How To Breed Maltipoos

Do you want to learn how to breed Maltipoos? It does not matter if you are an aspiring breeder or owner because our free guide will bring you the most complete profile about Maltipoos.

From history, health profile, temperament and appearance standards, you will become an expert in Maltipoo breeding by finishing reading the article.

We will also help you to find an ideal Maltipoo for sale, because you will know how to screen breeders and pick the perfect offer. If you want to become a breeder, you will discover what features attract ideal customers and how to price your puppies properly. Overall, you will learn everything about breeding Maltipoos. Keep reading to solve all of your doubts!

What is a Maltipoo?

A Maltipoo is a cross between a Miniature/Toy Poodle and a Maltese dog, and therefore, they fall in the category of designer dogs, also referred to as hybrids. In consequence, the main kennel clubs such as the AKC do not recognize them.

This cross is fairly new in the canine world. However, they have gained a lot of popularity because it combines the best features of the Maltese – such as its lovely temperament – and the best of the Poodle – such as its hypoallergenic coat and smartness. To create a dog that fulfills all the expectations of their owners.

Background of Maltipoo breeding

To know more about the Maltipoo, it is important to explore its background. We are going to talk about its origin, popularity and one of the most attractive features of this designer breed, its hypoallergenic coat.

Origin

Maltipoos originated in the United States of America, and even though we do not have an exact date of its creation, its development is fairly recent.

It originated as an effort to combine the hypoallergenic properties of the Poodle with the adorable appearance and temperament of the Maltese, in order to create an excellent companion dog, especially for those who suffer from allergies. Since 15-30% of people in the United States are allergic to dogs, and many of them desire to own one regardless of their allergy, Maltipoos fill that void perfectly.

Hypoallergenic Maltipoo

Maltipoos – mainly thanks to their Poodle heritage but also thanks to their Maltese parent – shed very little, and therefore, they are good choices for people with allergies. In addition, their coat is not fur but hair, which adds to their value as hypoallergenic dogs.

Nonetheless, it is essential to remember that the coat itself does not trigger the allergies, but the dander, which is the result of renewing skin cells. In consequence, your immune system reacts negatively to these tiny pieces of dead skin, because they are foreign objects, and therefore, causing allergic reactions. Nonetheless, since the coat of Maltipoos is hair, and soft and silky as well, the dander falls off and tends to cause fewer problems than dogs with fur, since fur retains dander.

In conclusion, a Maltipoo can still cause allergic reactions, but they are largely inferior to what other breeds can cause.

Popular Maltipoos

Thanks to Maltipoos’ excellent features, they have become outrageously popular. Even though we do not have an official ranking for hybrid dogs, we can measure it based on certain factors.

For example, many celebrities own a Maltipoo:

• Ellen DeGeneres – “Wolf”
• Miley Cyrus
• Vanessa Hudgens
• Ashely Tisdale – “Maui”
• Jessica Simpson – “Daisy”
• Michelle Kwan
• Blake Lively
• Carmen Electra
• Rihanna – “Oliver”
• Brooke Burns – “Max”

As you can see, they are extremely popular amongst celebrities, and some of these Maltipoos are popular on their own, some with their own social media!

Characteristics

To spot an ideal Maltipoo, it is important to learn more about their characteristics, both physical and temperamental. You will find all the details below.

Appearance

As we have seen, Maltipoos are either toy or small in size. Therefore, their build is small as well, and to get all the details about their appearance, you will find the standards below.

Body

Their body is proportioned adequately and their frame is athletic and muscular, making them small yet strong dogs. Flaws include elongation of the spine or shortening of the limbs, which although we do not have official standards, are factors to be avoided.

Head

The head should not be too small or too large, and therefore, it is well proportioned in relation to the body. Consider the following factors as well:

• Skull: Slightly rounded
• Eyes: Round, expressive and dark eyes
• Ears: Dropped, set high and wide apart on the head of your dog
• Muzzle: Short, dark-colored

Coat

The ideal coat of a Maltipoo must be fluffy and soft to the touch, featuring several waves and only a few curls (if any). At full length, it can grow as long as 12 centimeters, and therefore, it needs a clipping twice a year, and the head needs it on a monthly basis.

Their coat can come in many different colors:

• White
• Cream
• Fawn
• Silver
• Apricot
• Brown
• Blue
• Parti-colored

As we said, their coat is high maintenance, in order to keep it healthy and beautiful.

Size of a Maltipoo

The size of your Maltipoo will vary depending on whether the Poodle parent was a miniature or toy, but they are always either small or toy-sized. As usual, male poodles are genetically larger than females. However, there is no official size classification for Maltipoos, as they are not an official purebred dog. Due to this, the size of Maltipoos varies a lot, and therefore, it is more accurate to talk in terms of ranges rather than defined standards. Here is the full range for height, weight, and breed size classification (if they ever become recognized):

• Height: 6 inches to 14 inches
• Weight: 3 pounds to 20 pounds
• Toy: Dogs weighing between 3 to 8 pounds, with 18 pounds the maximum allowed, and with a height ranging from 6 to 10 inches
• Small: Dogs weighing between 10 to 25 pounds, and with a height ranging from 10 to 16 inches

Nonetheless, due to the absence of official categories for hybrid dogs, Maltipoo breeders use three categories based on their size: Teacup, Tiny, and Toy. They are the sizes with the highest demand. Thanks to their size, they are ideal for apartment living, since they do not occupy much space. Just take note that their size also makes them more fragile. However, as we are going to see, they still need plenty of physical activity, especially outside.

Temperament

The Maltipoo is popular for a reason: It blends the best of the Poodle and the Maltese, meaning you have a smart and affectionate pup. Nonetheless, there are some cons to consider. You will find our complete revision below.

Pros

Maltipoos are affectionate and cuddly, and therefore, they can bring you tons of affection and love. They love to please their owners, and in consequence, they make excellent family dogs. Maltipoos are also outgoing, which makes them very sociable with other dogs. They love attention, and therefore, they are not afraid to do fun things to obtain it.

Maltipoos are entertaining and fun because they love to do things such as bouncing around, get you to chase them and sliding on floors. They will always make you smile!

Thanks to their poodle heritage, they are smarter than the average dog, and therefore, they can learn tricks and mold their behavior with training easily.

Cons

Similar to other Poodle crosses, they struggle with separation anxiety, which is the negative side of their loving and affectionate nature. Therefore, they will develop behavioral problems if they do not get the attention they need.

From separation anxiety, many problems can emerge such as barking at night and destructive behavior. Nonetheless, you can prevent it with proper training and by fulfilling the affective, physical and mental needs of your pet.

Ideal Owner

Maltipoos are ideal for all owners regardless of their level of experience training dogs, as long as you can bring it enough attention and avoid leaving it alone for long periods. In addition, they are ideal for families, as long as you teach your kids how to play with your Maltipoo since they can get injured easily.

Grooming

The Maltipoo has high grooming needs since you need to brush its coat every day to avoid tangles and mats from forming. It will help you to make your pup as hypoallergenic as possible, especially if it spends a lot of time outside. You should bathe your Maltipoo every four weeks, to free its coat from pollutants, dirt, toxins, and allergens, especially when the dander mixes with body oils. Furthermore, it will keep its coat soft and healthy. Regarding clipping, the only area that needs monthly trimming is the head, because the rest of the body will only require it twice a year.

The nails of the Maltipoo grow at a medium rate, and therefore, you will have to trim them every 2-3 months. That will be enough to keep them short and nice. You will also have to check their ears regularly, to remove the excess wax and the dirt, debris, and moisture, which can cause problems such as infections. Finally, you should brush the teeth of your Maltipoo every day, or at least three times a week, to prevent bacteria and tartar from building up.

As you can see, when it comes to grooming, this designer dog is high maintenance. Therefore, make sure you have enough time and resources to do it.

Health Risks When Breeding Maltipoos

Maltipoos are a healthy crossbreed, and they can live approximately 12 years, especially if they receive a healthy diet. Nonetheless, like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health issues, which we detail below.

Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve Perthes Disease causes the spontaneous degeneration of the head on the femur bone. Even though it is known that it is caused by reduced blood flow to the femoral neck and head, the underlying reason behind it remains unknown.

For the most part, it affects dogs in the six to eight months of age. Since Maltipoos are a cross with Poodles, they have a higher incidence rate of Legg-Clave Perthes, because Poodles register it at high levels (36.95%). The most common signs of this disease are:

• Limited range of motion
• Reluctance for going upstairs
• Holding one leg up
• Favoring one leg
• Hip pain

The most effective and common treatment is via surgery. The veterinarian will perform a femoral head and neck osteotomy (FHO), to remove the deformed head of the femur.

Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)

Portosystemic Shunt is also known as liver shunt and it is a congenital defect. An abnormal blood vessel that lets the blood of the intestine of your pet to bypass the liver, which prevents the puppy from developing correctly, because it infests its body with toxins.

It has terrible consequences:

• Poor muscle development
• Stunted growth
• Disorientation
• Head pressing
• Circling
• Excessive thirst
• Seizures

The best treatment for PSS is proper diet and medication, which also includes lactulose and antibiotics. Your veterinarian will determine the best ratio of macronutrients and other important factors. Alternatively, there is also a treatment that uses a metal device known as ameroid constrictor, which makes the shunt to scar. According to evidence, the prognosis for dogs that undergo this treatment is excellent.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited disease that affects the retina, and more specifically, the photoreceptor cells. It eventually leads to blindness and occurs simultaneously in both eyes. It is more common than people think since it has been recorded in 100 breeds. Therefore, since it is congenital and has terrible consequences, Maltipoos with PRA must be excluded from breeding. The most common signs of progressive retinal atrophy are:

• Poor vision at night
• Dilated pupils
• Disorientation
• Decrease pupillary light reflex

There is no cure for PRA, but supplementation with antioxidants can help the dog to preserve some daytime vision.

Patellar Luxation

It happens when the patella – which is the kneecap – dislocates from its normal position in the groove of the femur. Due to this dislocation, it causes cartilage deterioration and ligament tears, which lead to pain and inflammation.

Patellar luxation is present in practically all breeds, but it tends to affect small breeds more, and that includes Maltese dogs, poodles, and consequently, Maltipoos. Watch out for these patellar luxation symptoms:

• Crying
• Licking at the knee
• Limping
• Unwillingness to use the affected leg
• Walking with a bent-leg posture

In all cases, – be it mild or severe – surgery is the only way to correct it effectively. Nonetheless, the right surgical procedure – which can be an osteotomy or deepening of the trochlear groove – will be determined depending on the situation of your pet.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy affects approximately 0.75% of the entire canine population, and it is characterized by causing uncontrollable seizures. Since poodles and Maltese dogs have a higher incidence rate of epilepsy and seizures, your Maltipoo might also have more chances of developing it.

It is inherited, and therefore, you should screen the parents before breeding or buying a puppy. The most common signs of epilepsy are:

• Jerking
• Muscle twitching
• Drooling
• Loss of consciousness
• Foaming at the mouth

Epilepsy is caused by a brain defect, and therefore, the only way to treat it is with specific drugs that provoke inhibition in the brain. The most used drugs are diazepam, potassium bromide, and phenobarbital.

White Shaker Syndrome

Also known as idiopathic steroid responsive, shaker syndrome causes tremors in the entire body of the dog. Maltese dogs are especially susceptible to this defect, and therefore, Maltipoos also register a higher incidence rate than other crossbreeds. In addition, Poodles are also prone to developing this syndrome.

Symptoms

If your Maltipoo has it, then it will have a sudden onset at one or two years of age, and it will show the following signs:

• Tremors in the entire body, including the eyes
• Seizures
• Difficulties for walking
• Nystagmus

Fortunately, in the majority of cases, White Shaker Syndrome is not fatal. However, since evidence suggests that it might be congenital, Maltipoos that suffer from this syndrome must be excluded from breeding. The most common way to treat it is by administering Diazepam and Corticosteroids to your pet. It will erode the symptoms within a few weeks. Nonetheless, depending on the severity, your dog might require life-long medication.

How to Breed Maltipoos

Now that you are aware of the health of the Maltipoo, as well as its history and principal temperament and physical characteristics, it is time to talk about breeding-related facts.

What is the Average Litter Size of a Maltipoo?

The average litter size of a Maltipoo can range from four to six puppies. Nonetheless, during the first pregnancy it can be lower, sometimes outputting only one puppy, although it is a rare case, so do not be too concerned about this when learning how to breed Malitpoos.

As a breeder, the best way to guarantee a numerous and healthy litter is to pick the parents properly, the bitch during her heat cycle, and to monitor the mother during her pregnancy. Watch out her diet and supplement adequately. Since Maltipoos are at higher risk of dystocia, it is important to monitor their pregnancy to detect any abnormalities early.

Are there any Birthing Issues with Maltipoos?

Since Maltipoos are small, they tend to experience dystocia more than larger breeds. It happens because the fetus usually has a harder time passing through the pelvic canal, which will require a cesarean delivery. Nonetheless, in some cases, it can be treated with Oxytocin. Furthermore, these other causes might cause dystocia in the Maltipoo:

• Oversized fetus
• Abnormal position and orientation of the fetus
• Deficient uterine contractions

Therefore, you should monitor the mother during pregnancy at all times, and at the moment of birth, you should have the number of your veterinarian at hand. If possible, have them present.

What is the Average Price of Maltipoo Puppies?

The price for a Maltipoo puppy ranges from $400 – $2,000. It depends on the bloodline of the parents, the reputation of the breeder, health certificates/inspections and desired physical and temperament features. Even though it is possible to buy Maltipoos for as low as $100, you should be cautious because irresponsible breeders might sell them, and you can end up buying a sick puppy. Always be wary of low-ball offers.

You will find real-life examples below, to see how the price fluctuates based on specific factors:

• A tiny Maltipoo puppy with excellent tiny features such as small and expressive eyes, available in rare colors such as champagne and black, vaccinated, from top bloodlines, microchipped and all health certificates will cost you $2,875
• A parti-colored puppy of regular size, vaccinated, microchipped and vet checked will cost you $850

As you can see, the bloodlines and desired physical features such as tiny facial expressions and small size play a huge role in the final pricing.

Maltipoo Breeding – FAQs

During our research, we found that aspiring breeders and owners of Maltipoos ask these questions the most. Therefore, we decided to answer them concisely, and you will find all the information below.

Are all Maltipoos hypoallergenic?

Maltipoos are considered hypoallergenic since they shed little, and therefore, they do not expose people to dander and allergens as much as other breeds. They are ideal for people who suffer from allergies. However, they still shed, and therefore, you need to monitor how you or other family members react.

Nonetheless, you need to groom your Maltipoo regularly to maintain a hypoallergenic coat. Especially if they spend a lot of time outside since their coat will start to capture dander, pollutants, and allergens. Therefore, weekly brushing and a bath every three weeks are recommended.

Do Maltipoos have separation anxiety?

Maltipoos tend to suffer from separation anxiety since they need plenty of attention, and therefore, they need a member of the family near them all the time. Otherwise, it will start to affect their temperament. Separation anxiety can have terrible consequences for a Maltipoo, since it tends to induce them into depression, and it even makes them harm themselves by chewing on their skin and pulling out their coats.

Therefore, as an aspiring owner of a Maltipoo, you need to ensure that you can bring it enough attention and affection, to avoid destructive behaviors. This is especially important when it is a puppy, because if it is left alone for a lot of time and frequently, then it will disrupt the normal development of its temperament. In situations where it needs to stay alone for some time, make it as short as possible and spray an essential oil like lavender to help it cope with its separation anxiety.

Do Maltipoo puppies have a special diet?

Since Maltipoos are small, they have some special diet requirements during their puppyhood. Therefore, they need a higher concentration of calories per pound, a higher ratio of high-quality proteins and vitamins and minerals.

You should feed your Maltipoo with dog food that uses a high-quality protein source such as turkey, lamb, fish or chicken. In addition, watch out for fillers and discard them, because they will not help your puppy to develop properly. When your puppy is 2-3 months old, free feed it whenever it is hungry, since they need a higher frequency of meals. From 3 months and onwards, you should feed it three times a day and give it snacks whenever needed.

Are Maltipoos Well Behaved?

Maltipoos are well behaved when they receive proper training and socialization since puppyhood because their temperament makes them sociable, outgoing, friendly, gentle, loving and cuddly. Therefore, early training and socialization play a key role in developing the ideal Maltipoo temperament, which combines the best traits of the poodle and the Maltese dog.

To make training effective, you need to make it firm yet gentle and consistent. Maltipoos are smart and they will process training properly. Avoid punishment at all cost, since this will stunt the progress. They are obedient and loyal, which means that they will respect the limits you impose, and therefore, they are excellent companions, especially for small spaces such as apartments.

How often should Maltipoos be Groomed?

A Maltipoo requires you to brush its coat at least two times a week, to avoid it from forming mats and tangles, which can cause all sorts of skin problems such as infections. Therefore, they require regular brushing to guarantee its optimal health. In addition, you should bathe your Maltipoo once every three weeks to keep its coat soft and healthy. It will prevent the body oils from mixing with hairpieces, which can lead to several problems such as blocked skin pores and odors.

Their nails tend to grow very quickly, and therefore, you need to groom them regularly. Every time you are going to bath it, make sure to check its nails, and if they are too long, then proceed to cut them. You also need to take care of their ears, since they can accumulate excess wax, moisture, and debris. Inspect them regularly and clean them, to avoid infections. Do it at least once a week.

This designer breed is a friendly and attention-loving little pup. They are currently very popular, and this popularity is only growing. All your how to breed Maltipoo questions should now be answered.