The Maltipoo is a popular hybrid breed, but did you know that it's actually a cross between a Poodle and a Maltese? This unique combination creates a low-shedding, playful, and affectionate companion.
Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, as they require minimal space and exercise.
One of the most distinctive features of the Maltipoo is their coat, which can be either curly or wavy, and requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Maltipoos are known for their gentle and adaptable nature, making them a great choice for families with children or for people who want a low-maintenance pet.
General Information
The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, typically weighing between 4-8 pounds and standing 8-14 inches tall.
They are known for being friendly and outgoing, making great family pets.
Their low-shedding coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Maltipoos are generally quiet dogs, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Characteristics
The Maltipoo breed is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Maltese dog, making it a unique and lovable companion.
They're often referred to as Maltepoo, Multipoo, Maltese Poodle mix, or Teddy Bear Maltese.
Maltipoo puppies first appeared in the United States in the early 1990s and have since become a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
One of the best things about Maltipoos is that they're hypoallergenic, meaning they inherit the low-shedding coats of their parents, making them a great choice for those with allergies.
Maltipoos typically reach a height of 9 to 12 inches and weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.
Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living or for families with smaller living spaces.
Maltipoos are known for their gentle, well-mannered, and affectionate nature, making them a great choice for families with children.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please also make them one of the easiest breeds to train.
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Here are some key characteristics of the Maltipoo breed:
- Height: 9 to 12 inches
- Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
- Coat: Low-shedding, hypoallergenic
- Temperament: Gentle, well-mannered, affectionate
- Intelligence: Very intelligent, eager to please
Overall, the Maltipoo is a wonderful breed that makes a great companion for anyone looking for a small, loving, and low-maintenance pet.
Coat & Grooming
The Maltipoo's coat is one of its most distinctive features, and it's a big part of what makes this breed so lovable. Maltipoos have a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their coat comes in a variety of colors and textures, from silky soft and straight to thick and curly. Some Maltipoos have a wavy coat that combines the best of both worlds. Either way, Maltipoos are generally very allergy-friendly.
Daily brushing is a must for Maltipoos, especially those with curly hair that's prone to knotting. Brushing should be done at least 3-4 times a week, or daily for curly-haired pups. Regular brushing will help prevent matting and tangling.
Cleaning the area around the dog's eyes is also crucial, especially for Maltipoos with light-colored coats. Daily cleaning will prevent tear stains from becoming permanent.
Intriguing read: Maltipoo Curly Hair
Health and Nutrition
Maltipoos can live for as long as 16 years, which is quite impressive for a small breed dog. However, they can be prone to various health issues.
Progressive retinal atrophy is a common condition that can lead to blindness if not detected and treated early. Epilepsy is also quite common and can be hereditary, so it's essential to check with the breeder about the health history of the Maltipoo's parents.
To prevent hypoglycemia, Maltipoos need a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Their diet should never comprise more than 50 percent of carbohydrates.
Explore further: Maltipoo Health Concerns
Health
The Maltipoo's lifespan can be quite long, reaching up to 16 years in some cases.
One thing to be aware of is that this breed can be prone to some serious health issues, including progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness if not caught early.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is another condition that can affect Maltipoos, causing limping and muscle shrinkage in the legs.
Epilepsy is also a common issue in this breed, and it's often hereditary, so it's essential to check the health history of the parents or consider DNA testing.
Other health problems that Maltipoo owners may face include patellar luxation, White Shaker Syndrome, portosystemic shunt, hypoglycemia, heart disease, and cryptorchidism.
Nutrition
Maltipoos have high energy levels, so they need a balanced diet with the right amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Their diet should never comprise more than 50 percent of carbohydrates, as this can lead to health problems like diabetes.
Feeding them carbohydrate-rich food may help address hypoglycemia, but it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best nutrition plan.
Maltipoos can develop gastric dilatation volvulus, so it's crucial to feed them at least twice a day and consider smaller portions to minimize the risk of gastric torsion.
Offering smaller portions of food on a more frequent basis can help lower the risk of gastric torsion by reducing the amount of air ingested.
Teacup Maltipoos require a well-balanced diet of protein, vitamins, minerals, carbs, and fats to maintain their health, with a daily feeding schedule of 3 to 4 times a day.
This feeding schedule can help prevent hypoglycemia in Teacup Maltipoos, but it's essential to monitor their health and adjust the diet as needed.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial to identify any underlying health issues that may affect their dietary needs, such as diabetes, heart disease, or liver shunts.
Curious to learn more? Check out: How Often Should a Maltipoo Puppy Eat
Training and Behavior
Training a purebred Maltipoo requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Maltipoos are social little pups who enjoy spending time with their humans above all else, making them great companions for families with kids or elderly relatives. They thrive in calm environments with regular schedules.
To train a Maltipoo, start as early as possible, and provide plenty of treats and praise. Positive reinforcement is key, as harsh training methods can be counterproductive. The Online Puppy School by Baxter & Bella is a great resource for training and socialization.
Here are some essential training tips for Maltipoos:
- Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.
- Socialization is crucial for a well-adjusted pup.
- Keep training sessions short and interactive to keep your Maltipoo engaged.
- Use calm and determined voice when training your Maltipoo.
Maltipoos can be prone to separation anxiety if not trained early enough, so be sure to provide plenty of attention and care. With the right training and socialization, a Maltipoo can be a loving and loyal companion for years to come.
Temperament
Maltipoos are incredibly friendly with humans and pets alike, and they love spending time with their owners.
Their temperament is generally calm and easy-going, making them a great choice for families with kids or elderly relatives.
However, they may not be thrilled about chaotic environments and will let you know by barking at unfamiliar noises and people.
Maltipoos are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train, but they can be vocal and may bark when they see someone in front of the house or when they're bored.
They crave to be included in family activities and thrive in an environment where they receive plenty of love and attention.
Maltipoos can struggle with separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so it's essential to provide them with enough attention and interaction throughout the day.
Their strong bond with their owners can lead to anxiety if they're separated from them, making it crucial to train them early on to cope with this.
Maltipoos are generally very loving, calm, gentle, and affectionate, but they can be as rambunctious as any other toy dog when they're playing.
They love to play with their owners' children, but it's best to reserve them for older kids who can handle them gently.
Overall, Maltipoos are charming companion dogs that form a strong bond with their owners, but they require attention, care, and patience to thrive.
A fresh viewpoint: Maltipoo Training
Exercise & Training
Maltipoos are highly intelligent and responsive to training, making them a joy to work with. They thrive on positive reinforcement and praise, and can master potty training with ease.
Maltipoos need daily exercise, but it doesn't have to be hours of walking and jogging. Thirty-minute walks twice a day are sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
To prevent separation anxiety, it's essential to start training and socializing your Maltipoo puppy as early as possible. This will help them become confident and calm when left alone.
Maltipoos are eager to please and love learning new tricks. They respond well to a calm and determined voice, and gentle approach.
Here are some essential training tips for Maltipoos:
- Keep training lessons short and interactive to prevent boredom.
- Use plenty of treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
- Start training and socializing your puppy as early as possible.
- Use positive reinforcement and avoid harsh training methods.
Maltipoos are social little pups who thrive on attention and interaction with their owners. They can become anxious if left alone for too long, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of love and attention.
A daily routine that includes exercise, training, and playtime will help keep your Maltipoo happy and healthy. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can raise a well-behaved and loving companion.
Lifespan and Size
Maltipoos are known to live a long and healthy life, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Some Maltipoos have even been known to live up to 17 years or more with proper care.
A well-balanced diet, good environment, and regular exercise can help ensure your Maltipoo lives a long and happy life.
Here are the size estimates for adult Toy and Mini Maltipoos:
Teacup Maltipoos, on the other hand, are the smallest version of the breed, weighing between 3 to 5 pounds and standing at 6 to 8 inches tall.
Size
Size is a crucial aspect of the Maltipoo breed, and it's essential to understand what to expect. Maltipoos can weigh anywhere between 5 to 25 pounds with a height of up to 14 inches at the shoulder.
There's a significant difference in size between Toy and Mini Maltipoos. Toy Maltipoos typically weigh between 5-15 pounds, while Mini Maltipoos weigh between 15-25 pounds.
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The growth rate of Maltipoos also varies, with Toy Maltipoos reaching full size between 7.5-11 months, and Mini Maltipoos between 11-13 months. You can use an interactive puppy growth calculator to track your Maltipoo's weight from birth to adulthood.
Teacup Maltipoos are the smallest version of the breed, weighing between 3 to 5 pounds and standing at 6 to 8 inches at the shoulder.
Related reading: Maltipoo Growth Chart
Lifespan
Maltipoos are a long-lived dog breed that enjoys an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
It's not rare for Maltipoos to reach an age of 17+ years with proper care. You can give your Maltipoo the best chance of exceeding 15 years by providing a well-balanced diet, a good environment, and proper exercise.
Teacup Maltipoos have a similar lifespan to other small dog breeds, ranging from 12 to 15 years.
Their lifespan can be affected by various factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health.
Finding and Purchasing
Finding and purchasing a purebred Maltipoo requires some research and patience. Look for breeders who have a transparent style of communication and prioritize the dogs' wellbeing.
You'll want to find a breeder who does comprehensive health and DNA testing. This ensures you're getting a healthy puppy.
Check our Maltipoo breeders directory to find reputable breeders in the US. This directory is continually updated with trustworthy breeders.
Maltipoos aren't the cheapest pups to adopt, but every penny is worth it if you adopt from a responsible breeder.
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Key Facts and Considerations
You'll want to consider that there are thousands of people who would love to bring home a Maltipoo, so it's essential to think carefully about your decision.
Before bringing a Maltipoo home, it's crucial to brush up on your knowledge about a few things.
You'll need to be prepared for regular grooming, as Maltipoos require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Teacup Ethics Question
Designer dogs have become increasingly popular, but their ethics are being questioned. Some people view them as expensive mutts, while others believe they're healthier due to genetic diversity.
The controversy around teacup dogs is that they're often bred to be smaller than is healthy, leading to health problems. Breeders charge high prices for teacup dogs, sparking criticism that they're exploiting the breed for profit.
Teacup Maltipoos are considered more ethical than other teacups because they combine two already tiny breeds. This makes their breeding process less murky than that of purebred teacup varieties like Teacup Havanese and Bichon Frises.
Key Facts
You'll be in good company if you decide to bring a Maltipoo home, as thousands of other people share your interest in this adorable breed.
Maltipoos are a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, which is worth noting if you're considering their potential size and grooming needs.
Before bringing a Maltipoo home, it's best to brush up on your knowledge about this breed, as it's a good idea to be prepared for their unique characteristics.
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The Maltipoo's small size makes them a great choice for apartment living, but they still require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their low-shedding coat is a major draw for many people, but it does require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
You should also be aware that Maltipoos can be prone to certain health issues, including dental problems and eye infections, so regular veterinary check-ups are a must.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great choice for families with children, but early socialization is still crucial to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is a Maltipoo?
The cost of a Maltipoo can range from $2000 to $2500 or higher, depending on factors like size and coat color. On average, a Maltipoo from a breeder costs around $2200.
Is a Maltipoo a good house dog?
Maltipoos can make excellent house dogs for families and singles, but proper socialization and attention are crucial to prevent separation anxiety
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