12 Things You Need To Know About a Maltipoo
What is a Maltipoo?
Maltipoo is a cross breed of a Maltase and a poodle. In most cases, the crossbreed is achieved by a toy or miniature poodle. This dog is generally affectionate, active and fun loving.
They maintain their puppy-like look into their old age. They are characterized by scruffy or curly coat which comes in several colors including white and cream.
They have been described as therapy dogs due to their companionship nature. If you are a loner, Maltipoo can make a perfect home mate.
The parents of Maltipoo, poodle, and Maltese are both considered non-shedding. In other words, they do not shed off too much fur and hence are tolerable to allergic people.
The same is carried down to the baby. Maltipoo is one of the few dogs that shed less and can be tolerated by most people.
This poodle mix is a generally active dog. He loves fun and playing with you as well as other pets. If you are planning to get a Maltipoo, you should be ready to take him for a daily walk since he doesn’t like staying alone.
This dog is brilliant and comfortable to stay with. It is highly recommended for first-time owners. He enjoys cuddling for long hours and craves your attention. However, this dog is also susceptible to your needs and wants.
He is the perfect companion when you are feeling low, and you want someone to listen and not talk. Here are the 12 things you need to know about the Maltipoo.
1. Origin of The Maltipoo
Maltipoo is an American dog primarily associated with the designer dog trends. Although no particular breeder as claimed to be the first in breeding this breed, it is significantly believed that it was designed to cater for allergic individuals.
As already mentioned, both the poodle and the Maltese are low shedders. This dog is well designed to fit into a family setting while giving you all the options for a trophy dog at the same time.
It can be cared for by singles and large families since all it needs is love and affection as it gives back in the equal measure. Maltipoo is a pretty new designer dog not more than 20 years old.
Maltipoo is as a result of breeding purebred Maltese and a purebred poodle. In the recent past, there has been a rise in the number of Maltipoo breeders.
This breed is not yet officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as a pure breed. However, it has been known by the Canadian Kennel Club as a hybrid.
Over the past decades, the dog has generally demonstrated good health and positive character making him attractive to many people.
2. Maltipoo Full Grown Characteristics
A Maltipoo will attain the full growth at the age of 18 to 24 months. Even as a full grown dog, Maltipoo will retain a puppy-like look.
Its dense curly coat characterizes a full-grown Maltipoo. Maltipoo full mature dog takes after its parents. Both the Maltese and the poodle are small dogs.
Maltese is a toy breed ranging between 6 and 8 pounds in weight while the poodle ranges between 6 and 15 pounds in weight.
This poodle mixes full grown dog measure about 8 to 14 inches in height at the shoulders. This breed also weighs between 5–20 pounds.
This means that when you buy a puppy Maltipoo you may end up with a toy or it may grow to be a bit bigger.
It is difficult to predict the size of the full-grown Maltipoo you will end up with while they are still young.
However, by looking at the size of the parents, you can make a rough estimate.
This does not usually work in all cases. Nonetheless, all Maltipoo dogs are generally cute.
Nothing in the world can beat their thick and dense curls and their piercing eyes. No matter the size, you will fall in love with your Maltipoo Puppy.
3. Finding a Maltipoo
Before you venture on the journey of finding a Maltipoo you need to ask yourself a few questions. Do not just rush to buying the first Maltipoo you meet because he/she looks good.
Most people rush into buying dogs without considering the main primary factors such as the living conditions and the age of the dog. While there are many ways of finding a Maltipoo, the most recommended is searching for one from a reputable breeder.
The breeders are the only sure way to get a Maltipoo that has not been taught by someone else.
Even so, it is also essential to choose the breeder the right way. The other methods of finding a Maltipoo include adoption from a Maltipoo rescue center or shelter, buying one from a family that wants to sell, exchanging your breed with a family that wants to transfer or finding one through online buying and selling platforms.
If you are going to use any of the other methods of finding a Maltipoo, apart from buying from a breeder, you should be very careful. If necessary, have a vet check the dog before you take him home.
4.The Lifespan of a Maltipoo
Both the Maltese and the Poodle have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. With that said, it has been proven that hybrid dogs always tend to live longer than their parents.
Although the approximate lifespan of a Maltipoo is between 10 and 15 years, with proper care and medication your dog may live up to 17 or even 18 years. The secret to increasing the lifespan of your dog lies in the attention you give.
Ensure you do proper vaccination and have your dog checked up by a professional veterinarian at least twice per year. It would be best if you also took good care of what your dog eats.
If your children may get rough with the dog, then you will have to supervise their play time personally. Maltipoo is a small dog, and any physical injury may lead to the death of your precious dog.
5. Do Maltipoos have health problems?
Maltipoo is a generally healthy dog. However, without proper care, your dog may be exposed to diseases. There are various conditions that a Maltipoo may suffer from. Some of these diseases include:
Tremors signify this condition all over your dog’s body. It usually occurs when the dog is about six months to 3 years old. The first symptoms include stress or over-excitement.
Although Maltipoo is a generally jovial dog, if you see signs of over-excitement and tremors on your dog you should call a veterinarian. The condition is not painful and will not affect your dog’s personality.
Maltipoo is at the risk of suffering from epilepsy. The leading cause of this condition in dogs is unknown although it is not very common. In most cases, the disease is usually inherited.
This is why you need to check the parent’s full medical records before buying a puppy. Even so, epilepsy in dogs can be managed with medication. Your dog can live a normal life to a full lifespan with this condition as long as it is maintained.
This disease does not affect Maltipoo in particular, but it is common among toy size dogs. The first sign of this disease is limping. It usually occurs when the dog is about six months old.
The possible medical solutions include surgery and amputation. However, your dog may live a normal life after the treatment. If anything, the disease is usually painless. Your dog may suffer minor lameness after the surgery.
6. What is The Ideal Environment For A Maltipoo?
Maltipoo is a small size dog perfectly designed for the indoors. You cannot turn your Maltipoo into a watchdog.
Maltipoo can be kept both in urban areas by apartment dwellers and even in the countryside as long as he is maintained within the confines of the house. He should only go out to play and for walks and play. This dog will live anywhere you can live.
7. Do Maltipoos shed a lot?
We have already mentioned that Maltipoo was designed as a low shedding dog.
Both the Maltese and the Poodle are low shedding dogs. If you are looking for a non-shedding dog, then he may be your best shot at that.
Generally, there is nothing like a non-shedding dog. We can only manage to attain low shedding dogs. This means that as much as they shed, they are not notorious.
Even with that said, Maltipoo also requires grooming. The coat needs regular brushing and cleaning. However, its grooming demands are not as high as those of a pure poodle.
8. Is Maltipoos Hypoallergenic?
Maltipoos are considered hypoallergenic by most people. However, the term hypoallergenic is a relative word. There is no definite definition of a hypoallergenic dog other than the one that does not cause an allergic reaction.
If we consider all the factors that attribute to allergic reactions when dealing with dogs, it is clear that almost all dogs can cause allergic reactions depending on an individual.
However, the most significant contributor to allergic reactions when dealing with dogs is the fur and dander. Because Maltipoo is a low shedding dog, most people prefer calling it hypoallergenic.
It is recommended that you stay with a dog for some time before you can make such a conclusion. Some low shedding dogs can cause allergic reactions due to their saliva or dander.
In some cases, the signs of the response may even show up after a few weeks or days. If you are generally allergic to the fur, then the dog will serve you well.
9. How Much Does A Maltipoo cost?
The price of a Maltipoo varies from one breeder to another. The price may also be very different if you chose to buy from an owner who is selling the dog. The price of a Maltipoo ranges between $400 and $2000.
However, if you are looking to buy a dog from a reputable breeder, you should be ready to part with at least $ 700. It would be best if you avoided low priced Matipoos since puppy mills produce most of such dogs.
The other costs you may incur when buying the puppy include the leash and the chain costs. If these accessories are not included in the quoted price, you have to pay for them. They will cost you approximately $300-$ 450.
10. Choosing A Maltipoo Breeder
When it comes to choosing the breeder, there are three main factors to consider. The price of the dog, the terms of payment and the breeding environment.
A good breeder will not give you their dog at a throwaway price. As mentioned above, any good breeder will sell their puppies at a cost above $700. While this may not always be the case, it applies to most reputable breeders.
However, there are also breeders who are out to siphon your hard earned money. Do not buy dogs from breeders who are too expensive.
The maximum price for a Maltipoo should be $2000. This is only applicable to individual dogs based on size, coat color, and other personal preferences.
When it comes to the to the terms of payment, a good breeder will not force you to sign an agreement you do not understand.
If you have to pay for puppies before they are born, your agreement should be that you pay part of the price. Never pay the full amount for dogs that are yet to be born.
You should also never pay a deposit to a breeder that does not agree to refund in case you do not find a puppy of your choice.
Lastly, consider the environment. With so many puppy mills, it is important to ask to see where the dogs stay.
From the background, you can tell whether the puppies are good Maltipoos or not. You can also asses the general health and hygiene of the dogs as well as their social life.
11. Adopting A Dog From A Maltipoo Rescue Center or Shelter.
There are various rescue centers and shelters entirely dedicated to Maltipoo. You can also adopt a Maltipoo from a Poodle rescue center or a Maltese rescue center.
The chances of finding your exact preference in a Maltipoo rescue center may be low. While you will get Maltipoo dogs to adopt, they may be different in size, coat color, and age to your preferred dog. However, for the love of the dog, most people make a compromise and adopt the available Maltipoo.
12. Are Maltipoos Easy To Train?
Maltipoo is one of the most intelligent dogs. It is so easy to train and follows all the commands once trained. This is why it is recommended for first-time dog owners. If you are a loner, this dog should be your first dog.
