How Long Do Maltipoos Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care Guide

The Maltipoo is a relatively new designer crossbreed among the many designer dog breeds that have appeared on the scene in recent years. Crossed between the diminutive Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, the Maltipoo typically has a round head, floppy ears, and a small stature, resulting in a puppy-like appearance that lasts throughout adulthood. The Maltipoo’s lifespan is usually from approximately 12 to 15 years.

What is the Average Maltipoo Lifespan?

The Maltipoo has an average lifespan of approximately 12 to 15 years. Smaller breed dogs typically live between 10 and 15 years of age. If you’re looking for a companion that will live for many years, a small breed like the Maltipoo is more likely to have a longer lifespan compared to larger breeds.

Why Do Some Maltipoos Live Longer Than Others? The 8 Factors

Several factors can contribute to longevity in a Maltipoo. Genetics often plays a factor; for example, if the parents' breeds were both long-lived, your Maltipoo will be more likely to have a similar lifespan.

General overall health can also be determined by the parent breeds, so if they were healthy, the offspring may also have a lower risk of inherited conditions, but this can vary. Here are some additional factors that can determine how long a Maltipoo can live:

1. Nutrition

Nutrition is a key factor in determining the lifespan of a Maltipoo. A good pet food includes the right amount of protein, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals. A complete and balanced pet food will give your pet strong muscles and bones, healthy skin and fur, and energy to spare. Do not overfeed your Maltipoo, as they can become obese, which can result in diabetes, arthritis, and other metabolic or orthopedic disorders. Avoid overfeeding your pet so they can live a long life. It is a good idea to consult your Maltipoo's feeding schedule and dosage with a veterinarian.

2. Environment and Conditions

Maltipoos that live in a well-maintained home environment will generally have better welfare and potentially improved longevity compared to those exposed to neglect or chronic stress. Chronic stress can be caused by aversive training methods, harsh living conditions, and unpredictable social surroundings, which can lead to behavioral issues, as well as physiologic effects involving the endocrine and gastrointestinal systems, and may contribute to disease risk.

3. Enclosure Size/Living Quarters/Housing

Enclosures for Maltipoos should be size-appropriate and be kept clean and well-maintained. Maltipoos should be kept indoors for sleeping, eating, and play sessions but will enjoy outdoor walks or some time in the yard to run around. Due to their small stature, Maltipoos should be kept under supervision when they are outside to avoid any issues with larger animals, such as coyotes.

4. Size

The small size of the Maltipoo means the breed will typically have a longer lifespan compared to larger breeds, often around 12 to 15 years. Potential pet owners who are looking for a dog that will live for many years will find the perfect companion in the small Maltipoo.

5. Sex

Sex doesn’t seem to be much of a determining factor in how long a Maltipoo lives. A recent study showed that sex only makes a small difference in determining longevity. Neutering may be associated with differences in lifespan, but results vary, with some studies showing that neutered females may live slightly longer than neutered males, while intact males may live slightly longer than intact females.

6. Genes

Genes can help determine longevity if we look at the health of the breed's parents. Some other health factors are determined by the genes of the parent breeds. Toy and Miniature Poodles may have orthopedic problems, such as luxating patellas and Legg-Calve-Perthes, that could appear in offspring. Malteses may also have luxating patellas, as well as heart or liver issues.

While there is the potential for these issues to be lurking in a Maltipoo’s genetic history, it’s more likely the offspring would live a long life if the parents lived a long, healthy life, although inherited conditions can still occur even when parents appear healthy.

7. Breeding History

For pet owners looking to bring home their own Maltipoo, choosing a reputable breeder can make a difference in determining how long your Maltipoo may live. Reputable breeders work to screen for heritable genetic diseases and significant health concerns, as well as temperament traits, that can affect longevity.

If you’ve brought home a Maltipoo and are looking into breeding them, make sure to work with a reputable breeder to make sure your pet is properly taken care of during the breeding process. Females may run into a variety of issues during the breeding process, including uterine infections or problems giving birth, which can pose serious health risks. Consider neutering to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of certain reproductive diseases.

8. Healthcare

Annual visits to a veterinarian will help keep your Maltipoo healthy. Make sure to bring any concerns you may have about your pet’s health to a vet’s attention. No issue is too small to address with a vet, as many times, more serious health issues can be detected and managed earlier by addressing the issue early.

The 6 Maltipoo Life Stages

Maltipoos go through the following life stages as they age:

• Puppy - Maltipoos are considered puppies from birth until they reach sexual maturity, usually around 6–9 months of age. They are learning quickly, becoming house-trained, and excelling at dog training classes.
• Young Adult - Your Maltipoo is considered a young adult from around 6–12 months to about 1–2 years of age. These months are similar to being a teenager as they’re still growing.
• Adult - A dog is considered an adult when it stops growing. The age range for an adult Maltipoo is typically around 1–6 years.
• Mature Adult - Dogs typically hit middle age around 7 years of age, but due to the longevity of the Maltipoo breed, your pet may not hit middle age for a couple of more years.
• Senior - Dogs hit this life stage when they’re in the last quarter of their expected lifespan. Since the Maltipoo has an average lifespan of approximately 12–15 years, a Maltipoo can hit this age anywhere from around 9–10 years of age through the end of life.
• Geriatric - If a Maltipoo lives past the average expected timeframe of approximately 12–15 years, they're considered geriatric for the rest of their life.

How to Tell Your Maltipoo’s Age

Determining your Maltipoo’s age can be difficult to determine if you didn’t get your dog as a puppy from a breeder.

Here are some ways that you can determine older age in Maltipoos:

• Graying fur is a sign that your pup may be older than you think.
• Broken teeth, gingivitis, and excessive tartar are also signs of an older Maltipoo. If you see these issues brewing, make a vet appointment for teeth cleaning, as tooth issues can cause a variety of health issues.
• Changes in eye clarity, such as nuclear sclerosis (a normal age-related change), may be seen as your Maltipoo is aging.
• Older Maltipoos may have less muscle definition, and fat may be redistributed to other areas of the body.
• Take your Maltipoo to the vet to determine their age. Vets are often better at determining age than the average pet owner, as they know a variety of age indicators based on breed.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Maltipoo’s life expectancy is usually from approximately 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy, small crossbreeds that can give pet owners years of love and companionship if they are properly cared for during their lives. Regular vet checkups, a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and a clean and loving home environment are all important to supporting the longevity and quality of life of your Maltipoo. Show your pet love by taking proper care of them, and you'll have a companion for years to come.

See also:

• Maltipoo vs Yorkiepoo: The Differences (With Pictures)

• Male vs Female Maltipoo: Which One is Right for Me?

Featured Image Credit: Anton Vierietin, Shutterstock