The Maltipoo is a hybrid dog breed created by crossing a Maltese with a Toy Poodle. These miniature dogs are not recognized by official canine organizations and are considered to be a toy and quite rare. The dog is known for its docile nature and is considered hypoallergenic, making it popular among breeders.
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Historical background
Breeders began breeding Maltipoos in the 1980s. Their goal was to create a hypoallergenic breed. By the early 21st century, fan clubs specializing in breeding these miniature dogs had formed in the United States. Soon, several kennels appeared in Russia.
Despite the fact that puppies are expensive, representatives of this breed quickly gained popularity among breeders. However, the Maltipoo does not have an official standard, since it is not recognized by cynological organizations.
Description of the breed
Dogs are unique in their combination of striking appearance and friendly character.
Maltipoos are compact, harmoniously built dogs. They weigh between 2.5 and 5 kg and stand between 20 and 30 cm tall. The description of the breed is as follows:
- The build is squat.
- The muzzle is elongated.
- The ears are hanging, long, and covered with hair.
- The eyes are bulging, round, with a dark iris. The pupil is almost invisible.
Maltipoo wool is divided into 3 types based on its structure:
- Smooth and shiny. Individuals with this type of coat are the most expensive.
- Curly. Maltipoos inherited this coat from their toy poodle ancestors. This coat requires regular brushing.
- Hard wavy. Dogs with this type of coat are the rarest and least popular.
The color can be solid or combined, but most often there are individuals with black, brown and white fur.
Pros and cons
Among the main advantages of dogs of this breed it is worth highlighting:
- friendly attitude towards children and pets;
- no need for regular physical activity;
- quick learning ability;
- good health.
The Maltipoo's disadvantages include its high cost and curly coat, which requires special care. They also have a hard time with separation from their owners, making the breed unsuitable for people who spend most of their time outdoors.
Character
Maltipoos don't tolerate loneliness well and are happy to follow their owner everywhere.
Maltipoos are inquisitive and intelligent dogs. They enjoy active play and remain active into old age. They are completely free of any tendency towards unjustified aggression.They live with any pets, including small rodents, and have a positive attitude towards children.
Maltipoos are affectionate and sociable. They enjoy spending time with their family and require a lot of attention from their owners. They are friendly with strangers and quickly connect with them.
Education and training
Classes last about 15-20 minutes, as long training sessions tire the dog.
Although the Maltipoo is considered an easy-to-train dog, it can be stubborn. During training, the owner must be firm and patient. However, if the dog disobeys, do not yell or hit, as this behavior will negatively impact the pet's psyche. Compliance with commands should be rewarded with treats.
Maltipoo training should begin at an early age. The puppy needs to be housebroken, toilet trained, given regular outdoor walks, and trained on a feeding schedule. The owner must also immediately explain to the pet that he is the boss in the house, otherwise the dog will try to dominate and manipulate the household.
Content Features
Representatives of this breed are equally well suited for keeping in city apartments and spacious country cottages. If your pet lives in a private home, avoid placing them in a kennel or crate, as they will become lonely if left alone. It's not advisable to let a Maltipoo roam unsupervised, as this small dog could get injured or lost.
If kept in an apartment, your pet should be given short daily walks (15-20 minutes). The following accessories should be purchased for your pet:
- sun lounger;
- 2 bowls for food and water;
- leash and collar;
- tray;
- various toys.
Care
For a Maltipoo, you will need to create a balanced diet and provide the dog with proper care. Grooming includes the following procedures:
- nail trimming;
- cleansing the eyes and ears;
- oral and dental care;
- bathing.
Particular attention will be needed to your pet's coat, which needs to be combed and trimmed regularly. It's best to have it trimmed by a professional groomer. If the coat is smooth, brushing it with a metal comb several times a week is sufficient.
Curly hair should be brushed once every 2 days with a natural bristle brush.
Wirehaired dogs require regular trimming (plucking out old hairs that easily separate from the skin). It is recommended to use a special trimmer.
Bathe your pet no more than once a month, using a specialized dog shampoo. Dry the coat with a hair dryer, brushing it while drying to prevent tangles.
It's recommended to clean a Maltipoo's eyes as needed with a cotton pad soaked in chamomile infusion or warm water. Their teeth should be brushed at least once a week, but daily is recommended. Use a special toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, available at pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
Dogs should be accustomed to having their teeth brushed from an early age.
The animal's ears should be cleaned once a month using a cotton pad soaked in a special lotion, which can also be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy.
Maltipoos' nails should be trimmed as they grow using a small nail clipper. This procedure is typically performed no more than twice a month.
Feeding
Maltipoos can be fed natural food or dry industrial products, but mixing these types of food is not recommended. When choosing commercial feed, you should give preference to premium or super-premium brands (Acana, Hills, Royal Canin).
What you can and can't feed your dog: table
| Permitted | Prohibited |
| Lean meat (rabbit, poultry, veal) | Pork |
| Offal | Liver |
| Sea and ocean fish without bones and fins | Tubular bones |
| Porridge on water (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice) | Sausages and smoked products |
| Raw quail and chicken yolk (give no more than 2 times a week) | Fried, fatty foods |
| Fruits and berries (watermelon, pear, melon, apple) | Grapes and raisins |
| Boiled egg yolk | Bread and other baked goods |
| Fermented milk products (sour milk, cottage cheese, kefir) | Milk |
| Vegetables (cabbage, carrots, cucumber) | Potatoes and legumes |
| Vegetable oil (give 1 teaspoon per day) | Seasonings and spices |
| Nuts with honey (as a treat no more than once a week) | Confectionery |
An adult dog should be fed twice a day, morning and evening. Half of the diet should be meat, which should be boiled or pre-frozen. Meals should be prepared separately for the dog, rather than fed from the common table. Do not add salt or pepper to the pet's food. Finely chopped fresh herbs are allowed as a seasoning.
When feeding a natural diet, it is recommended to supplement your Maltipoo with vitamin and mineral supplements once per season. The selection of the appropriate supplement should be left to your veterinarian.
Regardless of the type of food, the dog should have free access to a bowl of drinking water.
Health
The Maltipoo is generally healthy, but is prone to the following health problems:
- epilepsy;
- weakness of the knee joints;
- progressive retinal atrophy.
Maltipoos aren't prone to allergic reactions, but improper nutrition can trigger them. If symptoms such as diarrhea, rashes, and itching are noticed, take your pet to the veterinarian.
It's recommended to take your Maltipoo to the clinic for a preventative checkup every one to two months. Vaccinations and deworming should be performed regularly.
The average lifespan of a Maltipoo is 15 years.
Breeding
Only experienced breeders should engage in breeding, as it requires specific skills and the ability to select the right partners. To ensure healthy offspring, it's important to seek professional help.
Experts cross only purebred Toy Poodles and Maltese to maintain the breed's development. First-generation offspring are valued much higher than subsequent generations.
Cost of a puppy
The cost of a puppy also depends on the dog's appearance.
The price of a Maltipoo varies depending on several factors, including the pet's class and the organization selling it. The average cost of a Maltipoo puppy:
- 30,000 rubles (when purchased second-hand);
- 80,000 rubles (purebred puppy);
- 100,000 rubles (show-class pet);
- from 40,000 rubles (when purchased from private breeders).
Despite the more affordable price, you shouldn't buy a Maltipoo puppy the first way, as unscrupulous breeders often pass them off as a mongrel dog.
Nickname ideas
The following names may be suitable for boys:
- Teddy;
- White;
- Hans;
- Danny;
- Jamie.
A Maltipoo girl can be named:
- Judy;
- Freya;
- Mimi;
- Maggie;
- Penny.
The Maltipoo is suitable for keeping in small apartments with other pets. This charming miniature dog gets along well with children of all ages and makes a great companion for the elderly.
