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.
Table of Contents
Lifespan of Maltipoo
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 )
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.
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
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?)
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.
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.
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
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:
- Bark Collars for Small Dogs
- Wireless Fences for Small Dogs
- Rare Pitbull Colors
- When Can You Feel Puppies Move in Pregnant Dogs?
FAQs
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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