If you are looking at the Maltipoo dog breed, you may have some questions about their fully grown adult size and how big they ultimately get. Below you will find some research that I have been able to find on the topic.
So, how big do Maltipoos get? The average Maltipoo will weigh between 5 to 12 pounds, standing anywhere between 8 and 14 inches in height. Their final adult size is largely influenced by the parental poodle used in breeding; whether it was a toy or miniature variety.
Maltipoos are, without a doubt, charming and adorable dogs.
A hybrid dog and a cross between a poodle and a Maltese.
This breed is known for being loving, friendly, and affectionate; it is said that they get their charm from the Maltese and their intelligence from the poodle.
Let us now take a closer look at their growth rate, before we look at some other considerations regarding their size.
Maltipoo Growth Rate
It is understandable for any dog owner to want to know how big their dog will be once he is done growing.
Keep in mind that the weight of this hybrid dog depends on which genes are more dominant between the Maltese and Poodle.
This can range and vary quite dramatically. This is also why different puppies from the same litter can end up being drastically different; it’s all about the individual traits that each inherits.
To gain a better understanding of the maximum and minimum expected growth and weight check out the information below:
Maltipoo Weight by Age
Age | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight |
Birth | 0.1 Pounds | 0.5 Pounds |
Two Months Old | 1 Pound | 3 Pounds |
Four Months Old | 2.5 Pounds | 5.5 Pounds |
Six Months Old | 3.5 Pounds | 7. Pounds |
Nine Months Old | 4 Pounds | 9 Pounds |
One Year Old | 5 Pounds | 12 Pounds |
Many people believe the claim that dogs age seven years for every one human year, this is not the case.
Dog’s age at different speeds, and it mostly depends on the size of the dog – this is true for Maltipoos.
Maltipoos are puppies until they reach one year old. However, Maltipoos display very puppy-like behaviors until they are two years old.
Average Maltipoo Size And Weight As Reported By Owners
It is crucial for the owner of a Maltipoo to learn about the size and weight of your pet because it affects many facets of you and your dog’s life.
Being aware of potential health problems will help you to provide the best possible care for your dog.
There is no one definitive size and weight because this can vary from dog to dog. However, average size and weight can be roughly worked out from research and reports according to Maltipoo owners.
When a Maltipoo reaches maturity, its weight ranges from 5 pounds to 12 pounds and stands at a range from 8 to 14 inches.
As there is no way to predict how big a Maltipoo will ultimately get, breeders, are likely to produce puppies of differing sizes.
Maltipoos are a product of the Maltese and Poodle; both these breeds are small. Additionally, poodles can also come in the toy variety making them smaller yet.
Generally, the bigger the parents, the bigger the puppies will be. Therefore, looking at the average size of the parent breeds will help you understand why the Maltipoo size can fluctuate quite dramatically.
Maltese
An average Maltese dog weighs just shy of 7 pounds and reaches 7-9 inches in height, according to the American Kernal Club (AKC).
Toy Poodle
The average Toy Poodle weighs between 4 – 6 pounds and reaches around 10 inches, according to the AKC.
If a Toy Poodle was to weigh beyond 6 pounds they are considered overweight.
Miniature Poodle
The average Miniature Poodle generally weighs 10-15 pounds and reaches just shy of 15 inches in height, according to the AKC.
There is not usually much variance within this breed.
So, depending on what breeds above are used to create a Maltipoo can make quite a difference.
Also, it’s important to be aware that due to genetics; Maltipoo’s can even display characteristics or traits from other dogs generations back in their bloodline.
One final thing to consider is generation. There are typically three types of which to be aware:
- F1: puppies bred from purebred Maltese/Poodles (likely to resemble parents yet can differ in appearance from other puppies in the litter). F1B is when a puppy is bred back with a parent breed.
- F2: puppies bred from two F1 generation breed of dogs. F2B is when an F2 is bred back with the parent breed.
- F3 (malti-generational): puppies that are the result of breeding two F2 dogs together. F3B is then possible if they are bred with the parent.
The more proficient the breeder, and the more generations that they have had, the more they can predict the size of their litters.
Typically, a lot of generations are required before standardization, without huge variances, occurs.
Estimating Full Adult Size
Many breeders classify their maltipoo’s as three different sizes – teacup, toy, or small. It’s fair to say that these classifications can be misleading.
Let’s discuss the three different classifications and what each of them means:
Teacup Maltipoo
“Teacups” are a result of breeding tiny dogs, these are usually the runts of the litter and sadly suffer from numerous health ailments.
Teacup is a term used to describe dogs that weigh less than four pounds. The term “teacup” is not recognized as an actual size category.
Toy Maltipoo
A toy dog is a breed that weighs under ten pounds. Many Maltipoos categorized as “teacup” should be classified as “toy.”
Miniature/Small Maltipoo
There is some discrepancy with this term, as some breeders call it medium while others call it small. It is a classification for dogs weighing in a range between 10 to 25 pounds. This is a term that is used generally for heavier Maltipoo’s.
Many size terms breeders use, if often used as a marketing ploy, and should not be taken too seriously.
Regardless of what term a breeder uses, your Maltipoo is a small dog and will most likely weigh less than 20 pounds once an adult.
How To Support An Under-Sized Maltipoo
Maltipoos are small dogs requiring plenty of love and care, but if your Maltipoo is undersized, they will require extra attention and special treatment.
Thankfully there are things you can do to ensure that your Maltipoo reaches its maximum development and growth potential.
Let’s discuss ways to support an undersized Maltipoo:
Find A Good Veterinarian
You must locate a vet with an excellent reputation; you need someone to provide insight on the best way to support and care for your dog.
Your Maltipoo will require vaccination, de-worming, and frequent health checks during the early stages of their life.
If you’re Maltipoo is not gaining the size or putting on the weight required, a vet will be able to spot this and will be able to make some recommendations of things you can do.
Feed Your Puppy Good Quality Food
The diet of your dog is essential. This is how they obtain all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to grow strong, healthy, and to thrive.
There are plenty of good options available; however, Instinct Raw Boost (a best seller on Amazon) is the kind of food you want to be getting for your Maltipoo.
Food is an area where your vet can provide advice and information; they are particularly useful and can give great advice for what and how to feed an undersized dog.
A nourishing diet should contain traditional and high-quality meat as the primary ingredient.
Your dog will require at least three to four meals a day and would also benefit from some healthy treats and snacks.
Check Ears, Eyes, Teeth, and Other Body Parts Regularly.
It is important that you regularly and routinely check your dog’s ears, eyes, teeth, and other body parts (like paws) to ensure they are growing as expected, your dog is not in any pain, and there are no issues.
Watch out and be aware of any drawing of blood, pus, wax, or anything that could indicate a problem.
Always be gentle and reaffirm your actions by keeping your dog calm and relaxed throughout the process.
Checking various parts of your dog’s body will give your dog the best possible outcome if anything was to arise. You will also know in the early stages and be in a much better position to get the support and care your dog needs.
Provide Your Dog With Plenty Of Exercise
Dogs need daily exercise and activity in their day. If your dog is smaller, chat with your vet about safe exercise for your Maltipoo.
Of course, you should only start to walk your puppy Maltipoo when they have had their required vaccinations.
In the beginning, it is best to start slow and work your way up. Begin with a small, 15-20 minute walk around the block. In time, you can increase the distance as they get used to the activity.
Whilst out and about with your dog, be careful and aware of other dogs. For an undersized Maltipoo bigger dogs can easily hurt them (even if they are being friendly).
All dogs, regardless of size, need stimulation throughout their day. Therefore it is a good idea to provide plenty of toys.
May dog owners swear by the Kong Treat Dispenser (on Amazon). It enables your dog to play and have to think about how to dispense a treat.
It’s great for getting your dog to stimulate and use their brains.
They’ll also play when they have the energy in their own time, even whilst you are away.
Provide Your Dog With Lots Of Affection
Dogs are social animals and Maltipoo’s are no different. Maltipoo’s love being around their owners and do best with plenty of company.
With a dog as cute as a Maltipoo, it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge to provide some affection.
Give them plenty of cuddles and praise them regularly.
Be sure to reward them when they are behaving well and be careful with how you deal with bad behavior. Shouting for example is never a good strategy.
When it comes to training your dog, follow practiced principles and be sure to research ahead of time.
Learn as much This way you will know that your maltipoo is being disciplined effectively without any harm to their well-being and spirits.
Learn as much you can about training your dog well before you even bring them home. There are some excellent books available on Amazon. Here are some of the best-selling and recommended options:
Finally
Maltipoos are renowned for being a small hybrid breed of dog. So if you were wondering how big Maltipoo’s get, you’ll be pleased to know that they will weigh less than 20 pounds.
There are three different size classifications, but it is best not to take the breeder’s description at face value.
Ultimately, the overall size of your dog will depend entirely on the traits they inherit from their parents and the respective sizes of the mother/father.
It of course depends on the size of each that is used when breeding.
When you go to visit a Maltipoo breeder and your new prospective puppy, be aware that the litter and puppies can differ dramatically.
This is entirely normal and to be expected. What each puppy will ultimately grow to be, will, of course, be hard to tell at this stage.
With proper care, love and nutrition, you can ensure your dog reaches its maximum size and reach optimal development.
At the end of the day, the Maltipoo is a beautiful dog with loving personality traits and a great temperament; you’d be making an excellent decision if you decide to get one.
These dogs are great to have around children but equally great with single people and the elderly.
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I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.