Miniature Poodle Maltese Mix - Maxwell

by Thomas Kennedy
(Laguna Woods, CA USA)

We have had our little guy for about 4 mo now. I am a volunteer at the Ariz. Humane Society in Phx. He had been hit by a car and was found wandering. The vet fixed him up and he estimated his age as 2; he then went to a foster home for 3-4 weeks. When he came in for adoption, where I work, it was love at first sight. We were told by someone who seemed to know, he was a painted Miniature Poodle.

After we found your website we thought we had it figured out; he looks like the little guy to the right. Except, he weighs 12 lbs. which seems to be a bit over average. His new name is Maxwell and he has changed our life, all for the good. His name given him when found was "lambchop" which is exactly what he looks like; I just couldn't picture myself saying "here lamchop".

When we got him he was all white with curly-cue type hair from head to toe. Really cute, soft as a pillow like a lamb. He was so gnarled, however, we finally took him to a groomer, who gave him a poodle type cut head to tail. Tail, by the way, had been clipped, to about 3 inches and goes constantly. After the grooming, guess what? His whole back and most of the sides came back apricot color. When he gets excited like when we get ready to go for a walk, besides jumping up and down he curls himself in a "C" position because his little body is kind of long and he's able to do that. Of course, we now say, Max, give me a C.


He seems to be in very good health; is kind of fussy eater; does not really care about treats, little milkbones, etc. His little heart seems to beat very fast; almost too fast to count. Is that normal? Hope so. He goes absolutely nuts when he smells or thinks he sees a rabbit. His ancestry must include avid rabbit hunters. All walks are built around the next rabbit sighting in his mind. Never even comes close to catching one, of course. And, I seem to able to see them before he does; his site range is about 25 yards? But scent range is outstanding.

My wife and I are retired and hope Maxwell will outlive us, we hope. Have thought about getting another just like him, for insurance, maybe a spayed female to keep him company when we are gone. Forgot to tell you, Maxwell is fearless; knows right away if he likes the other dog. If a big dog gets aggressive he will stand up on his back feet while on the leash, growl like he's saying, come on, puttem up, and show his teeth. Sorry I went on so long but Love to talk about Max, I guess. Do you think he really is a Miniature Poodle Maltese mix? Anything you can tell us would be appreciated. Thank you.