First developed in the United States during the 1990s, the Maltipoo is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Toy or a Miniature Poodle. It is sweet, fun-loving, and affectionate, making it an excellent therapy dog.
The Maltipoo is considered as more of a hybrid (designer crossbreed) rather than a breed of its own. This makes its appearance and behavior harder to predict – it may have the temperament of a Poodle but the looks of a Maltese, or the looks of a Poodle but the temperament of a Maltese.
The typical Maltipoo is only 8 to 14 inches tall and weighs only around 5 to 20 pounds. Despite its small size, it is highly intelligent and very energetic.
Contents
One-time Expenses
The average price of a Maltipoo is around $500 to $2,000. You can find Maltipoos at reputable websites such as Puppy Finder, Greenfield Puppies, Sherry’s Poos, and Lancaster Puppies. Several factors like the location, age, and the reputation of the breeder may affect the buying price of a Maltipoo puppy or adult.
You can also try checking out your area’s local breeders. The Pet Maltipoo website has a database for Maltipoo breeders which you may find useful.
If you prefer adopting instead of buying one, there are several reliable adoption sites you can choose from. Some reputable ones are the Adopt a Pet, North American Maltipoo/Maltepoo Club and Registry (NAMCR), Petstablished, and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Take note that the ASPCA does not always have a Maltipoo readily available for adoption but it caters to all breeds in general.
The Puppy Finder also has a section for dog adoption where you can find some Maltipoos in search of a new home.
One-time expenses also include the shelter and accessories needed by your pet, not just the initial buying price. The primary ones are food and water bowls, leash and collar, crate, and bedding.
- Food and water bowls
Food and water bowls are very important but also very cheap. Pet Smart and Petco sell high-quality ones for only $2.99 to $35.
- Leash and collar
The Maltipoo is recommended to stay mostly indoors so leashes are not always needed except for exercising outside. Petco sells high-tech retractable dog leashes for $20 to $40. But if you prefer just the normal ones, they are priced at around $12 to $25.
The Small Dog Mall sells the perfect collars and leashes for small dogs such as the Maltipoo. Its collars cost between $9 and $15 while its leashes are around $12 to $22.
- Crate
The Maltipoo does not need a large crate. A small-sized (21” x 16” x 15”) one is enough. Crates this size usually cost around $18 to $32 at Walmart.
You can also check out the website of Chewy. It sells durable small-sized crates for as low as $14.55. It also has a lot of other pet products as well.
- Bedding
The perfect bedding size for a Maltipoo is small (20” x 30”). It’s just like buying for a puppy, even if your pet Maltipoo is already an adult. Small-sized beddings just cost around $19 to $30 at Target. Pet Smart sells them for as low as $8.
What are Included When Buying a Maltipoo?
There are three important documents that should be included when buying from a reputable breeder or adopting from a rescue shelter: the registration certificate, pedigree, and health certificate.
The registration certificate is about the details of the dog such as the mother, father, birthdate, and etc. The Pedigree is the documentation of the dog’s family tree. On the other hand, the health certificate contains information regarding the dog’s health condition and the breed’s possible hereditary health problems.
Most stores and adoption centers provide basic accessories such as food and water bowls, and sometimes even a small pack of dog food. Some include a few basic chew toys for the puppy and some vitamins.
Pet stores sometimes also have their own unique packages when selling a puppy or adult. The Greenfield Puppies, for example, includes a 30-day health guarantee that allows you to have a refund under certain conditions.
What are the Recurring Expenses?
Aside from the one-time expenses, there are also the recurring costs needed in taking care of your pet Maltipoo. These are food, toys, and health care.
- Food
Although the Maltipoo is small, it is very energetic. It needs a high-energy diet to maintain its active behavior. Grain-free dog foods are the most recommended, especially those containing enough levels of vitamins and minerals.
The top 3 best dog foods for a Maltipoo are the Solid Gold Lil’ Boss Turkey and Hearty Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Grade A) priced at $34.99 per 12-pound bag, the Canidae Grain-Free Pure Fields with Chicken Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food (Grade A) which costs $39.99 per 12-pound bag, and the Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe (Grade A-) costing around $39.99 per 10-pound bag.
- Toys
The Maltipoo is more comfortable indoors so toys for training like flying discs and dog tug toys are not mandatory. Simple chew toys and dog balls are more than enough. Pet Expertise sells quality chew toys for as low as $8 and up to $90 for bulk orders. You can also check out Pet Mountain for similar dog toys. It sells affordable dog ball toys for only $3 to $18.
- Healthcare
Your pet’s well-being is greatly dependent on how much attention you give to its healthcare. Healthcare expenses vary by a large margin depending on the services you want to provide for your pet.
Spay/neuter services are much cheaper for the Maltipoo since its price depends on the dog’s weight. The Face Low-Cost Clinic offers spay and neuter services for dogs under 35 pounds for as low as $75. This is roughly the same price as with services from the Spay Spa and Neuter Nook. They just charge a bit more for female dogs under 50 pounds at $85.
PAWS Chicago also offers these same services but at more expensive prices ranging from $300 to $500.
If you prefer low-cost services, ASPCA has a database on its website for locating clinics within your area that offer low-cost spay and neuter services.
Spay Spa and Neuter Nook offers vaccination services for $15 to $25 depending on the type of vaccine. They can microchip your pet too for only $30.
The Abrams Forest Veterinary Clinic also offer vaccination but for a slightly higher price. Their vaccinations are priced around $15 to $48.
Dental care is very important because it may lead to more serious health problems, some of which can be fatal. The Veterinary Out-Patient Clinic (VOPC) offers anesthetic dental cleaning and polishing for only $150.
The Low-Cost Vet Mobile also offers full dental services (full ultrasonic cleaning with anesthesia and polishing) for just $300. It also offers low-cost radiology (X rays) for only $85 for the first two checks and $25 for each additional check.
You can check your local veterinary clinics for other health services available for your pet.
Another health concern for your pet is the lack of vitamins. Vitamins are optional as long as you feed your pet properly, but they can be a big help in maintaining the health of your Maltipoo.
You can check out Health Breeds for some of the recommended kinds. They are priced around $14.99 to $30 depending on the type of vitamins.
What are the Things to Consider Before Buying One?
The Maltipoo is not that expensive compared to other famous breeds, but it still costs some money. It is also not that hard to maintain especially considering its relatively smaller diet and friendly behavior. Just spend enough money on your pet’s needs and it’ll do well.
It is not suited for households with children younger than 7 years old. Although it is known to be friendly, it is prone to get injured, especially when children start playing rough with it.
Other than that, the Maltipoo does not have any other major problem with its environment. It is hypoallergenic and a light shedder – good news for those who hate seeing so much scattered hair in the household.
Although very rare, the Maltipoo may possibly contract from a number of hereditary problems, mainly due to its complex genetic make-up. Some of the possible health problems are Epilepsy, Pancreatitis(can cost as much as $5000), Progressive Retinal Atrophy, White Shaker Syndrome, Cryptorchidism, and Hypoglycaemia.
These should not stop you from getting one since the possibilities are very low. But you can never be too sure, so make sure that you get one which underwent a proper screening process.
Tips and Facts About the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo usually has the following hair colors: White, Black, Cream, Gold, Grey, and Apricot. Regular brushing sessions are recommended to help maintain its beautiful hair.
It has a higher than average lifespan of 12-15 years and is a relatively low-maintenance pet. But it should never be left alone for long periods of time because this may result in mental stress.
Some people and organizations consider the Maltipoo a “mutt”—not belonging to an officially recognized breed and having unknown ancestors—but not everyone agrees. Some argue that since it is a result of intentional breeding between two purebreds, it should not be labeled as a mutt.
Do not let your Maltipoo have an empty stomach because it might throw up bile. This is easily avoidable by feeding it regularly especially since it only has a relatively low diet. Given this, its diet and eating schedule should be planned out properly because it is more prone to obesity due to its smaller size.
Keep in mind that the Maltipoo is sensitive to hot and cold weather. It is better for it to spend more time indoors to reduce the effects of extreme temperatures.
Lastly, given its size and temperament, the Maltipoo may not be a great watchdog, but it surely is one of the best pets a family can have.
