18 Vet-Verified Facts About Maltipoos: Appearance, Origin & More
The Maltipoo is an incredible designer dog breed that many people enjoy having around the home, and if you are a new owner, you probably want to know everything there is to know about them. Keep reading as we present you with 24 incredible facts that will help you understand your pet better.
The 18 Fun Facts About Maltipoos
1. The Maltipoo Is a Designer Breed
The Maltipoo is becoming so popular that many might not realize that they’re not a registered breed per se, but an intentional mixing of two different purebred dogs. To create a Maltipoo, you have to mix a purebred toy Poodle with a purebred Maltese.
2. The Maltipoo Has Many Names
Though many people have settled on the Maltipoo name, depending on where you live, you still might hear them called other names, such as a Moodle, Multapoo, Maltipoodle, or something else.
3. The Maltipoo Name Has Different Spellings
The Designer Dogs Kennel Club1 spells the dog’s name as “Maltipoo”, the most commonly used form. However, the North American Maltipoo club also accepts “Maltepoo” and you may even find breeders who use “Malt-a-poo”.
4. The Maltipoo Is a Light Shedder
While the Maltipoo still sheds dander, as any other dog does, they don’t shed as much fur as many other dogs. Dander consists of dead skin cells that are constantly shed by pets and is the main allergy trigger in people. Maltipoos do need regular brushing, and they may need professional grooming on occasion.
5. A Full-Grown Maltipoo Can Weigh as Little as 5 Pounds
The size of your dog will depend on which parent they take after. For example, taking after the Poodle will produce a slightly larger dog while taking after the Maltese will make a smaller puppy. An adult Maltipoo can weigh 5–20 pounds.
6. Maltipoo Puppies Change From the First Generation to the Second
First-generation Maltipoo puppies are different from second-generation puppies because the first generation is the result of mixing a Poodle with a Maltese. The second generation is the result of combining a Maltipoo with a Maltipoo.
7. Different Poodles Affect Final Size
Most breeders create a Maltipoo from either a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle. Miniature Poodles produce large Maltipoos, while Toy Poodles produce smaller ones.
8. The Maltipoo Is a Great Pet for Children
The Maltipoo likes attention, so it’s great to pair them with a child with plenty of energy and time. However, as with any other dog, the child must be old enough to understand how to handle them because their small size makes them vulnerable to injury during rough play.
9. You Can Purchase the Maltipoo in a Variety of Colors
One of the things that have helped the Maltipoo become so popular is that they’re available in many colors. White is the most popular, but you can also find black, cream, silver, red, gray, and even apricot.
10. The Maltipoo Is Not Considered a Mutt
Many people refer to the Maltipoo as a mutt because they’re a hybrid or mixed breed. However, the mutt title typically applies to dogs whose parents’ breeds are unknown. Since the Maltipoo is intentionally bred, they are instead considered a designer breed.
11. The Maltipoo Is Available in Different Coats
Besides the many color options available for Maltipoos, they can have different coat types and lengths. You can find them with thick and curly, soft and silky, wiry and wavy coats, and medium to long-length coats.
12. The Maltipoo Is a Social Dog
The Maltipoo breed is quite friendly and will often get along with other house pets, especially if you socialize them with other animals while they’re young.
13. The Maltipoo Has a Long Lifespan
The Maltipoo will usually live 12 to 15 years, and with careful maintenance and a bit of luck, you can extend it to 16 years, which is longer than many other dog breeds.
14. There Is No Proper Weight Range for a Full-Grown Maltipoo
Unlike many other dog breeds that have an average size and weight, the size of the Maltipoo can vary greatly depending on which parent they take after more. Therefore, there is no set acceptable weight range to follow. The only guideline is an unofficial weight of 5–20 pounds.
15. The Maltipoo Can Learn Many Tricks
Due to their Poodle parent, the Maltipoo is an intelligent dog that can learn many tricks. They also like attention and enjoy pleasing their owner, so they will work hard to understand what you are trying to teach them. Starting your sessions early, when they’re still a puppy, will help get them into a routine that will produce the best results.
16. The Maltipoo Enjoys Company
The Maltipoo can spend time alone, but they won’t enjoy it if you have long work days. Separation anxiety is a complex behavioral disease that should be addressed early in time, therefore if you notice any abnormal behavior when you leave your home speak to your vet or dog behaviorist as soon as possible.
17. The Maltipoo Is Not a Watchdog
Though the Maltipoo is prone to barking in certain situations, they’re not great watchdogs because of their friendly and loving nature. They often make fast friends with strangers and will do little to prevent them from entering the home.
18. The Maltipoo Needs Attention
Unlike many other dog breeds that just like to lie around, the Maltipoo will constantly demand your attention and will go to great lengths to acquire it, often performing wild stunts or hatching elaborate plans.
Conclusion
The Maltipoo is a complex dog breed with many hidden personality facets to discover. This is a friendly dog that makes a great companion. They will also typically get along with your other pets and enjoy playing with the children.
However, they require attention, plenty of playtime, and mental stimulation, and you need to be careful that you don’t leave them alone too long. Meeting these simple requirements means that you and your furry friend can enjoy a great life together.
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Featured Image Credit: Irsan Ianushis, Shutterstock
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Ed Malaker is a seasoned writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs covering everything from tools to guitars, and pets to fitness. When Ed isn't writing, he is usually making DIY projects around the house or working in the garden.
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