Bringing home a teacup Maltipoo puppy can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to be prepared for the responsibilities that come with it.
Teacup Maltipoos typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand about 8-10 inches tall, making them a great companion for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.
Their small size requires careful consideration of their diet, as they need a nutrient-rich food to support their growth and maintenance.
Maltipoos are a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, and they inherit the low-shedding trait from their Poodle parent, making them a great choice for those with allergies.
Teacup Maltipoos are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, which makes them a great addition to families with children or for people who want a low-maintenance pet.
What is a Teacup Maltipoo?
A Teacup Maltipoo is a small-sized designer dog breed that's a cross between a Maltese and a Teacup Poodle.
They're the smallest Maltipoo variety, weighing about 5 pounds and growing to 8 inches or less in height.
Teacup Maltipoos are also known as micro mini Malitpoos, or just micros or minis, but technically a Maltese and Toy Poodle are both Toy breeds, making a standard Maltipoo a Toy Maltipoo.
Breeders may sell normal-sized Maltipoo puppies as teacups or micro minis just to ask a higher price, which can be misleading for owners.
Take a look at this: Micro Bull Terrier
Origins & History
The origins of the Teacup Maltipoo are rooted in the history of its parent breeds. The Maltese, one of the breeds that make up the Maltipoo, has a mysterious origin, with some historians pinpointing Malta as its place of development.
The Maltese has been cherished as a companion for thousands of years, with its exact origin still a topic of debate between Sicily, Egypt, and southern Europe. This long history of companionship has made the Maltese a beloved breed.
The Maltipoo, as a hybrid breed, was created specifically for people with allergies, with the first Maltipoo dating back to the late 1990s in the United States. This was a deliberate attempt to design a small, hypoallergenic companion animal.
Today, you can find Maltipoos and their smaller counterparts, like the Teacup Maltipoo, in many parts of the world, including the U.S, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
You might like: Dog Breeds Similar to Pomeranian
So, What Is It?
A Teacup Maltipoo is a small-sized designer dog breed that's a cross between a Maltese and a Teacup Poodle.
They're the smallest Maltipoo variety, weighing about 5 pounds and growing to 8 inches or less.
Some people call them micro mini Malitpoos, or just micros or minis.
A normal, standard Maltipoo that comes from a toy Poodle is automatically a toy Maltipoo, not a Teacup Maltipoo.
Teacup Maltipoos are bred to be even smaller than their already tiny size, often by breeding the tiniest of Maltipoos together.
In many cases, normal-sized Maltipoo puppies are sold as teacups or micro minis just to ask a higher price.
These dogs can suffer from genetic health problems that can dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Teacup Maltipoos are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, loving to be around people and making great companions for families with children or seniors.
They may not be suitable for households with young children or larger pets due to their small size.
Size and Appearance
Teacup Maltipoos are tiny dogs, weighing between 3 to 5 pounds and standing at 6 to 8 inches at the shoulder.
Their small size makes them a great fit for families with older children or for people who live in apartments, as they require minimal space to move around.
These dogs are small and delicate in build, with a dainty appearance, and size is their defining feature.
Their fluffy coats give Teacup Maltipoos a very teddy-bear-like appearance, making them a popular choice as pets.
Their large, expressive eyes that seem to occupy half of their minute faces only add to their toy bear charm, making them hard to resist.
Additional reading: Cute Dog Types Small
Dog Size
The Maltipoo breed is quite small, reaching a height of 7-14 inches and weighing between 5-20 pounds.
These tiny dogs can easily get hurt by mistake, especially in households with very young children.
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.
Their small size makes them a great fit for families with older children or for people who live in small spaces.
What Does a Dog Look Like?
The Maltipoo is a small dog breed, reaching about 7-14 inches in height and only 5-20 pounds in weight. Their small size can make them a great fit for city living or families with smaller spaces.
Their coats are a highlight of their appearance, with a high-quality low shedding coat that's soft, fluffy, and wool-like in texture. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.
The Maltipoo's coat can have different colors such as cream, white, or silver, adding to their unique charm. Regular brushing is a must to keep their coats clean and prevent matting.
Their ears need to be cleaned regularly to get rid of dirt, debris, and moisture, and trimming around the eyes, muzzle, and ears is recommended more often. This helps keep them looking their best and prevents any potential health issues.
Teacup Maltipoos are small and delicate in build, with a dainty appearance and size being their defining feature. Their large, expressive eyes add to their toy bear charm.
Their rounded face and small button-like muzzle give them a sweet and endearing look. Despite being remarkably small, they are still well-proportioned, without any exaggerated features.
Expand your knowledge: Maltipoo Coat Types
Care and Grooming
Teacup Maltipoo puppies require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime at the dog park can help them get the physical and mental stimulation they need.
To prevent boredom and destructive behavior, it's essential to provide your Teacup Maltipoo with engaging activities, such as rolling a ball across the room for them to chase.
Daily brushing is crucial to prevent matting and tangling of their long, curly coat. Brushing should be done daily, or every second day, to keep their coat clean and prevent knots.
Teacup Maltipoos also need regular ear cleaning to prevent dirt and debris buildup, which can cause infections. Cleaning their ears every two weeks with proper canine wipes is recommended.
Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week and using dental mouthwash on some remaining days can also help keep their oral health in check.
Here's a quick summary of their grooming needs:
By following these grooming and care tips, you can help your Teacup Maltipoo puppy stay healthy, happy, and looking their best.
Appearance and Grooming
Maltipoos have a beautiful, low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They have a soft, fluffy, and wool-like texture, which can vary from slightly wavy to curly.
Daily brushing is essential to keep their coats clean, and clipping their coats once or twice a year can help maintain their appearance. Trimming around the eyes, muzzle, and ears is recommended more often to prevent overgrowth.
Their ears need to be cleaned regularly to get rid of dirt, debris, and moisture. You should also check inside their ears to prevent infections.
Regular dental check-ups and nail care are crucial for Maltipoos. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week and using dental mouthwash on some days can help prevent dental problems.
Here's a quick grooming schedule for Maltipoos:
- Brush their coats daily or every second day
- Clean their ears every two weeks with proper canine wipes
- Brush their teeth at least twice a week and use dental mouthwash on some days
- Trim their nails regularly with clippers
- Clean their under-eyes with eye wipes
Starting the grooming process in puppyhood can help Maltipoos get used to it, making future grooming sessions much easier.
Additional reading: Grooming Maltipoo
General Care
A Maltipoo needs a lot of activity to stay happy and healthy.
Taking your pup for a walk on a routine basis or playing fetch in the room can keep them exercised and engaged.
Even small apartments can be suitable for a Maltipoo as long as you commit to regular walks or playtime.
Rolling a ball across the room for your pup to chase is a great way to get them moving and burning off energy.
A bored and complacent Maltipoo can get into trouble, so it's essential to provide them with meaningful activities to keep them occupied.
If you have a busy schedule, don't worry β even short play sessions can make a big difference in your pup's happiness and well-being.
Health and Common Issues
Teacup Maltipoo puppies are prone to certain health issues, and being aware of them can help you provide the best possible care for your new furry friend.
Researching the parents of your pup is crucial in identifying potential health risks. You can contact the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals to check the health of the parents' knees and thyroid, and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation to confirm the eyes are unaffected by progressive retinal atrophy.
Take a look at this: Maltipoo Health Concerns
The biggest concerns for Maltipoos are related to the knees, thyroid, and eyes. If you adopt your Maltipoo from a reputable breeder, they should have already taken these precautions.
Buying from a breeder who breeds the animals until they are at least two years old can help reduce the risk of common health issues. This is because most common health concerns in Maltipoos don't typically develop until the dogs have reached complete maturity.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in Teacup Maltipoos:
- Heart issues: Teacup Maltipoos are at risk of developing heart problems, such as mitral valve disease, which can lead to heart failure.
- Hypoglycemia: Teacup Maltipoos have small stomachs and may need to eat more frequently to avoid low blood sugar, which can cause seizures and other health problems.
- Shaker syndrome: This is a neurological disorder that primarily affects small, white dog breeds, including Maltipoos.
- Collapsing tracheas: The trachea, or windpipe, can collapse in teacup dogs, making it difficult for them to breathe.
- Luxating patellas: This is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and difficulty walking.
- Eye problems: Teacup Maltipoos may be prone to eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
- Dental issues: Small dogs are more likely to develop dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
- Diabetes: Teacup Maltipoos may be at risk of developing diabetes, especially if they are overweight.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and other symptoms.
- Obesity: Teacup Maltipoos are at risk of becoming overweight, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
- Skin and ear infections: Teacup dogs are prone to skin and ear infections from allergies, parasites, or other factors.
Personality and Temperament
Teacup Maltipoo puppies are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them highly social and loving companions.
They thrive on love and attention, and should never be forced to spend long periods alone, as they are prone to separation anxiety.
Teacup Maltipoos are intelligent and easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement and eager to please their owners.
They are not very active and prefer to spend most of their time indoors, making them well-suited for apartment living.
However, they do require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, and can become anxious if left alone for long periods.
Teacup Maltipoos are generally calm and relaxed, but can become easily hurt due to their small size, so it's essential to be careful when owning one.
They are not prone to excessive barking or aggression, but may nip if provoked, especially if not properly socialized from an early age.
Teacup Maltipoos are protective of their home and humans, but due to their diminutive stature, all they can really do is sound the alarm, so don't expect much from them in a protective manner beyond barking and growling.
They are great with children and other pets, making them an ideal family pet, especially for families with older children who are less likely to cause injury to the dog.
You might like: Maltipoo Bark
Training and Socialization
Training a teacup Maltipoo is a rewarding experience for both the dog and the owner. These intelligent and affectionate dogs are eager to please, making them highly trainable.
One of the first things to teach a Teacup Maltipoo is basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Socialization and crate training are essential for a well-adjusted pup.
Maltipoos can be trained for a variety of things, including therapeutic purposes. Positive reinforcement tactics such as food rewards, play, and praise are effective ways to encourage good behavior.
Early socialization is highly recommended for Maltipoos to interact with different people, pets, and places. This will help them become confident and calm in new situations.
To train a Teacup Maltipoo, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key. Harsh training methods can damage the relationship with your pet and lead to lost trust.
Here are some tips for training a Teacup Maltipoo:
- Use positive reinforcement tactics such as food rewards, play, and praise.
- Teach basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel.
- Practice socialization and crate training to help your pup become well-adjusted.
Adoption and Breeding
Adoption is a wonderful way to give a home to a dog in need, and it's especially great for Maltipoos or similar mixed breeds. If you're interested in adopting a teacup or micro mini Maltipoo, you can start by searching at organizations like Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect, Poodle and Pooch Rescue, and Doodle Dandy Rescue.
You can also check out other organizations such as Doodle Rock Rescue and Charity Paws, which lists Doodle Rescues in Colorado. It's worth noting that these specific types of dogs might not be readily available for adoption due to their niche and high demand.
However, adopting a dog can be a rewarding experience, and it's a great way to give a loving home to a dog that needs one. If you do decide to adopt, you'll be reducing the demand for unhealthy breeds like Teacup Maltipoos and helping to reduce their breeding.
If you're unable to find a Teacup Maltipoo through adoption, you may need to consider buying from a reputable breeder.
Owning a Pet
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. The Teacup Maltipoo is a fragile breed that requires special care.
They are not suitable for living with large dogs, as a misplaced paw can cause an injury. It's best to keep them as a lone pet.
Teacup Maltipoos can get along well with cats, but their small size can be a concern. An average cat weighs around 10 pounds, while an adult Teacup Maltipoo weighs only 5 pounds.
They are affectionate and playful, but can also be sensitive to rough handling. This means you'll need to be gentle with them and teach children how to handle them carefully.
Early socialization is key when introducing a Teacup Maltipoo to other animals. However, other dogs can still injure them during rough play.
Their low exercise requirements make them suitable for life as a companion to senior owners. They don't need long walks or vigorous exercise, which is a big plus for older people.
You'll need to be careful not to exercise your Teacup Maltipoo too hard or for too long, as they can easily get tired.
Suggestion: Shih Tzu Long Hair Styles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest price for a Maltipoo?
The cheapest price for a Maltipoo is around $100, typically found through adoption or rescue centers. However, costs can range from $100 to $4,000 depending on the source and circumstances.
How big do mini Maltipoos get?
Mini Maltipoos typically weigh between 3 to 10 pounds and stand 6 to 10 inches tall. Their size can vary, but they generally remain a small to medium-sized dog.
What is the lifespan of a mini Maltipoo?
Mini Maltipoos typically live for 10-15 years, enjoying a relatively long and healthy life due to their small size and low risk of inherited health issues.
What is the difference between a toy Maltipoo and a Maltipoo?
There is no official recognition of "toy" or "teacup" Maltipoos as separate breeds, but rather a descriptive term for Maltipoos weighing under 5 pounds. A Maltipoo is a crossbreed dog, whereas a "toy" or "teacup" Maltipoo refers to its size.
What does a toy Maltipoo look like?
A Toy Maltipoo typically has mid-length, floppy ears, a black nose, and dark or blue eyes, with a coat that can vary in color and length. Their appearance can be a unique blend of their Maltese and Toy Poodle heritage.
Sources
- The Maltipoo: Breed Information & Characteristics (twotailspetcompany.com)
- Maltipoo Puppies For Sale (premierpups.com)
- Maltipoo books (abebooks.com)
- Teacup ethicality (bluecross.org.uk)
- puppy scams (ipata.org)
- Maltipoo Puppies | Currently Available (brownsbabies.net)
- Regular grooming is also required (pangovet.com)
- https://happytailpuppies.com/pages/teacup-toy-maltipoo (happytailpuppies.com)
- https://thehappypuppysite.com/teacup-maltipoo/ (thehappypuppysite.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com