Maltipoo Size: How Big Do Maltipoos Get?
Maltipoos are a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Maltese. Since they are a hybrid dog breed, there are no standard purebred sizing requirements. Their size highly varies depending on the DNA they inherit from their parent dog. Typically, Maltipoos grow anywhere between 3 to 18 pounds and stand between 6 to 14 inches tall. There are three commonly recognized Maltipoo sizes: Toy Maltipoo, Teacup Maltipoos, and Miniature Maltipoos.
They are a popular crossbreed for singles, seniors, and families since they are considered to have a hypoallergenic coat. Miniature Maltipoos are a popular size many pet owners want for their families. Generally, the size of a Maltipoo when they are fully grown depends heavily on whether the Poodle parent was a miniature or toy size. In this article, we will go over the various Maltipoos sizes to figure out which size is best for you.
General Maltipoo Sizes
- Since Multipoos are a combination of a Poodle and Maltese, they are a small breed of dogs and the DNA the puppy inherits highly determines the size of the dog. A surprising fact is the Poodle parent is usually a toy variety that is an important part of forming a designer dog breed.
- Generally, the larger the parents are the larger the Maltipoo puppies will be. However, the size can fluctuate depending on genetic inheritance. Taking a closer look at the individual dog breeds used to create a Maltipoo will provide insight into genetics and the size of the dog.
Toy Maltipoo Size
- The toy Maltipoo size typically weighs less than 10 pounds and they stand around 8 to 10 inches. You can think of the toy Maltipoo size as roughly the size of an 8 x 11-inch sheet of paper. This is one of the most popular Maltipoo sizes because they aren’t too big and don’t require a ton of daily exercise.
- Toy Maltipoos are a popular option for companion pets especially if you live in an apartment or condo. They don’t require a ton of exercise and are willing to cuddle with you all the time. If you have small children, it’s not recommended that you get a toy or teacup Maltipoo because they are easily injured when stepped on.
Teacup Maltipoo Size
- The teacup Maltipoo size refers to dogs that weigh around four pounds when fully grown. This size of Maltipoo general stands around 6 to inches tall. This is the smallest of the various Maltipoo sizes and typically the most expensive. Teacup Maltipoos are generally the most expensive because a breeder has to use the “runt” of every litter to create smaller and smaller sized Maltipoos. Typically, teacup-sized Maltipoos have more genetic health issues because of this.
- The size of teacup Maltiposs is created by breeding small dogs that are practically the same size. These adorable tiny dogs are able to fit inside of an actual teacup or coffee cup as well as in your hand. In addition, the smaller the size of your Maltipoo the less exercise that they will need. Teacup Maltipoos can also do well in smaller environments such as a condo or apartment.
F1 vs F1b vs F2b Maltipoo
We’ve briefly mentioned that your dog’s generations can also factor into their adult size. But how exactly? First, we need to understand what those generations mean and how they have been achieved.
| 1st Parent | 2nd Parent | % Maltese* | % Poodle* | |
| F1 Maltipoo (first-generation) | Maltese | Poodle | 50% | 50% |
| F1B Maltipoo (first-generation backcross) | F1 Maltipoo | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F1BB Maltipoo (first-generation backcross backcross) | F1B Maltipoo | Poodle | 12.5% | 87.5% |
| F2 Maltipoo (second-generation) | F1 Maltipoo | F1 Maltipoo | 50% | 50% |
| F2B Maltipoo (second-generation backcross) | F1 Maltipoo | F1B Maltipoo | 37.5% | 62.5% |
| F2B Maltipoo (alternate cross) | F2 Maltipoo | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F3 / Multigen Maltipoo | F1B Maltipoo or higher | F1B Maltipoo or higher | Varies | Varies |
Knowing that, we can predict that a Maltipoo’s size will be determined by their genetic makeup. For example, an F1 Maltipoo has a 50-50 chance of inheriting either more Poodle or more Maltese characteristics. In contrast, an F1b Maltipoo that’s been bred back with a Toy Poodle will probably be a smaller dog and look more like a Poodle.
Miniature Maltipoo Size
Miniature sized Maltipoos weigh between 10 to 25 pounds when fully grown and stand anywhere from 12 to 15 inches tall. The term miniature is often referred to as a medium-sized dog by most breeders. The use of the word medium and miniature can cause confusion to pet parents looking for a specific size dog. Basically, Maltipoos that weigh closer to 25 lb will fit into the medium-sized dog category.
The mini Maltipoo is the largest of the general sizes that you will see breeders advertise. They will need some form of physical exercise and mental stimulation every day. If you’re looking for a Maltipoo that you can exercise with then we recommend that you choose the mini size.
How to Choose the Right Size Multipoo for Your Family
As a soon-to-be dog parent, it’s important that you choose the right size Maltipoo that will fit in with your lifestyle as well as your family. The smaller size Maltipoos such as teacup and toy size are highly suitable for singles and senior citizens looking for a companion dog they can take with them anywhere.
The teacup Maltipoo size is perfect to put in a travel bag and carry with you everywhere you go. This size dog is also an excellent option for those who plan to use their Maltipoo as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs are often used and carried by owners to help reduce and prevent anxiety and stress in social environments while away from home.
When choosing the size of a Maltipoo you should also consider the size of your home. As a responsible parent, you need to provide a spacious and ideal environment for your dog.
If you have a small studio or one-bedroom apartment or condominium, a teacup or toy size Maltipoo is recommended. They don’t take up too much space and adapt quickly to a small environment. You can expect a toy or teacup Maltipoo to thrive in this type of environment.
If you own a home or townhouse that has a staircase, a medium or miniature size Maltipoo is recommended. The reason why is because they are more capable of climbing up and down staircases as compared to a teacup or miniature size Maltipoos. You can still choose a miniature or teacup sized if you plan to carry your dog up and down the stairs instead of allowing them to navigate it alone.
Does your house have a fenced-in yard? If so, Maltipoos will adapt quickly and happily to their new surroundings. While Maltipoos make the perfect companion, they also enjoy exercising and running around. So a spacious backyard with plenty of room is ideal for Maltipoos of all sizes.
Children who live in the household will enjoy having a Maltipoo as part of the family. This fun and charming dog breed is friendly with children of all ages. If you have very young children such as toddlers living in the house it’s best to get the miniature size Maltipoo because the smaller sizes can become injured quickly around playful toddlers.
Choosing the right size Maltipoo for you and your family is easier than you think when you consider the topics mentioned above. Let’s explore the individual dog breeds to get a better understanding of their size.
Toy Poodle
The American Kennel Club also reveals that toy Poodles weigh between 46 lb and stand 10 inches tall or less when fully grown. Toy poodles that weigh more than the expected amount are considered to be a product of poor breeding practices and overweight which can lead to health problems.
Maltese
A full-size adult Maltese grows to stand 7 to 9” inches and weigh 7 pounds or less. This is the standard for this breed according to the American Kennel Club. These statistics for this white fluffy dog breed date back to 1500 B.C.
Miniature Poodle
Breed standards for miniature Poodles are less than 15 inches tall and weigh between 10 to 15 lbs. Dogs that are purebred usually don’t deviate from this range. When a miniature Poodle is used for breeding purposes their DNA greatly affects the size the puppies will be.
For example, a miniature Poodle can produce larger sized dogs several generations down the line due to genetics that are complex and difficult to figure out.
Where to Buy a Maltipoo
- Now that you have made the decision about what size Maltipoo is best for you and your family, it’s time to start the adoption process. Many new pet parents often run to the nearest pet store in their neighborhood to purchase a Maltipoo. While most of these pet stores are legitimately run, many of them get their puppies from puppy mills.
- Puppy mills are run with the sole purpose of producing as many Maltipooo puppies as possible without considering the health of the dogs breeding the puppies.
- Many of these puppy mills keep dogs in cages or kennels throughout their lifetime and only use them for breeding purposes until their bodies cannot take anymore. This harsh treatment has caused animal activists to alert everyone of the harmful behavior and treatment these innocent dogs receive. For this reason, it is recommended that you find a purebred honest breeder to get your Maltipoo from.
- The best way to find a trustworthy Maltipoo breeder is to search online in your local area. Many Maltipoo breeders have their own websites that provide detailed information about how they breed the dog as well as how they treat the puppies after they are born.
- Some Maltipoo breeders are state-licensed while others have pure intentions with breeding dogs. Your goal is to find a healthy happy puppy that comes from a long line of high-quality breeding. Remember, dogs that are poorly bred often suffer from health ailments later in life if not sooner.
How to Choose a Maltipoo Breeder
One of the best ways to narrow down your options when choosing a reliable breeder is to pay attention to the adoption process. If you arrive at a breeder’s home or place of work to pay for the puppy and leave with no questions asked, there’s a possibility this dog breeder is only in it for the money.
Caring and reliable dog breeders have an adoption process that usually goes quickly but requires personal information from you. The most common questions asked during a dog adoption from a high-quality breeder involves you providing information relating to your home, family, intentions for your dog, and the ability to pay for veterinarian care throughout their lifetime.
Some Maltipoo breeders require a home visit before allowing you to adopt one of their puppies. The reason breeders do this is to ensure the puppy is going to have a happy healthy lifestyle.
Also, high-quality Maltipoo breeders provide a medical certificate from a certified veterinarian which includes information about that specific puppy’s health and current vaccinations they have already received.
When continuing your research to find a reputable Maltipoo breeder, it’s recommended to visit the physical location to see the environment the puppies are being raised and bred.
It’s essential that you casually look around when visiting the Maltipoo puppies to ensure this a safe and healthy environment. If you notice dirty floors, feces, and urine all over the place and the puppies living in poor conditions, it’s wise to choose another breeder. Also, reporting the breeder anonymously for the poor conditions you saw is recommended to help stop them from continuing this harmful behavior towards animals.
Once you find a reputable breeder you can trust who provides a medical certificate for their Maltipoo puppies, it’s time to start the adoption process. Generally, you will need to fill out an application and answer questions before the breeder allows you to visit the dogs and choose one for your family. Generally, breeders are very accommodating and allow you to visit and play with the dogs to see which one you prefer.
Usually, a dog adoption lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 days. This process usually involves you picking your puppy up from the location of the breeder. However, if you are adopting a Maltipoo from another state or other location, some breeders are willing to meet at a halfway point. This kind of consideration from the breeder is excellent for this type of situation.
However, be aware of dog breeders that don’t allow you to come to their location at all and prefer meeting in places such as a parking lot. This type of breeder that keeps their location a secret is often up to something sketchy and it’s best to avoid the situation.
Also, be aware of extreme discounts on puppies because it usually leads to a scam and with you getting an unhealthy puppy that requires extensive veterinarian care.
Once you bring the puppy home be prepared to provide food, freshwater, toys, bedding, and a safe environment. It’s wise to prepare ahead of time so you don’t rush around looking for all of these items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do teacup Maltipoos bark a lot?
- A teacup Maltipoo is a mixed breed between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle. Both of these dogs are not known for their barking habits, although they’re not thought to be silent dogs either. It is almost impossible to find a dog that does not bark at least occasionally, so you’re going to have to accept the fact that your dog might bark.
- A teacup Maltipoo is a very small breed of dog and therefore will be considered to bark at anything that they see or hear. This is to make them seem larger and more ferocious than they actually are in a bid to scare away predators.
- So, your teacup Maltipoo is likely to be a barker, but they shouldn’t bark too loudly. After all, their voice boxes are so small that their barks will often come out as no more than a little yap. Overall, your dog should not bark excessively or aggressively. You might even think that it’s quite cute.
How do you train a teacup Maltipoo?
Teacup Maltipoos are considered rather easy to train as they are intelligent and adoring of their owners, so they’ll often listen to them. Training your dog young is best, so start between eight and 12 weeks, or as soon as you get them home.
The first behavior you’ll probably want to teach them is how to go to the bathroom outside instead of going inside. You’ll be throwing yourself in at the deep end here, as this is often the most difficult training to do successfully.
Training a dog to be housebroken usually takes between three and six months. To do this, take your teacup Maltipoo outside frequently and reward them every time they go to the bathroom outside.
Bear in mind that a teacup Maltipoo will have a very small bladder. While two-month-old puppies can usually hold their bladders for two hours, a teacup Maltipoo might be able to hold it even less.
Likewise, the average dog will have a bowel movement around 20 minutes after their meals. However, teacup Maltipoos might be able to hold it for less time so it’s best to err on the side of caution and take them out almost immediately after they have stopped eating.
As your dog grows up and matures, it will be able to wait to go to the bathroom for longer. You’ll also get into a rhythm with them to prevent accidents from happening in the house. Remember to always reward successes outdoors to reinforce positive behavior.
What is a teddy bear Maltipoo?
A teddy bear Maltipoo is simply a mixed dog breed between a Poodle and a Maltese. These dogs are often crossed with Miniature or Teacup Poodles instead of Standard Poodles, as they’re much smaller than the average-sized Poodle.
Teddy bear Maltipoos only reach heights of around 14 inches from floor to shoulder. Their lifespan is impressive, despite it taking lots of breeding to achieve this breed, at 13 years.
This dog breed is highly intelligent and affectionate, and they’re excellent for families with young children and other pets.
Teddy bear dogs were originally bred to be therapy dogs for young children. While they’re not often used for this purpose anymore, teddy bear dogs still possess a lot of the qualities that made them such good therapy dogs.
It’s not uncommon for your teddy bear Maltipoo to create a strong bond with you and your family, which can quickly lead to separation anxiety and depression if they’re not trained properly. You shouldn’t leave this dog for too long on its own to prevent anxious behaviors from showing.
Do Maltipoo puppies stay small?
- Yes, as Maltipoos are considered small dogs for the duration of their lives. Maltipoos will grow to a height of only eight to 14 inches, and they won’t exceed a weight of between 5 and 20 pounds.
- Of course, they won’t always stay the same size as their immature puppy stage, but they won’t grow into large dogs.
- The type of poodle that your Maltipoo has been bred with will determine how large or small they will be at maturity. For example, breeding a Maltese dog with a Miniature Poodle will leave the offspring being smaller than if you were to breed a Maltese with a Standard Poodle.
- If you’re wanting to see an indication of how large your Maltipoo is going to grow to be, ask the breeder to see the parents. They should either show you the dogs if they own both of them, or they’ll let you see the mother and an image of the father that they bred with.
- If the Poodle is standard size, you can expect your Maltipoo to grow to the larger end of the size spectrums that we mentioned earlier.
What do teacup Maltipoos eat?
Contrary to popular belief, small dog breeds actually need more calories per pound than large dog breeds do. This is because toy breeds have a faster metabolism rate and therefore will burn calories at a faster rate.
So, your teacup Maltipoo will need dog food that has been specially formulated for toy and small breeds. This kibble will also be smaller in size to allow your dog to eat it without it becoming a choking hazard.
Always make sure that your teacup Maltipoo has a diet full of high-quality protein. The first ingredient in the food should be a protein source. However, this should be real protein, such as chicken, lamb, turkey, or fish, instead of meat by-products. By-products are of lower quality and are often made up of more fat content than protein.
Also, look for a food with vegetables and vitamins within it to ensure that they’re always getting enough nutrition. Prevent purchasing any food that features additives or filler ingredients as these do nothing for your dog and can actually upset their digestive systems.
Teacup Maltipoos need to eat two meals a day instead of one large meal.
Final Thoughts
The size of the Maltipoo that you choose needs to be cared for as if they are a young human child. They require daily exercise and a complete and balanced diet. Don’t forget Maltipoos have a soft white fluffy coat that needs to be brushed and groomed on a regular basis. This means you need to have dog brushes and combs ready to begin grooming within the first week of bringing your puppy home.
The reason grooming needs to begin so quickly is to prevent knots and mats from forming and getting worse. It’s also beneficial for your dog to become familiar with the grooming process since it’s something they will endure throughout their lifetime.
Adopt a Maltipoo of any size! Start searching for a reputable breeder today!
