Maltipoo - 9 Important Things You Need To Know

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The popularity of designer dog breeds cannot be denied, and since the 1990s, they have become a popular choice for many future dog owners. Maltipoo is one of these modern, designer breeds that are taking the world by the storm. With its adorable looks and low-shedding coats, the Maltipoo is quickly becoming a go-to designer breed everyone wants to have at home. 

These mixed dogs are indeed drop-dead gorgeous, but there is still much to be learned. If you get a Maltipoo from a breeder who takes proper care of their breeding dogs and the breeding dogs are healthy and well-mannered, there is no reason why a mixed dog wouldn’t be healthy.

We absolutely love small companion dogs, and the adorable Maltipoo is a rising star in the hybrid dog game. Let’s check out the nine most interesting and fun facts about these cute dogs.

1. Maltese and Poodle

First things first, the Maltipoo, as its name suggests, is a mix between a Maltese and a Poodle. It is possible that this mix happened without intention, but the intentional mixing of these two breeds has occurred for the past 20 years. The idea behind this designer breed was to create a low-shedding, hypoallergenic, small companion dog that is a great and loving, active pet.

That is how most designer dog breeds got their start, and in fact, some of the pureblooded dogs as well. Both the Maltese and Poodle are great family pets that don’t shed much, so it is natural to assume that their offspring won’t shed much either.

2. Maltipoo full-grown size

Having a mixed breed and thinking about how big the puppies will get can be puzzling, especially if you don’t know their parents. That is a big problem when adopting a puppy from a shelter. The Maltipoo is deliberately bred from a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, and all three dog breeds are relatively small.

It is easy to conclude that the future full-grown Maltipoo won’t be a huge dog. Most Maltipoo puppies are bred from a Miniature Poodle and a Maltese, so it is not the smallest possible mix, but the Toy mix is also not excluded.

A full-grown Maltipoo can reach a maximum of 15 inches in height and weigh anywhere between 5 and 15 pounds. These dogs would be significantly larger if their parent were Standard Poodle.

Smaller dogs need a cozy bed. If your dog sleeps during the day (which dogs do), you might want to get them a cozy place where they will enjoy their nap. The Best Friends by Sheri The Calming Donut Dog Bed will do the job perfectly.

3. Temperament

We know all dog breeds today have been created or bred for a purpose, and designer dog breeds shouldn’t be different. It is highly unlikely that a Maltipoo will be a hunting dog or a guard dog; they have been bred to become the perfect companion for people. That means that special care should be put into developing their character.

Maltipoos are usually gentle, affectionate, loving, friendly, and fairly obedient. Both parent breeds are intelligent, with Poodles being one of the smartest and most trainable dog breeds out there. Socialization, training, and the environment can influence Maltipoo's temperament and character.

If all three of these things are taken care of, you should have a lovely family pet that will be very alert and have watchdog tendencies.

4. Maltipoo coat

Both the Maltese and the Poodle are known for their lovely coats that are quite different but have some common characteristics. Both breeds shed very little and make great companions for people with allergies. There are no genuinely hypoallergenic dogs because allergens are also in the dog’s saliva and dandruff, but a low-shedding coat can certainly be a great thing.

Maltipoos have a wavy or curly coat that is heavily influenced by the Poodle genes. Their coat is usually medium-long and will require a decent amount of grooming. Many Maltipoo owners learn grooming skills so they do not have to pay professionals every 4 - 6 weeks.

You might end up with a Maltipoo that barely sheds, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have to brush the dead hair out of their coat. The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is an ideal tool for the job.

5. Maltipoo care

Maltipoos are adorable little dogs, and their appearance is irresistible if you are a fan of small, fluffy dogs. If you would like to keep them looking their best, you will need to take good care of your dog. Maltipoo care will include

• bathing,
• brushing both hair and teeth,
• nail trimming.

Some dogs manage to wear their nails down naturally, but you will most likely have to take care of it if you have an indoor companion. Start getting your Maltipoo used to teeth brushing as soon as possible, and make that their habit.

Brush their teeth at least three times a week to prevent any kind of periodontal disease and bad breath. Brush your dog at least two times a week to get rid of all dead hair and prevent their hair from tangling and matting.

Choosing the best possible food for your Maltipoo is essential to ensure good health for your dog. If you don't how to choose the best food for your dog, make sure to check this article - 6 Best Dog Food For Maltipoo -Puppy, Adult & Senior

6. Maltipoo energy

The exact energy level can vary from dog to dog. All dogs are individuals whose needs can differ a lot. Even if you buy a pure-blooded dog, you may end up with a dog that is not typical for the breed. This Maltese Poodle mix is relatively active and playful.

They love playing even when fully grown and keep their “puppyness” well into adulthood. They don’t require special exercises; you won’t have to tire them out deliberately. Two walks a day and a playing session in the yard or inside will be more than enough for these adorable pooches to be happy and healthy.

7. Maltipoo puppies

If you are interested in finding a Maltipoo puppy, you might have some problems. This is not a breed, and getting in touch with a reputable Maltipoo breeder can pose a problem. In modern times of social media and the internet, you can find a breeder quickly, but make sure it is a reputable and responsible one.

Maltipoo enthusiasts formed a Maltipoo/Maltipoo Club of North America, which might be an excellent place to start. However, if you are looking for a small companion, why not start with a pure-blooded Maltese or a Poodle?

8. Health and lifespan

There is a common misconception that mixed dogs are healthier, but the truth is that they are also susceptible to issues coming from both parent breeds. It doesn’t mean that a dog will develop any of these issues, but you should be aware of them as their future owner.

Maltipoos can develop problems like

• patellar luxation,
• epilepsy,
• white shaker syndrome,
• progressive retinal atrophy,
• portosystemic shunt,
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is known to affect many toy dog breeds.

The average Maltipoo lifespan is 10 - 15 years.

9. Maltipoo price

These days hybrid dog breeds have become more expensive than pure-blooded dogs, and a lot of future Maltipoo owners get tricked by bad breeders and scammers. Make sure you are not one of them and ask as many questions as you can before you pay any money.

If you find a good breeder, ask them if they have any Maltipoo puppies for sale, and if they do, you can expect a price anywhere from $500 - $2.000. If a dog costs significantly more than that, it might be a scam. If it costs less, think about why and ask the breeder for any health tests or papers the parent breeds might have. Be a responsible and knowledgeable buyer so you end up with the best and healthiest possible dog.

The main issue with buying a designer breed is that there are many things we do not know and we have not observed yet. The popular theory is that mixed dogs are healthier than pureblooded dogs because their gene pool is bigger. In that large pool, some issues that don’t concern pureblooded dogs might bother a mixed dog. The most significant advantage of pureblooded dogs is that their character, size, looks, and needs are known.

World Dog Finder team