The reason for this is because you are mixing up that gene pool. This reduces the chances for genetic problems. However, you can get any of the characteristics found in either breed.