How to Raise a Maltipoo

A Maltipoo is the final product obtained from crossing two popular companion dog breeds: the toy or miniature Poodle and the Maltese. This designer dog has gained more popularity due to its affectionate and gentle demeanor, making them a great addition for empty nesters or terrific therapy dogs. One of the most prized traits of this crossbreed is its nonshedding coat --- making it a potential optimal choice for people suffering from allergies. If you are considering raising Maltipoos, make sure you learn as much as you can about the breed and all its needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Treats
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Dog brush
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Instructions

    • 1
      Shots are a must to keep your Maltipoo protected from diseases.

      Take your Maltipoo puppy to your veterinarian for her booster shots and dewormings. While the breeder may have already given the puppy her initial shots, your Maltipoo will require additional shots to finish the series and be fully immunized. It is also helpful to bring along a stool sample to rule out parasites, which are notoriously popular in young puppies.

    • 2

      Invest in an appropriately sized crate and house train your Maltipoo. Maltipoos may be a bit challenging to house train due to their small-sized bladders. Keep your Maltipoo crated and take her out as soon as you notice signs such as sniffing, whining or walking in circles, suggesting it is time to go potty. Once she goes outside, make sure you praise your Maltipoo lavishly and reward her with treats.

    • 3

      Socialize your Maltipoo as much as possible. Expose her to people from all walks of life and other dogs. A great place to start is at puppy classes. Here, your Maltipoo will be introduced to people and other dogs, and she will learn appropriate manners.

    • 4

      Ensure that your Maltipoo gets sufficient exercise. Maltipoos are active dogs that thrive on at least 10 to 15 minutes of daily exercise. Taking your pet wearing a collar and leash for a short walk, allowing some play sessions in the yard or a safe romp at a fenced dog park will make your Maltipoo happy. Should you refrain from providing enough exercise, your Maltipoo may engage in destructive behaviors, such as digging holes or chewing.

    • 5
      Reward-based training works best for this breed.

      Start training your Maltipoo puppy. Maltipoos are highly trainable dogs that are eager to please. Positive reinforcement training, using praise and rewards, will quickly produce good results. Also, since Maltipoos make excellent watch dogs and are therefore prone to barking, you will need to put some emphasis on the ''quiet'' command.

    • 6

      Groom your Maltipoo's coat to keep it in top shape. Invest in a good dog brush and give your Maltipoo a daily brushing to prevent the coat from matting. It is recommended to take your Maltipoo regularly to the groomer for professional clippings, because this breed is derived from two breeds that are known for requiring a substantial amount of grooming.

    • 7

      Take your Maltipoo to the veterinarian for routine wellness examinations. While generally healthy, Maltipoos are predisposed to a variety of health disorders, such as white shaker syndrome, epilepsy, slipped stifles, portosystemic shunt, progressive retinal atrophy and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Purchase your Maltipoo from breeders who health test the puppy's parents for heritable conditions to lower the chances that your puppy will inherit such conditions.