Lifespan of Maltipoo: How Long Does This Breed Live?

Last Updated on February, 2025

Maltipoo is a mixed dog breed that shares Maltese’s playfulness and the intelligence of their Poodle parent. They make the perfect family pets, but how long can you expect to enjoy the company of these adorable companions?

This article looks at the influences on your Maltipoo’s lifespan and tips on keeping your tiny pupper around for a long time. 

Quick Summary

The average lifespan of a Maltipoo is 14-16 years, but some have been reported to live up to 20 years.

Knowing the lifecycle of a Maltipoo, from puppyhood to their senior years, can help owners plan and budget for their care at each stage.

To extend the lifespan of a Maltipoo, owners should prioritize proper diet and exercise, regular grooming and health care, a safe and stress-free environment, and removing potential sources of toxins.

Lifespan of Maltipoo

A white maltipoo running down a road with a leash

The average lifespan of a Maltipoo is up to 14 to 16 years. According to Internet lore, some say the oldest Maltipoo lived up to 20 years. That’s almost 96 human years! 

Many varying factors determine how long your Maltipoo will live, from regular vet checkups to how messy the environment is. Psychological factors and establishing trust also play a vital role in keeping your pup feeling safe and happy. 

Lifecycle of a Maltipoo Dog Breed

Knowing the different stages a Maltipoo dog breed goes through makes it easier for you to plan and budget for their care at every stage of development. 

Puppy (Infant to 5 months)

Usually, dog owners get their Maltipoo puppy at eight weeks at reputable breeders or rescue organizations.

Once they are 3 to 4 weeks old, they can switch to more solid foods and a consistent diet as the teeth fully develop. The puppy is also ready for early training, such as obedience training at 8 weeks. 

Adolescent (6 Months – 1 Year)

The Maltipoo will go into the teething stage at roughly six months. It can be frustrating when the young pup has urges to explore their surroundings by chewing. (bad news for your shoes and furniture). 

After this, the female dogs will generally enter their heat stage. Spaying is a good idea if you do not intend to breed your Maltipoo, protecting them from certain cancers and infections.

Young Adult (1 – 3 Years )

A maltipoo puppy is standing in front of a wooden background

You can switch to more high-quality dog food. If you plan to change their diet, do so slowly to avoid upsetting their stomachs. 

Adult (3 – 8 Years)

Now, the Maltipoo would have reached emotional and physical maturity. The adult dog tends to be less excitable and more controlled in their behavior. A nutritious diet and exercise are essential in avoiding health problems in the senior stage.

Senior (9 – 15 Years)

Ensuring they are happy and comfortable well into their twilight years is vital for their well-being.

A diet rich in omega-3 and fatty acids supports immunity and keeps the brain and joints healthy. Gentle exercise is required to help combat arthritis from inflamed joints. 

Factors That Influence the Lifespan of a Maltipoo 

Genetics

Just like their owners, Maltipoos also inherit certain traits from their parents. Maltipoos are cross breeds of the Maltese and Poodles.

These mixed breeds can be considered healthier than most purebred dogs and tend to live longer.

They can, however, inherit positive and negative conditions from the parent breeds, which may affect their lifespan. 

A reputable breeder would conduct health clearances on both breeding dogs to minimize the risk of any health issues passed down.

The health screenings will give you insight into any health problems in these small dogs and ensure any health conditions identified early on, extending the Maltipoo’s lifespan. 

A maltipoo dog is sitting in front of a blue wall

Dog Breeds and Size 

The larger the dog, the smaller its average lifespan. The breed and size are related to genetics and the general Maltese Poodle mix. If the parent breeds were small, like the mini Poodle, then the Maltipoo is likely to be smaller and have a longer lifespan. 

Larger canines are more likely to have faster metabolisms than smaller dogs and are more likely to develop abnormal cell growth, such as cancer. 

Diet and Nutrition 

A balanced diet packed with nutrition is vital for your small companion’s longevity and overall health. 

Feeding your Maltipoo with appropriate portion sizes for their activity level, age, and proper nutrients can keep them at an ideal weight.

This can extend their lifespan, maintaining the Maltipoo’s health. Excessive feeding may lead to obesity and diabetes well into adulthood. 

Hygiene and Grooming 

A woman is cutting a maltipoo's hair in a salon

Regularly grooming your Maltipoo is essential for their well-being. Keep them looking paw-some (sorry) and prevent them from developing mats skin infections. 

Combing, brushing, and bathing your Maltipoo’s coat frequently is good practice. Using a mild dog shampoo to clean and dry the ears reduces the chances of ear infections.

Daily brushing your dog’s teeth using dog-friendly toothpaste can save you expensive visits to the veterinarian. 

Stress and Environment 

Like other pets, a calming and stress-free household is necessary to ensure Maltipoos live a happy and healthy life. Stress factors include moving houses, new family members, or leaving them alone for too long.

These factors can cause anxiety and trigger aggression, making your pup feel unsafe.

Your Maltipoo is more susceptible to infections if the environment is messy or unclean, as they may chew or eat something they weren’t supposed to. 

Exercise and Activity 

Interactive playtime with mental stimulation keeps your Maltipoo active and keeps them from getting bored. Exercise routine helps them maintain weight and give them a longer life expectancy.

Walking in the park or letting them run around will add to their happiness.Lack of early socialization can lead to poor behavior, such as biting or growling at humans and other dogs.

Little to no regular socialization would make them more agitated and stressed, lowering their lifespan. 

Extending the Life of Your Maltipoo (How to Ensure a Healthy Life?)

A maltipoo dog running down a road

Diet and Exercise 

Like other small dogs, Maltipoos require an appropriate diet to ensure a long and healthy life. Feeding them foods rich in minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids gives them immunity against infections and other health problems.

Frequent fresh air in the park will keep them energetic. This allows them to rely on those healthy joints well into their twilight years, ensuring a long and healthy life. 

Hydration 

Keeping your furry companion well-hydrated with fresh and clean water supports essential bodily functions. Dehydration could lead to loss of appetite and a drop in energy levels. A drink of water every 30 minutes or so is always a good idea. 

On average, ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight is recommended. You could also try feeding your pup fruits with high water content, such as watermelons. If your pup is fussy, experiment with ice cubes to trick your Maltipoo into hydrating.

Dental cleaning 

Neglecting dental clean-ups and regular brushing will lead to oral infections. These infections may spread into their digestive tract, leading to more health concerns harmful to the Maltipoo lifespan. 

Regular Vet Check-up

Regular veterinary care is the keystone to a long and healthy life for the Maltese Poodle mix.

Schedule these check-up appointments with a vet who specializes in smaller canines. 

This way, the vet would pick up any health concerns in the early stages and treat them before they could cause long-lasting damage.

Even when your dog shows no signs of health issues in the later stages, a regular check-up is essential to prolong the Maltipoo’s lifespan.

A maltipoo dog with a blue collar looking at the camera

Regular Grooming 

The Maltipoo has a luxurious coat that requires frequent brushing and grooming to avoid tangling or matting. Naturally, the matlipoo’s coat is less prone to shedding, which may cause skin infections if left without brushing or trimming. 

To prevent ear infections, dog owners must pay particular attention to keeping the ears and nails clean and dry. Brushing your Maltese Poodles at least a few times a week is recommended. 

Remove Sources of Toxins

Your Maltipoo may accidentally ingest toxic substances such as bleach.

Sometimes, harmless human foods like grapes or chocolates can lead to serious health concerns for dogs. 

Look out for any poisonous plants or fungus around the house that the Maltipoo may have easy access to.

Certain toxic plants like mistletoe or aloe can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Researching the common plants around the house and identifying harmful ones is best. 

A maltipoo puppy playing with a toy

Puppy-Proofing the House

Younger puppies tend to chew on anything and everything they find. Chewing on electric cords for apparent reasons can cause electrical shocks and severely burn your Maltipoo. 

A good practice is getting down to the level your puppy is and scanning the house from their point of view. This way, you can identify and remove any dangerous wires, garbage cans, or cleaning supplies within reach. 

Common Health Issues of a Maltipoo

A maltipoo sitting in a blue bowl

Like most canines, Maltipoos are prone to certain health conditions, usually due to their small frame. All health issues cannot be fully avoided. However, you can take certain precautions to prevent any long-lasting damage and extend the Maltipoo lifespan.

Genetic Health Conditions 

The Maltese Poodle is a mixed breed, so they will likely get specific allergies and genetic health issues or disorders from parent dogs. Responsible breeding practices can minimize the risks of this by ensuring both parents are healthy.

Dental Problems 

Small dog breeds like the Maltipoo are more susceptible to gum disease. Regular and good oral practices can prevent these issues and extend the Maltipoo lifespan. 

Eye and Ear Issues 

Most dogs the size of Maltipoos are more prone to eye and ear issues due to their small facial structure and floppy ears. You should regularly clean well around the eyes and ears to prevent infections from developing. 

Other guides and tools you might need when training your dog:

FAQs 

Yes, small mixed-breed dogs like the Maltipoo can potentially have a lifespan of 20 years. However, this is dependent on various factors such as diet, exercise, weight, and genetics, all of which can influence a Maltipoo’s lifespan.

Smaller dogs such as Maltipoos are most commonly killed by trauma, such as being stepped on, fallen over, or run over.

Yes, Maltipoos are considered high-maintenance due to their need for regular grooming, high energy levels, and demand for playtime and interaction. Although they do not shed much, they are prone to matting and skin infections, making their grooming needs crucial. Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living.

Yes, Maltipoos are a great addition to any family. They are affectionate and love human interaction, making them a great choice for families with children. While they are good with kids, it’s important to teach children how to interact respectfully with these friendly dogs.

No, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. Maltipoos have a hypoallergenic coat, but this may not completely prevent allergies. It sheds less, which is beneficial to those with allergies. It’s recommended to spend time with a Maltipoo before adopting to see how your allergies are affected.

A Maltipoo is generally considered no longer a puppy and reaches adulthood around 1 to 1.5 years of age.

Maltipoos typically spend their day playing, eating, sleeping, and enjoying short walks or interactive activities with their owners. They also enjoy socializing and can be quite affectionate.

Final Thoughts 

The average Maltipoo lifespan is 14 to 16 years. Generally, healthy dogs can live longer with proper maintenance and health care.

Dog owners can nurture them with a balanced diet, exercise, and routine veterinary care, ensuring your Maltipoos live a long and happy life. 

Still want to learn more about Maltipoo? Check out the full breed info HERE.

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Author
Laura Vinzy
Laura Vinzy is one of our contributors. She is also a certified professional dog trainer & currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and her two rescue dogs.

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