8 Things You Should Know Before Buying Maltipoo Puppies

As one of the most popular designer dog breeds, the Maltipoo, a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, is a versatile pet with a loving temperament. With an affectionate and fun-loving nature, it’s no surprise to see so many Maltipoo puppies for sale. The Maltipoo is a sweet, family-friendly dog who adapts well to various living situations. If you are considering bringing a Maltipoo puppy into your family, here are the top 8 things you should know before buying Maltipoo puppies.

1. Maltipoos are a relatively new crossbreed.

The Maltipoo is a crossbreed founded in the United States about 30 years ago. This crossbreed combines the best qualities of the Maltese and Poodle breeds, including intelligence, gentleness, and loyalty. As a “designer dog” breed, the Maltipoo is not formally recognized by the American Kennel Club; however, most pup parents are looking for a family dog as opposed to a show dog, and Maltipoo puppies are ideal for people with children or other pets.

2. Maltipoo puppies are gentle and friendly.

Playful, affectionate, gentle, and friendly are some of the top characteristics of Maltipoo puppies. Despite their small size, Maltipoos like to live large. This breed is outgoing and energetic, making daily life fun and joyous. Your Maltipoo puppy will be as happy chasing after toys in the house as she will taking a short walk with you outside. Maltipoo puppies live for companionship, so expect to have your puppy constantly at your side. 

Being at the center of family life is ideal for the Maltipoo due to their devotion to their people. Friendly towards children, other pets, and even strangers, the Maltipoo’s temperament is one quality that makes them such a popular breed. Additionally, this breed’s intelligence means the Maltipoo’s trainability level is high, and the puppy’s desire to please her pup’s parents will make training a breeze.

3. Maltipoo puppies are highly adaptable.

Do you live in a large house or a small apartment? A mid-sized condominium or a farm? Whatever your living circumstances, the Maltipoo can adapt to any kind of home. Maltipoo puppies will be happy anywhere provided they are around their pup parents and living indoors. This adaptability makes Maltipoo puppies ideal for empty-nesters, single people, the elderly, and first-time dog parents. Maltipoos are often used for therapy work in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools because of their reliable and adaptable personalities.

4. Maltipoos are hypoallergenic dogs with coat care needs.

Maltipoos are a hypoallergenic breed, which means they don’t shed as much as other dog breeds. Every dog sheds, but designer dogs like the Maltipoo were bred to create a dog with little shedding at all. With her low-dander and low-shedding coat, the Maltipoo is a great choice for anyone who suffers from allergies. How much will a Maltipoo shed? That depends on which side of her family she takes after most. Thankfully, the Maltese and Poodle breeds are also hypoallergenic, so your Maltipoo puppy isn’t likely to shed much at all.

You will need to put some effort into the care of your Maltipoo puppy’s coat. Different Maltipoo breeding practices have led to three distinct coat types: thick and curly, wavy and wiry, or silky and soft. Your Maltipoo breeder can speak to your puppy’s individual breeding lines to give you a better idea of her coat type. Maltipoos should be bathed every three weeks, and puppies with wiry hair will need careful grooming with a canine comb, detangler, an appropriate shampoo, and conditioner. 

5. Maltipoo puppies come in various colors.

There can be a wide variance in Maltipoo puppy colors, although typically, they are not dark, solid colors. The Maltese side of the crossbreed is pure white dogs, so that color is dominant in the Maltipoo. Generally, the solid white color from the Maltese parent combined with a mix of the coloring from the Poodle parent results in a Maltipoo puppy whose coat may lighten or change color over time. It may take two years for a Maltipoo to reach its final adult color.

The most popular Maltipoo puppy colors are apricot, chocolates, toffees, and reds. Expect your Maltipoo’s coat to lighten and darken with the spring and winter seasons.

6. Maltipoo puppies retain their puppy-like personality throughout their lives.

Maltipoos are a popular breed in part because they act like puppies even after they’ve grown up. Expect your Maltipoo puppy to become an adult who retains her puppylike behaviors, like playing or romping around the house or yard for years to come. Adaptable and friendly, your Maltipoo will want to stay active and on the move until the later years of her life. If you choose to bring a Maltipoo puppy into your home, understand that she will require lots of engagement and activity throughout her life with your family.

7. Maltipoos are small dogs with long lifespans.

The Maltipoo is a small dog, growing between 8 and 14 inches tall and weighing between 5 and 12 pounds. Her tiny size is perfect for families with small children or people who prefer smaller breeds. Because the Maltipoos are small in stature, they typically have a longer lifespan than larger canine breeds. Maltipoos have an expected age range of 12 to 16 years, with an average lifespan of 14 years.

8. Maltipoos are susceptible to some illnesses.

Although the Maltipoo is a crossbreed, this breed is still prone to certain illnesses that a prospective pup parent should know. Here are the medical conditions that some Maltipoos develop over their lives:

• A luxating patella, when the dog’s kneecap slips out of place;
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disease;
• Hip dysplasia, when the hip ball slips out of the socket;
• Cardiomyopathy (rare), causing rapid heartbeat and respiratory distress;
• Epilepsy and seizures;
• Hypothyroidism, when the thyroid underperforms and doesn’t regulate properly;
• White Shaker Syndrome, tremors that affect dogs with white coats;
• Collapsed trachea, where rings of the trachea fall inward, causing pain and breathing difficulty.

Not all Maltipoos will develop these conditions; in fact, many never do. Talk with your Maltipoo puppy breeder about your potential puppy’s parents and genetic background so you are prepared for what conditions you and your pup may face in the future.

The Maltipoo puppy is a sweet, happy soul whose goal in life is to loyally remain at her pup’s parent’s side. With high adaptability and a hypoallergenic coat, it’s no wonder that Maltipoo puppies are so popular. Are you interested in adding a Maltipoo to your family? Contact us at Preferable Pups and check out our Maltipoo puppies for sale. We’ll help find a Maltipoo puppy who is the right fit for you.