The adorable Maltipoo dog breed is a result of crossing a Maltese and a Toy Poodle.
These playful and intelligent dogs are an excellent family dog and the perfect companion, also making them great for couples, individuals and seniors who live on their own.
These pups are also low maintenance and can also suit those who have never owned a dog before.
The Maltese Poodle Mix is bred to be hypoallergenic and is known as a designer dog.
They remain very puppy-like in their appearance even as they age, and their tiny size makes them perfect for taking everywhere you go!
How Long Do Maltipoos Live For?
The typical life expectancy of a Maltipoo is around 12 to 16 years.
The Poodle Mixes lifespan is another of the many bonuses of buying a Doodle as your newest family member. It’s been proved that mixing a pure-bred dog with a Poodle results in Hybrid Vigor.
Hybrid Vigor is the increased vitality and longevity that is often seen in hybrids ( crosses between two different breeds of plants or animals). It is thought to be caused by the heterosis effect, which is when the offspring of two different breeds are more fertile and healthier than either parent.
Hybrid Vigor aids in the extended longevity of your Doodle, particularly in larger Doodle breeds, as the Poodle’s genetics help to minimize problems such as bone density that lead to hip issues later on.
Other factors, such as the amount of exercise your dog gets, the quality of food you feed it, and the quality of care it receives from a Veterinarian all play a role.
On the whole, Doodles have a longer life expectancy and fewer health concerns than most Pure Breeds.
How To Help Your Maltipoo Live a Long & Healthy Life
One of the most important things you can do for your Doodle is to provide it with a good diet and plenty of exercise. Feed your dog high-quality food, and make sure it gets plenty of exercise – at least 30 minutes per day.
Regular vet checkups are also important, as they can help catch any health problems early on.
Known Health Issues in Maltipoos
Doodles are generally healthy dogs, but there are a few health conditions to be aware of.
They inherit these health problems from their parent breeds and can, therefore, be more susceptible to issues the Maltese and Poodle are.
Some of the more common health concerns for Maltipoos include:
- White Shaker Syndrome — this is a syndrome that is common in small dogs and causes the whole body to shake. It is caused by an inflammation in the brain which is idiopathic. Some owners mistake this for their dog just being cold but if you suspect they are suffering from white shaker syndrome, you should take them to the vets.
- Patellar Luxation — this is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop.
- Epilepsy — this seizure disorder can be treated with medication.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye.
Buying from a reputable breeder will help to reduce health issues in your Maltipoo. You should also watch out for any signs of the issues about and take your pup for regular health checkups.