A Maltese Poodle mix, also known as Maltipoo, is a crossbreed between a Maltese and Poodle. These are active and clever dogs are fantastic family pets and perfect companions, as well as couples, people, and older citizens who live alone.
These puppies are also extremely low-maintenance, making them ideal for first-time dog owners. Even as they become older, they retain a puppy-like look, and their small size makes them ideal for carrying with you wherever you go!
Read on to learn more about this unique crossbreed and discover whether it’s the ideal dog for you.
Maltese Poodle Mix: Appearance
Weight: 5-20 pounds
Height: 8-14 inches
The Maltese Poodle Mix is not a purebred dog and is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) yet, hence it lacks specific breed standards.
A Maltipoo puppy’s appearance is difficult to anticipate because it is mostly determined by the physical characteristics of the parents. A Maltipoo’s coat, for example, can be curly or scruffy, and it differs from one dog to the next. The color of a Maltipoo’s coat is also difficult to predict, since some are grey, while others are white, and cream is also a possibility.
However, most dogs have a fluffy, wool-like coat, which is one of their most prized characteristics.
Depending on the puppy, these dogs could resemble a Poodle or a Maltese. They generally combine the strong structure of a Poodle with all of the grace that a Maltese is known for.
Temperament
Maltipoos are lively, energetic, and affectionate dogs
Despite the fact that they are small lapdogs that appear harmless, they get extremely connected to their owners and may believe they are much larger than they are. They are devoted to their family and want nothing more than to bring a smile to your face.
Poodles are noted for their intelligence and enthusiasm. As a result, if your dog carries more dominant Poodle genes, they will be more energetic and eager to play. Your dog will be more laid back and eager to be your couch potato if they have more dominant Maltese DNA.
This breed, like any other, has to be socialized as soon as possible, whether mixed or not. You won’t have any trouble teaching your Maltipoo puppy because they are quite intelligent.
Another aspect of the Maltipoo disposition that dog owners adore is how loving they can be. As such, they are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time during the day, so if you are away from home a lot, this may not be the dog for you.
Are Maltipoos Good Family Dogs?
Maltipoos are often excellent family dogs. They are friendly and lively, so they get along with older children and other family members alike. With strangers and friends too, they are typically exceedingly friendly.
These dogs, however, aren’t always great with small kids. Because they are smaller, toddlers and preschoolers are more likely to hurt them. This can make them irritable and scared of youngsters.
Maltipoos aren’t particularly territorial, and they don’t have a strong prey drive. This is why they generally get along well with other dogs and small pets. Maltipoos, who have been properly socialized and raised with cats and other pets often see them as family members.
Because of their trainability and affectionate nature, Maltese Poodle Mixes are ideal for first-time dog owners. They are also excellent apartment dogs because they do not require a lot of space to run around in.
Exercise Requirement
When it comes to exercising your Maltese Poodle Mix, you must pay attention to your dog’s specific needs. Some dogs are very energetic and require a lot of exercises. Others want to relax and unwind.
At least once a day, take your dog for a stroll. Playtime in the backyard may also be required. Even though these dogs aren’t known for roaming, it’s still a good idea to keep them on a leash or in a fenced-in area.
Training and Socializing
Because they are an offspring of the ever-so-intelligent Poodle – famed for their intellect – training the Maltese Poodle Mix is a breeze.
Positive reinforcement training approaches and a lot of patience are required for all dogs. Remember that they are young and developing; learning is an important phase in their development and may even improve the link between the dog and the owner.
Fortunately, because the Maltipoo is a calm and intelligent dog, they should learn basic commands like sit, stay, and down pretty easily. Potty training may take time and effort, but because these dogs are intelligent, they’ll catch it up quickly. When it comes to toilet training a Maltipoo, praise and regular routines yield the best results.
It also shouldn’t be too tough to socialize your Maltipoo. You should start doing it at an early age and expose them to a variety of noises, sights, locations, scents, and people.
Grooming
Because of their coat, Maltipoos are a high-maintenance breed.
Brushing is required on a regular basis for Maltese Poodle Mixes. It would be a shame to see their hair fade, and a dog with matted fur due to insufficient or wrong maintenance is also unpleasant.
This dog breed should be groomed every other day if possible (or even daily). Once a month, they should be groomed by a professional. They may develop matting and knots in their coat due to their Poodle-like curls.
A Maltese Poodle Mix with straighter fur may be able to go longer between grooming sessions.
Maltipoos have little floppy ears that need to be washed and examined on a regular basis. Finally, don’t forget to clip those little nails, and keep in mind that dental care is equally critical in preventing any future tooth disorders.
Health Issues
Unfortunately, the Maltese Poodle mix, like any other dog, can develop health problems. They inherit these health difficulties from their parents and, as a result, may be more prone to ailments than the Maltese and Poodle. The following are the Maltipoo’s most prevalent health issues:
1. Patellar luxation:
Patellar Luxation is a common condition in small dogs. It is caused by a misalignment of the patella, which is made up of three parts: the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), and tibia (calf).
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disease that results in the loss of photoreceptors in the rear of the eye, eventually leading to blindness. Years before the dog displays any indications of blindness, PRA can be detected.
3. Epilepsy:
Seizures are caused by epilepsy in dogs. Epilepsy can be controlled with medicine, but it is not curable. With correct therapy of this condition, which might be inherited or of unknown etiology, a dog can live a full and healthy life.
4. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease:
Many toy breeds are affected with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The blood flow to the head of the femur (the large rear leg bone) is reduced when your Maltipoo has Legg-Perthes, and the head of the femur, which attaches to the pelvis, begins to disintegrate. When puppies are 4 to 6 months old, the first indications of Legg-Perthes, limping, and leg muscle atrophy, appear.
5. Portosystemic Shunt:
A portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a blood flow abnormality between the liver and the rest of the body. This is a concern since the liver is in charge of detoxification, nutritional metabolism, and drug elimination. Neurobehavioral abnormalities such as poor balance, lack of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), intermittent gastrointestinal disorders, loss of appetite, urinary tract problems, medication intolerance, and stunted development are just a few of the symptoms.
Purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder will ensure that they are free of the majority of these disorders. You can also request that your breeder provide you with a health certificate prepared by a qualified veterinarian for the puppy’s parents.
The average lifetime of a Maltese Poodle mix is 12 years, however, the common age range is 10-16 years.
Maltese Poodle Mix: Cost
Maltipoo pups range in price from $500 to $2,500. It is dependent on the breeder as well as the puppy’s quality.
Some breeders may have a “perfect” Maltipoo standard in mind and may sell puppies at a lower price if they don’t meet it. Most purebred dogs are treated the same way, however, the Maltipoo’s standard differs greatly. A puppy may be considered “pet-quality” exclusively by one breeder, while a breeding dog may be considered by another.
Conclusion
The Maltese and Poodle breeds are both sociable and kind to everyone, so this combination will have the best of both worlds.
The Maltipoo is a perfect companion dog that will adapt to a variety of scenarios, including living with a family, a couple, an individual, or a senior. They require a lot of care, which you must be able to provide, but if you do, they will become your lifelong closest friend.
It is important to remember that not every breed of dog is suitable for every family and situation. This is why it’s important to research the breed you’re interested in before bringing one into your home.
To know more, check out other articles on the Maltese and the Poodle.
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