A Complete Guide to Caring for a Maltipoo Puppy

maltipoo puppy standing on a table

Key Points

  • A maltipoo is a mix between the Maltese and poodle breeds.

  • Maltipoos exhibit a remarkable blend of qualities, making them stand out as exceptional companions.

  • Maltipoos are a great decision for both first-time dog owners and multiple-dog homes alike.

  • This article is a guide to caring for a maltipoo pup of your own.

A maltipoo puppy is a mixed breed between a Maltese and a toy or miniature poodle. Because of their parent breeds, the maltipoo is well-known for its fun-loving nature and vibrant personality. These dogs are great fits for many different styles of homes, including the elderly, families with children, city apartments, or big countryside homes.

Maltipoos are great for people seeking their first dog, as they are an extremely social and loving breed. Researcher Katrina Holland et al. published in Frontiers In Veterinary Science that “decisions to get a dog were driven by self-related and social based motivations, in addition to positive feelings toward dogs.” These dogs are naturally brilliant and considerably easy to train. Maltipoos get along well with other dogs and animals as long as they’ve been appropriately socialized.

Although their smaller bodies aren’t great in colder climates, these dogs are able to live anywhere with the right care. Plenty of doggy winter coats are made specifically for dogs like the maltipoo. Maltipoos don’t thrive if left alone for long hours, so these dogs are great for you if you work from home. Maltipoo puppies will want an owner that is as affectionate as they are. These dogs are occasionally strong-willed, so patience is important.

Maltipoo Puppy Care Package

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Maltipoo Breed

These dogs were initially bred because of how great their parent breeds’ personalities are and the fact that they are claimed hypoallergenic. The Maltipoo grew in popularity in the early 2000s and remains one of the most popular mixed dog breeds in North America.

The Maltipoo typically stands anywhere from 8 to 14″ tall and weighs between 5 and 20 pounds. Since the Maltipoo is still a relatively new mixed breed, many of the dogs in this breed are larger or smaller than that. The type of poodle used for breeding a maltipoo will affect the overall size of the offspring.

Even though these dogs have small bodies, they have huge hearts. They love to spend hours with their owner on the couch or even join them on a car ride. Maltipoo pups are fragile, though, so when you take them on walks, be sure to use a harness to avoid damaging their trachea.

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Maltipoo Temperament

Maltipoos are very affectionate and gentle dogs. They’re marvelous therapy dogs and are great for single-family homes. These dogs love spending time with their owners and typically bond incredibly close with one lucky person. They are easy-going and get along with pretty much anyone.

Maltipoo puppies are a great addition to a home, especially if you’re looking for a dog to keep you company in an otherwise empty house. These dogs don’t do well if they’re left alone for too long, but as long as someone is with them they thrive.

Maltipoos are lovable but also noisy. These dogs are avid barkers and are sure to alert their owners anytime they think there is an intruder. Although maltipoos bark upon seeing a new face, they are much more likely to meet the intruder than they are to attack them.

Maltipoo Breed Intelligence

Maltipoo puppies are brilliant dogs. Thanks to their relation to their parent breeds, they learn tricks quickly and easily follow their owner’s cues. Especially because of the parent poodle, maltipoos are eager to please their owners and learn tricks. Sometimes maltipoo puppies show more of a Maltese trait and become a little headstrong. As long as you provide encouragement and positive communication, your dog listens.

These dogs are great for first-time owners because of their natural intelligence. Maltipoo puppies are best trained in short and fun teaching sessions. They learn fastest with consistent and frequent sessions. Never scold your maltipoo if they don’t follow a command. Rather encourage your maltipoo with treats for offering the behaviors you want. Maltipoo pups are natural geniuses, and they bloom with encouragement.

maltipoo standing on a table

Maltipoo Shedding

Maltipoos are known to not shed much. Even though the Maltese breed has always been a low-shedding dog, they are not actually hypoallergenic. However, poodles are considered to be good dogs for allergy sufferers.

Maltipoo dogs have the potential to inherit their poodle relative’s hypoallergenic coats, but no animal is ever 100% hypoallergenic. Every animal sheds and produces dander, which is also an irritant to allergies. People who are allergic to dogs might find that a maltipoo is an excellent fit for them, or they might find that their allergies are too sensitive for these dogs.

Maltipoo Health

Maltipoos are, on average, very healthy dogs. They live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. Even though the maltipoo is a mixed breed dog, they are at risk of contracting health conditions just like every dog. All dogs experience anxiety or stress at one point or another. It’s natural for dogs to be anxious when their parents leave or show symptoms of stress in new situations. Owners are able to help dogs with their symptoms in many different ways.

Many dogs experience stress at some point in their lives. Dogs that experienced neglect, abuse, or grew up in a crate are even more likely to suffer from stress. Maltipoo puppies might feel stressed if they survived a traumatic event. Some dogs get stressed out by new people, places, or animals because they haven’t been socialized completely.

No matter the cause, there are many ways to help your stressed maltipoo. Once you understand the cause of your dog’s stress, you better understand how to help your dog. Dogs that are stressed because they aren’t adequately socialized should get socialization opportunities. If your dog’s stress isn’t severe, provide calming supplements to help ease their symptoms.

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These dogs are bred as companion animals, and they are the best fit in homes where someone is almost always home. If you spend most of your time away at work, consider a dog walker to visit your pup or a quality doggy daycare, or consider bringing your maltipoo to work. Maltipoos get anxious if they don’t receive enough daily activity and attention. Bored dogs are unhappy dogs.

Often when owners leave their dogs alone, they come home to find the couch cushions destroyed in their absence. When dogs do this, they aren’t being resentful but rather experiencing anxiety. Help your maltipoo through this anxiety by providing calming remedies. Some owners provide their dogs with a safe space full of comfortable places to rest. Some give their dogs calming treats and supplements or even add dog CBD to their meals. Sometimes dogs are prescribed anti-anxiety medication by the vet. The best way to help your maltipoo puppy through anxiety is to combine methods to maximize their comfort.

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Creating safe spaces for your anxious dog provides a relaxing atmosphere your dog enjoys. While some owners even create tiny rooms for their dogs, while others give their dogs a comfortable space in the corner of their bedroom. Safe spaces are best with a nice dog bed, fresh water, a soft blanket, and some of your dog’s favorite toys. Encourage your dog to go to their safe space by giving them calming treats every time they relax in their bed.

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Common Maltipoo Health Conditions

While Maltipoo dogs are overall a very healthy breed, these dogs are predisposed to inheriting a few health conditions. Most of the genetic conditions are mild in nature and are fixed at home. Maltipoo puppies are at risk of inheriting progressive retinal atrophy or joint issues. Smaller dogs often suffer from dental health problems. Owners have many options when it comes to caring for dogs with these conditions.

maltipoo laying on a dog bed

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disease that sounds bad, but ultimately dogs with PRA still live very long and happy lives. Maltipoo puppies sadly have a higher risk of getting PRA than some other dog breeds. Dogs rely on their sense of smell and hearing much more than they do their sense of sight.

To help a maltipoo diagnosed with PRA, allow your dog to adjust gradually to life as a blind animal. This means changing hand signal commands to verbal cues and eliminating any clunky or sharp objects your dog accidentally bumps. Some blind dog owners find it helpful to put specific scent markers with dog-safe essential oils in certain rooms or on stairs. If your living room is carpeted and your kitchen has tile, your dog will know which room is which, based on his tactile senses. There are many ways to help blind maltipoos adjust.

Oral Health

Oral health  significantly affects the rest of a dog’s body. Any bacteria and tartar buildup in the mouth travels down the body and causes digestive tract issues or even heart disease. To prevent this from happening, the best thing to do is take proper care of their dog’s teeth by brushing them regularly and taking them to their veterinarian a minimum of once-a-year.

Many dogs suffer from dental issues because their teeth aren’t brushed as often as they should be. Small dogs like the maltipoos are more likely to have dental issues because of overcrowded teeth. These dogs have such small snouts that their teeth don’t always fit comfortably in their mouths.

Brush your dog’s teeth daily and have their teeth professionally cleaned every few months or at least once a year. It’s a good idea to provide your dog with dental cleaning treats every day. While these treats do aid dental health, they don’t offer as much cleaning as brushing the teeth. Be sure to get toothpaste and a toothbrush specially made for dogs. 

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Joint Issues

Maltipoos are apt to suffer from joint problems. These dogs often have elbowhip, and knee issues. Joint issues affect their full range of motion or ability to move. In most cases, joint problems cause mild pain and discomfort throughout a dog’s life.

Providing joint supplements to your dog early in life is a good preventative. Knee joint problems mainly cause the kneecap to get locked out of place, and eventually the knee pops back into place. In most cases, dogs live their entire lives with this issue and never need anything more than supplements and occasional pharmaceutical pain management to aid their achy joints.

When dogs suffer from hip problems, there are a number of at-home methods that help. When dogs don’t get enough exercise, it causes their joints to stiffen, making these issues worse. Ongoing daily exercise is critical from puppyhood into the geriatric years. Some dogs jump too much or land wrong and overwork their joints, causing them to swell or stiffen. If your dog is recovering from injury, limit their movement until they are sound again. Help your dog navigate joint issues by teaching them to stretch and move the joint in therapeutic exercises.

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Maltipoo’s Needs

Maltipoos benefit from a solid thirty-minute walk daily with interesting playthings in the house as well. A quick run around in the yard or a game of fetch is a fun way to exercise your maltipoo. Excess energy leads to your maltipoo barking excessively or acting destructively. These dogs need exercise daily to thrive physically and emotionally.

Providing your maltipoo with mentally stimulating toys is also a great way to give them their daily mental exercise. Maltopoos need mental stimulation to stay busy and out of trouble. Games of hide and seek are plenty of fun for your maltipoo and a perfect way to use their intelligence and sense of smell.

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Nutrition

A dog’s diet varies considerably based on age, size, and other health conditions. Your vet is able to help you figure out the right amount of food to feed your dog.

Remember that your dog’s treats are also counted as part of their daily diet. These dogs are small and at risk of becoming obese if they are fed too much.

Check your dog’s health by looking down at them and examining their bodies. A healthy dog has a visible waistline viewed from above. If your maltipoo doesn’t have a visible waist or it’s hard to see, your dog may be overweight. Test your dog’s condition by placing your hands on your maltipoos side and putting a little pressure to feel their ribs. If you have to apply a lot of pressure before their ribs are felt, then your dog is overweight.

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Maltipoo Grooming

Maltipoos haircoats need more attention than some other dogs’ fur does. They need regular brushing sessions daily to keep their coats free of any debris or tangles. They need monthly baths to ensure their fur is clean and their skin stays healthy.

The maltipoo coat is low-dander and low-shedding. Their coats come in cream, white, and silver colors. These dogs will need their coats clipped once or twice a year. Their facial hair is trimmed monthly to make sure the fur stays out of their eyes and ears. A few dedicated maltipoo parents learn to care for their dog’s grooming needs themselves, while others hire a groomer.

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Preparing your home for your new maltipoo puppy is fun. You need to purchase regular dog (or puppy) food. A crate in the house is convenient, especially for the first few weeks of adopting a new dog. New dogs are often not house trained or ready to be on their own. A dog crate is your pet’s safe space, whether you are home or away. Invest in a quality dog bed and place it in a safe space. Always provide your maltipoo with fresh water. Additional resources for information about maltipoos include Pet Maltipoo, North American Maltipoo Club, and Maltipoo World.

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Of course, you need to purchase a well-fitting collar and nametag. Dogs benefit from a harness when they go walking. Because maltipoo puppies potentially vary in size, wait until you have your dog so you know their specific measurements.

Investing in your relationship with your pup is the best. The more time you spend exercising, teaching, and playing with your dog, the closer your bond becomes. Make your maltipoo pup your best bud, and be rewarded with a lifetime of love.

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Maltipoo Maven

Maltipoos exhibit a remarkable blend of qualities that make them stand out as exceptional companions. Their compact size, coupled with a charming demeanor, make them well suited for apartment living and a delightful addition to any home. In March 2023 Hola! USA reported the maltipoo is one of the most adorable breeds.

With inherent intelligence and willingness to please, Maltipoos excel in training and readily learn good behaviors. Their sociable nature fosters effortless interactions with both people and other pets. These sweet dogs possess an affectionate disposition, form strong bonds with their owners, and exude warmth and loyalty in every interaction.

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