What a Maltipoo Puppy Needs

A maltipoo puppy is a cross between a miniature or toy poodle and a maltese. Maltipoos tend to be gentle, affectionate, friendly dogs, so they may be a good choice for your next family pet. If you're thinking about getting a maltipoo puppy, make sure you're prepared for the new addition to your family.

  1. Veterinary Care

    • Before you get a maltipoo puppy, talk to some veterinarians and find one with whom you're comfortable. Your puppy will need to have a check-up when you bring it home, and it will need a series of vaccinations, often called puppy shots. Your veterinarian will also help you make decisions about flea control and spaying or neutering your pet. The veterinarian may set up a schedule of well puppy check-ups to ensure that your maltipoo stays healthy. Maltipoos are prone to things like epilepsy and white dog shaker syndrome, according to the dogtime website, so it's important to have a veterinarian lined up before any issues arise.

    Environment

    • Your maltipoo puppy will grow up to be a small dog, so it doesn't need a huge house or yard to run around in. However, maltipoos require a good bit of exercise, so you should be prepared to exercise your new puppy every day, the GreatDogSite website advises. If it doesn't get enough exercise, your puppy could get bored and destructive. Your maltipoo puppy may act like a watch dog in training; this breed tends to bark at strangers and noises and anything unfamiliar. If you live in a place with close neighbors or if barking bothers you, be prepared to spend some time teaching your puppy when it's appropriate to bark.

    Food and Feeding Supplies

    • Have small food and water dishes on hand for your maltipoo puppy. Because maltipoos are such small dogs, buy food that has little pieces rather than large chunks. What goes in must come out, so be prepared for house training your puppy. Maltipoos are usually smart and easy to train, but you should still guard against accidents. Have newspaper or puppy training pads on hand to cover the floors until your puppy gets the hang of going outside, Dog Breed Info Center suggests.

    Play Time

    • Get a collar and leash for your maltipoo puppy so you can walk it safely. Attach a tag to the collar listing your name, the puppy's name, and your contact information just in case the little guy gets lost. All puppies like to chew on things and maltipoos are no exception. Provide a variety of chewy toys so your slippers don't wind up with tiny teeth marks. Because maltipoos are energetic and playful puppies, you should have toys such as balls and knotted ropes so you can play with your new four-legged friend.