Having a Maltipoo puppy can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to understand their growth pattern to ensure you're providing the best care possible.
Maltipoos are a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, and they typically weigh between 4-8 pounds as adults.
Their growth rate is relatively slow, with most Maltipoos reaching their full height between 9-12 months of age.
Maltipoos usually stop growing in weight between 1-2 years of age, but their coat may continue to grow and require regular grooming.
Their small size requires careful attention to their diet, exercise, and socialization to ensure they develop into well-adjusted adult dogs.
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Maltipoo Growth Chart
Maltipoo growth charts can be a helpful tool for predicting your puppy's adult size. A general rule of thumb is to take your puppy's weight at 18 weeks and double it to get their expected adult weight.
The growth rate of Maltipoos can vary depending on their size, with Toy Maltipoos reaching full size before they turn one year old. This is because smaller dogs tend to grow faster and reach their full size sooner.
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A Maltipoo's growth pattern shows rapid growth in the first half of their puppyhood, slowing down as they reach half their size. By the time they're fully grown, they've usually achieved their full height, but will continue to gain some girth.
Here's a rough idea of the growth rates and weights of Maltipoo puppies:
This chart is just a rough guide, but it can give you an idea of your puppy's growth pattern. Keep in mind that every puppy is different, and their growth rate may vary.
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How Big?
A Maltipoo's size can vary depending on its parentage, but generally, they come in two sizes: Toy and Miniature. Toy Maltipoos are usually around 5-15 pounds and 6-11 inches tall.
The growth rate of a Maltipoo is rapid in the first half of their puppyhood, and they usually reach half their full-grown size at around 3.5-5 months old.
To predict a Maltipoo's full-grown size, you can use a general rule of thumb: double their weight at 18 weeks old. For Toy Maltipoos, this means multiplying their weight at 15 weeks old by two.
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A Mini Maltipoo weighs between 15 and 25 pounds and stands at 11-14 inches tall. They usually reach their adult size around 11-13 months old.
The size of a Maltipoo can be affected by its diet, so it's essential to provide an energy-dense and nutritious diet as they grow up.
Here's a rough guide to a Maltipoo's full-grown size:
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and individual Maltipoos may vary depending on their genetics and upbringing.
Maltipoo Growth Stages
Maltipoos grow rapidly in the first few months after birth, with a significant growth spurt between three and 12 weeks old. During this time, they should begin weaning off their mother's milk and eating solid puppy foods.
At six to eight weeks, Maltipoos can start taking short walks, but it's essential to wait until they've had their initial vaccinations, typically between 10 to 12 weeks. You can start with short walks of five minutes per month of their age twice a day.
Here are the growth phases of a Maltipoo, categorized by size:
Regular vet check-ups are crucial to ensure your Maltipoo is on the right growth track, especially for teacup Maltipoos.
Predictions
The Maltipoo's full-grown size can range between 5 and 25 pounds, and they can stand anywhere between 6 and 14 inches tall from the withers.
To estimate a Maltipoo's adult size, you can try doubling their weight at 4 months of age for Toy and Mini sizes, and 3 months for Teacup sizes. However, this prediction may not be precise due to genetics and health factors.
The size of the parents, especially the Poodle parent, can give a good indication of the potential adult size, especially if the parents are close in size.
Here's a rough estimate of the adult size of your Maltipoo based on their size at 4 months:
1-2 Weeks
At this stage, Maltipoo puppies are born in litters of four to six puppies. They weigh no more than half a pound at birth.
Their tiny size is a result of weighing only a few ounces at birth.
Maltipoo puppies rely entirely on their mother's milk during this time.
What to Expect From Each Phase
As your Maltipoo puppy grows, you can expect to see significant changes in their physical and cognitive development. In the first three months, they will grow quickly, gaining weight and size rapidly. This is the phase where they develop from tiny, vulnerable puppies into more robust and active young dogs.
Nutrition plays a crucial role during this stage, with puppies needing a diet rich in protein and essential nutrients to support their rapid development. For teacup Maltipoos, preventing hypoglycemia due to their smaller size and higher metabolic rate is also essential.
During mid-puppyhood, between 3-6 months, the growth rate begins to slow down but is still quite significant. Maltipoos continue to gain weight and grow in height, but not as explosively as in the first few months.
This is also a critical period for socialization and early training, with their cognitive development being significant during these months. They start to exhibit more of their individual personality and temperament.
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By four months, your Maltipoo puppy should be about half their expected adult weight, and their growth may begin to slow. By six months, they are entering adolescence, and you can begin to feed them two equally spaced-out meals a day.
Here's a rough estimate of what you can expect from each phase:
As your Maltipoo approaches the end of their first year, their growth rate slows considerably. This is more noticeable in toy and mini Maltipoos, while teacup Maltipoos may already be close to their adult size by this stage.
Maltipoo Health and Development
Maltipoos experience rapid growth during their first few months after birth, with the rate of growth tapering off as they approach adulthood.
Monitoring your puppy's growth, appetite, and behavior is crucial to ensure they're gaining weight and developing as they should. If your pup isn't growing well, it's a good idea to get a vet's opinion, especially if they have any symptoms of being unwell.
Maltipoos go through distinct growth phases, with toy Maltipoos experiencing rapid growth during their first 6 to 8 months, mini Maltipoos having a similar rapid growth phase but extending slightly longer, up to 10 months, and teacup Maltipoos having the fastest growth spurt within the first 5 to 6 months.
You can also look at past litters from the same breeding pairs to give you an idea of what to expect. If your puppy isn't growing at the rate they should, make an appointment with a veterinarian to identify any underlying reasons.
Factors Influencing Dogs
Diet plays a crucial role in a dog's growth, and a well-balanced diet is essential for a Maltipoo's development.
A puppy's general health condition can also impact its growth, and any underlying health issues should be addressed as soon as possible.
The breed of dog is another factor that influences growth, and Maltipoos can vary in size due to their mixed heritage.
Neutering can also affect a dog's growth, and it's essential to consider this when deciding whether to spay or neuter your Maltipoo.
Here are the key factors that influence a Maltipoo's growth:
- Diet
- General health condition
- Breed
- Neutering
Why a Pet May Not Gain Weight
If your Maltipoo puppy isn't growing well, it's a good idea to get a vet's opinion, especially if they have any symptoms of being unwell.
Stress, hormonal problems, kidney disease, and cancer can cause a Maltipoo to lose weight, so monitor your dog closely and inform your vet of any changes.
If your pup isn't growing at the rate they should, you should make an appointment with a veterinarian, even if they have no symptoms.
Several issues can cause a Maltipoo to lose weight, including stress, hormonal problems, kidney disease, and cancer.
If your puppy has symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or wobbliness, it's especially important to make an appointment with a veterinarian.
You should consider your Maltipoo's diet and exercise schedules and make adjustments if necessary, but if they're still underweight, it's best to consult a vet.
Your veterinarian may suggest a blood sample, feces sample, or other tests to help get to the bottom of the problem if your puppy isn't growing as they should.
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Dog Overweight Issues
If your Maltipoo's weight is significantly heavier than the ideal weight for their age, or if they don't have a defined waist, they may be overweight.
One sign of weight gain in Maltipoos is a lack of definition around their waist.
Their weight gain could be due to overeating or lack of exercise.
If your Maltipoo is eating a healthy diet and getting 30 to 40 minutes of daily exercise, there might be an underlying health issue.
Health conditions like Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism can cause weight gain in dogs.
Both of these conditions have other symptoms you should be aware of and watch out for.
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Maltipoo Breeding and Genetics
Genetic factors play a significant role in determining a Maltipoo's size, and it's not just about the immediate parents. The genetic traits passed down from grandparents and great-grandparents can also influence size, especially in later generations.
A Maltipoo's size can be affected by its Poodle ancestors. If a Poodle grandparent was larger than average, the Maltipoo might end up being larger, even if the direct Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature.
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Traits from Maltese ancestors, like size and build, can also play a role in determining a Maltipoo's size.
The generation of a Maltipoo can also impact its adult size. Let's break it down:
As you can see, the percentage of Maltese and Poodle ancestry changes depending on the generation. This can affect the size of the Maltipoo. For example, an F1 Maltipoo has a 50-50 chance of inheriting either more Poodle or more Maltese characteristics.
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Maltipoo Development Phases
Maltipoos experience rapid growth during their first few months, with their growth rate tapering off as they approach adulthood.
This early phase is crucial for physical and cognitive development, setting the foundation for their health and behavior as adult dogs.
Toy Maltipoos experience rapid growth during their first 6 to 8 months, while mini Maltipoos have a similar rapid growth phase that might extend up to 10 months. Teacup Maltipoos usually have the fastest growth spurt within the first 5 to 6 months.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the first three months, as puppies need a diet rich in protein and essential nutrients to support their rapid development.
Maltipoos continue to gain weight and grow in height during the next three months, but not as explosively as in the first few months.
As Maltipoos approach the end of their first year, their growth rate slows considerably, with toy and mini Maltipoos experiencing a more noticeable slowdown.
Regular vet check-ups are essential during puppyhood, especially for teacup Maltipoos, who may face more health challenges.
Here's a breakdown of the growth phases:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maltipoos get curlier as they get older?
Yes, Maltipoos tend to develop a curlier coat texture as they mature, typically around 6-8 months of age. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and knots in their coat.
What is the ideal weight for a Maltipoo?
A Maltipoo typically weighs between 10-20 pounds. This compact size makes them a great fit for a variety of living situations.
How big do Maltipoo dogs get at 8 weeks?
At 8 weeks, Maltipoo puppies can weigh anywhere from 1.75 to 2.75 pounds, and their adult weight can be estimated by multiplying their current weight by 4 and adding 0.25 or 1, respectively. This calculation can help you predict their adult size.
Sources
- Maltipoo Weight and Growth Chart! How Big Will They Get ... (welovedoodles.com)
- stages of puppy growth (cesarsway.com)
- puppy development key milestones (pedigree.com)
- Body-Weight Changes during Growth in Puppies of Different Breeds (nih.gov)
- Maltipoo Weight Chart: A Complete Growth Guide (raisedrightpets.com)
- Maltese (puppyweightcalculator.com)
- Poodle (puppyweightcalculator.com)
- Maltipoo Full Grown: How Big Does A Maltipoo Get? - (happyoodles.com)
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