Understanding the Large Maltipoo: Size, Behavior, and Care

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Posted Oct 9, 2024

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The Large Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, typically weighing between 15 and 20 pounds.

Their friendly nature makes them a great companion for families and individuals alike.

Their small size belies their big personality, and they thrive on attention and interaction.

They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.

With proper care and attention, the Large Maltipoo can live a long and happy life, typically up to 12-15 years.

Physical Characteristics

Maltipoos typically grow to be around 14 inches tall, making them a small dog breed.

Their weight can vary, ranging from 5-20 pounds.

Their coat is soft and can be medium-to-long in length, with a wavy or curly texture.

Maltipoos can come in a wide range of colors, including white, cream, and apricot, as well as black, blue, red, and other shades.

In fact, they can be any color of their parent breeds, which is part of what makes them so unique.

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As a small breed, Maltipoos are already prone to some health issues, but breeding them to be even smaller can be particularly problematic.

Their low-shedding coat and minimal drooling make them a good fit for people with allergies, but it's essential to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

Maltipoos can have a variety of health issues, including dental disease, luxating patellas, and heart disease, so it's crucial to work with a reputable breeder.

Their light, fluffy coat is similar to wool and grows to a medium length, often in a cream, white, or silver color.

Temperament and Behavior

Large Maltipoos are loving companions, always eager to snuggle and play. They're naturally gentle and affectionate, making them a joy to be around.

Their big personalities are a result of the poodle parent's energy, while their desire for love and cuddles comes from the Maltese parent. This unique mix creates a dog that's both playful and loving.

One thing to keep in mind is that Large Maltipoos can be alert and prone to barking, often to alert their owners to something suspicious - or not-so-suspicious.

Temperament and Behavior

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Maltipoos are gentle, affectionate, and fun-loving companions who thrive on human interaction. They make great lap dogs and are happy to spend their days watching life go by from the comfort of their human's lap.

Each Maltipoo has a unique personality that's shaped by their poodle and Maltese parents. They inherit the poodle's energy and the Maltese's desire for love and cuddles.

Maltipoos are alert and will bark at anything suspicious, but they're not aggressive dogs. They'll defend their home with their barks, even if they can't do much else.

They're social butterflies and can get along with just about anyone, as long as they're properly socialized in puppyhood.

Intriguing read: Fluffy Lap Dog

Maltipoos: 1st and 2nd Generations

Maltipoos are described as 1st generation or 2nd generation. These are one of the few mixed breeds that are sometimes bred past the 1st generation. 2nd generation dogs are more likely to be more uniform, as some recessive traits from the Poodle and Maltese parent are bred out as generations go on.

Maltipoos bred in the 1st generation will often have a more varied appearance, while 2nd generation Maltipoos may have a more consistent look.

Care and Maintenance

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Large Maltipoos require regular grooming to prevent matting and painful sores on their skin. They need daily brushing to keep their medium-long wooly coat clean and healthy.

A bath about once a month is sufficient to keep them clean, and haircuts every few months will help maintain their coat. However, the area around their face and eyes will need monthly trims to prevent hair from blocking their vision.

Their nails won't have the chance to file down naturally, so it's essential to examine and trim them monthly to ensure they stay healthy. Brushing their teeth at least a couple of times a week is also crucial to prevent dental issues.

On a similar theme: Maltipoo Coat Types

Care

Maltipoos require daily brushing to keep their medium-long wooly coat clean and healthy, which can help prevent painful matting or sores on their skin.

Their nails need regular attention, and since they spend more time indoors than out, you'll need to examine and trim them monthly to keep them healthy.

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Expect to brush your Maltipoo's teeth at least a couple of times a week, as their dental care is a must.

Maltipoos are high-energy dogs, but they only need a moderate amount of exercise, which can be as simple as a 15-minute walk or a game of fetch indoors.

They're eager to play, so incorporating fun into their training will yield the best results.

Maltipoos can be a bit challenging to potty train, whether it's using wee pads indoors or going outside, so be patient and give them plenty of time to learn.

Food Requirements

When feeding your Maltipoo, it's essential to choose a high-quality dog food that contains a significant amount of meat and protein.

Maltipoos don't have any specific dietary requirements, but a well-balanced diet rich in protein will keep them happy and healthy.

You can't go wrong with a food that has a good mix of grains, as long as your dog isn't allergic to them.

See what others are reading: Maltipoo Food

Maltipoo FAQs

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Maltipoos usually reach their adult weight and size between 9-11 months old, with Toy or Tiny Maltipoos finishing growing first.

Your Maltipoo's adult size depends on their genetic makeup, parents, nutrition, and exercise levels.

You can use a Maltipoo growth calculator to predict your puppy's adult size, or use a formula to make a rough estimate.

Maltipoos are considered small dogs, even the bigger ones, and are on the lower end of the medium-sized breed category.

Maltipoos finish growing around 11-13 months of age, with Miniature and Medium Maltipoos taking a bit longer to reach their full size.

Health and Wellness

As a Maltipoo owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. The Maltipoo lifespan is anywhere from 10–13 years, but some conditions can impact their quality of life.

White shaker syndrome is a condition that can affect Maltipoos, so it's crucial to discuss it with your veterinarian.

Make sure to check if both parents of your Maltipoo have health clearances through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for patellas, as luxating patellas is quite common in this breed.

For your interest: Maltipoo Health Issues

Training

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Training a large Maltipoo requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They're intelligent and quick to pick up on new things, so start training as soon as possible.

Begin with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and be sure to reward your Maltipoo handsomely for good behavior. This will help them understand what's expected of them.

Maltipoos are eager to please, so they'll learn quickly if you make training a fun and engaging experience. They're also curious and chatty, so be prepared to keep their attention with mental stimulation.

Start with puppy classes to set behavior expectations and introduce your Maltipoo to people and other pets early on. This will help them acclimate to different environments and grow up to be well-behaved and well-socialized pups.

Explore further: Maltipoo Behavior

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest size of a Maltipoo?

The largest size of a Maltipoo is typically over 20 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 20+ pounds. However, the average weight of a Maltipoo is usually much smaller, ranging from 7 to 13 pounds.

What are the different types of Maltipoos?

There are two types of Maltipoos: First-generation Maltipoos, bred from a Maltese and a Poodle, and Second-generation Maltipoos, bred from two Maltipoo parents.

Dipesh Jha

Senior Writer

Dipesh Jha is a skilled writer with a passion for storytelling. He has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotions, which he brings to life through his words. With a background in creative writing, Dipesh has honed his craft over the years, producing a body of work that is both poignant and thought-provoking.

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