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The Maltipoo Chihuahua is a new hybrid with a difficult-to-trace origin. Many people also call this mix a Malchipoo. Keep reading as we discuss the Maltipoo’s dietary needs, exercise requirements, and health conditions so you can see if the dog is right for you.
Breed Overview
Height:
8–14 inches
Weight:
6–12 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Gray, silver, tan, red, black, brown
Suitable for:
Small homes, active families
Temperament:
Gentle, intelligent, loving, mild-mannered
Maltipoo Chihuahuas can have long or short hair and are available in many colors. They don’t shed much hair, so they won’t make a mess of your furniture, and they’re small enough to keep in an apartment. They have intelligent parents, and they’re relatively easy to train.
Maltipoo Chihuahua Characteristics
Maltipoo Chihuahua Puppies
Maltipoo Chihuahua puppies have a mild-mannered temperament. Their small size is deceiving, however, as they’re incredibly energetic and love exploring the outdoors.
Households with an active lifestyle, children, or other pets are an ideal place for these puppies. From cuddles on the couch to running in the park, the enchanting Maltipoo Chihuahua will be a perfect companion.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Maltipoo Chihuahua
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The Maltipoo Chihuahua is a good pet for families because they like to play and get along with children. However, if you have toddlers in the house, they can sometimes get rough with the dog, and since the Maltipoo Chihuahua is so small, they can get hurt easily and may even become defensive. Supervising your dog when they interact with children is vital to keeping everyone safe.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Maltipoo Chihuahua is friendly and gets along well with most other pets if they interact with other animals as a puppy. However, other, much larger dogs can frighten them, especially if they are aggressive, and they can become territorial and aggressive toward other animals if they’re not appropriately socialized. We recommend taking the dog out as frequently as possible during the first several months so they can socialize and make friends with as many other animals as possible.
Things to Know When Owning a Maltipoo Chihuahua
Things to Know When Owning a Maltipoo ChihuahuaFood & Diet Requirements
Your Maltipoo Chihuahua requires high-quality food with real meat, like chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb, as the first ingredient. It should also contain fruits and vegetables like corn, beets, pumpkin, and flaxseed. Look for a brand that provides omega fats without chemical preservatives or artificial colors. Since they’re small pups, Maltipoo Chihuahuas don’t eat much, and you’ll spend much less on food than with other dogs.
It’s best to follow the feeding instructions on the dog food bag, but you can also consult your veterinarian for feeding tips.
Exercise
Your Maltipoo Chihuahua will get much of the exercise they require while running around the house chasing after you daily. However, it’s still a good idea to set aside about 30 minutes to play and go for a walk. It will help your pet burn off excess energy and provide bonding time.
Training
The Maltipoo Chihuahua is an intelligent pup that likes to learn new tricks and commands. They also like to please you and enjoy the attention, so they aren’t difficult to train. Set aside 5 to 10 minutes each day to use as a training session. We recommend training right after playtime so your dog will sit still. Ensure there aren’t many distractions so you can keep your dog’s attention throughout the training exercise. Start when your dog is still a puppy so they will get used to the training routine.
Grooming ✂️
The Maltipoo Chihuahua, like both their parents, is a low-maintenance dog. However, frequent brushing can prevent tangles and remove loose or dead hair that might end up on your furniture, especially if the dog has long hair. Depending on their coat type, you may need to take them to the groomer each month for a trim. They also need their nails trimmed monthly and teeth brushed at least three times a week.
Health & Conditions
- Obesity
- Dental disease
- Luxating patella
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Hydrocephalus
Minor Conditions:
- Obesity: Obesity is a serious but preventable disease that affects as many as 40% to 45% of dogs aged 5–11, and it’s a common problem in smaller breeds like the Maltipoo Chihuahua. Obesity can lead to several health issues, including many types of cancer, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and urinary bladder stones. You can help your pet maintain the proper weight by ensuring that they get plenty of exercise daily. Always read the dog food’s instructions to see how much to give your pet, and resist the urge to give more. Also, limit the number of treats you provide, especially if your pet already gets some during your training sessions.
- Dental disease: Another common problem that affects many dogs is dental disease, with some reports suggesting that over 80% of dogs over 3 years old have active dental disease. It can lead to tooth decay, making it difficult for dogs to acquire the nutrition they need, and may lead to pain and discomfort. Regular cleanings and checkups are the best way to prevent the progression of dental disease.
Serious Conditions:
- Luxating patella: A luxating patella is a condition that affects many toy breeds, including the Chihuahua parent of your Maltipoo Chihuahua mix, due to a genetic predisposition. Dogs with this condition have a kneecap that slides out of place, becoming more difficult to keep in position as the disease progresses. Most dogs can tolerate the disease for many years, but as they get older and arthritis sets in, it can be difficult for them to get around, and they will often experience joint pain.
- Idiopathic epilepsy: Idiopathic epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause your pet to have seizures. The signs include barking or grinding the teeth uncontrollably, excessive salivation, and defecating without control. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication or even surgery to control the disease.
- Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus is a condition that causes an abnormal expansion and accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. The build-up creates pressure on the brain, causing damage that can result in behavioral and neurological issues. The signs include head pressing, abnormal behavior, gait abnormalities, and brain dysfunction. The vet will often use steroids and medication to help treat the disease.
Male vs. Female
The male and female Maltipoo Chihuahuas are incredibly similar, with no notable differences. The parent that each puppy takes after will have a more significant effect on the dog’s size, color, and behavior than the sex.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Maltipoo Chihuahua
1. Low Shedding
If you are tired of cleaning pet hair off your furniture, you will be happy to know that the Maltipoo Chihuahua is a low-shedding dog that won’t leave fur all over your furniture and clothing. Their coat is easy to maintain, and you won’t need to spend much time on upkeep or grooming.
2. Unique Appearance
The Maltipoo Chihuahua mix has a unique appearance that many people enjoy. They are available in many colors and can have long or short hair. They’re usually brown or tan, but you can also find them in black, white, red, blue, silver, and gray.
3. Easy to Train
Many owners of the Maltipoo Chihuahua mix comment that their dog is extremely intelligent and easy to train. They enjoy pleasing their owner and will go to great lengths to learn a new trick. They also like the attention that they get while training and will eagerly await the next session.
Conclusion
The Maltipoo Chihuahua is a great breed for small homes with active families. They like attention, so having several people to play with can be helpful. They’re low maintenance and don’t require much grooming, nor will they leave much fur on the furniture. They get along well with other pets if you socialize them with other animals when they are young, and they can get most of their exercise running around the house after you.
Featured Image Credit: Left – dezy, Shutterstock | Right – Rafael Guajardo, Pexels
