Skipper

Available

2 years old|Maltese, Poodle|Male|Medium|Point Richmond, CA

🐾 Friendly🎾 Playful🙈 Shy🐕 Dog Friendly🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Good with Children

Skipper

Available

2 years old|Maltese, Poodle|Male|Medium|Point Richmond, CA

🐾 Friendly🎾 Playful🙈 Shy🐕 Dog Friendly🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Good with Children

Skipper is a 2 year and 5 month old neutered male Maltese/Poodle mix with a medium build and gray-blue-silver coat, currently located in Point Richmond, CA. He is vaccinated, relies on canine companionship, and prefers an adult-only home. Skipper thrives with experienced adopters who can give him both the activity and reassurance he needs.

About Skipper

Meet Skipper! This sweet, loving dog needs a bit of time to settle in with new people and places, but once he trusts you, he’s all-in. Skipper follows his people everywhere and is always up for an adventure. He really relies on other dogs for comfort and direction, so he’ll need a canine sibling in the home—he’s used to living in a pack and thrives with companionship. He’s spent time with a cat and didn’t mind her, though he might chase a bit if he’s in a playful mood. Right now he’s being fostered with a staff member from The Milo Foundation, hiking in Tilden and playing with her dogs. Skipper’s recall is coming along, especially when treats are involved. He’s also working on getting used to car rides, and though he’s sometimes queasy, he’s steadily improving and growing in confidence. Skipper’s energy is high—he loves fetch, hide and seek, and play sessions with both people and dogs. But when it’s time to relax, there’s nowhere he’d rather be than cuddled up by your side. If you’re looking for an energetic, small companion who’ll play hard and snuggle even harder, Skipper could be your guy. Ready to fall in love? Hit apply and lets get started.

Questions about Skipper

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Skipper is a Maltese/Poodle mix, which means he’s best suited for homes where he can be part of daily life and enjoy plenty of attention. These breeds adapt well to both apartments and houses as long as they get enough enrichment and companionship.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
While Skipper is a medium-sized, energetic dog, he doesn’t need a massive yard, but regular opportunities for walks and outdoor play are important. A secure yard or frequent access to outdoor spaces is ideal for his energy level.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
Maltese/Poodle mixes like Skipper are generally gentle but, in his case, he prefers an adult home. He tends to do best in environments without young children due to his shy nature and need for a predictable routine.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
Skipper’s mix is often forgiving, but because he needs time to adjust and relies on other dogs, he’ll be best with experienced owners who understand how to support and lead shy, active dogs.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Yes, Skipper truly thrives with other dogs. His breed mix also tends to be very dog-social, and in Skipper’s case, having another dog is even a requirement for his comfort and confidence.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
Maltese/Poodle mixes generally do fine with cats with proper introductions. Skipper himself is cat-tolerant, though he may playfully chase, so supervision and gradual acclimation are recommended.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
This mix can have a playful prey drive, so while many do fine with small animals, supervision is needed—especially with playful dogs like Skipper who may chase small pets for fun.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Maltese/Poodles tend to be cautious but warm up with time. Skipper in particular is shy around new people and will need space and patience to feel secure with strangers.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
Dogs like Skipper do best when not left alone for long periods—four to six hours at a stretch is usually the limit. He is comfortable left alone with dog company, but extended isolation wouldn’t suit him.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Skipper’s mix responds well to positive training methods. He still needs work on recall and socialization, so ongoing training is important—treat motivation goes a long way with him.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Maltese/Poodle mixes like Skipper typically fall in the small to medium size range, and he’s described as medium-sized.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
With good care, Maltese/Poodle mixes like Skipper can live 12–16 years, sometimes longer. They are generally hardy and can be lifelong companions.
How much does this breed typically shed?
This breed mix is usually low-shedding, which often makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coat healthy.