Maltipoo Characteristics
Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years
Adult weight: 15 – 20 lbs.
Adult height: 8 – 13 in.
Origin – United States
Thinking about bringing a Maltipoo into your life? These charming and affectionate designer dogs have captured the hearts of many. But before you embark on this exciting journey, it's crucial to understand the financial commitment involved. This comprehensive guide will break down the Maltipoo price, covering everything from the initial purchase cost to ongoing expenses, to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Maltipoo: A Delightful Blend
What Two Breeds Make a Maltipoo?
The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, blending the gentle nature of the Maltese with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. This adorable mix results in a small, cuddly companion with a playful personality, making them popular family pets and therapy dogs.
Why Are Maltipoos So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the cost of a Maltipoo puppy:
Breeder Reputation and Experience: Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and ethical breeding practices often charge more for their puppies. They conduct health testing on the parent dogs to screen for genetic conditions common in both Maltese and Poodles. These tests add to the breeder's expenses but offer peace of mind to buyers.
Generation: First-generation (F1) Maltipoos, those with one purebred Maltese parent and one purebred Poodle parent, tend to be more expensive than later generations. This is because breeders cannot keep F1 puppies for future breeding as they do with purebreds, so each litter represents a fresh start.
Pedigree and Lineage: While not officially recognized as a breed, some breeders strive to establish strong lineages within the Maltipoo community. Puppies with well-documented pedigrees may command higher prices.
Coat Color and Type: Certain coat colors, like apricot, red, or phantom, are considered rarer and may be more expensive. Additionally, coat type can influence the price, with curlier coats sometimes being more desirable.
Average Maltipoo Price
The average price of a Maltipoo puppy from a reputable breeder ranges from $2,000 to $3,000. However, prices can reach up to $4,000 or more for puppies with rarer colors or exceptional lineage.
Maltipoo Adoption Fees
Adopting a Maltipoo from a rescue organization or shelter is a more affordable option, with fees typically ranging from $100 to $300. These fees often cover the cost of vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and basic veterinary care.
Lifetime Cost of Owning a Maltipoo: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Beyond the initial purchase or adoption fee, owning a Maltipoo entails various ongoing expenses. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
Monthly Costs
Dog Food: $50-$75 (depending on the quality of food and your dog's size)
Grooming: $50-$100 (professional grooming or DIY supplies)
One-Time Costs
Initial Supplies: $400-$500 (bed, crate, bowls, leash, collar, etc.)
Microchipping: $50-$70
Vaccinations: $250-$300
Neutering/Spaying: $150-$400
Potential Health Costs
Maltipoos are prone to certain health conditions, such as White Shaker Syndrome, epilepsy, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These conditions can require costly treatments, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Miscellaneous Costs
These include expenses for dog walkers, boarding, training, and unexpected veterinary visits, which can range from $300 to $350 annually.
Expert Insights From Spot
According to Spot's internal data, the most common conditions affecting Maltipoos are ear infections (otitis), allergies, toxic ingestion, skin infections or irritations, and gastritis. Spot has received over 110 pet insurance claims each for ear infections and allergies and over 50 claims each for toxic ingestion and skin infections or irritations. The most expensive condition to treat was gastritis, with an average claim cost of just over $600. If you're thinking about welcoming a Maltipoo into your family, we hope this information sheds some light on the types of veterinary care they might need throughout their life.
Is a Maltipoo Low Maintenance?
Maltipoos are relatively low maintenance in terms of exercise and shedding. They adapt well to apartment living and require moderate exercise. Their low-shedding coats are a bonus for those with allergies. However, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting.
What is the Lifespan of a Maltipoo?
The average lifespan of a Maltipoo is around 10 to 15 years, depending on various factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care.
Key Takeaways
While the initial and ongoing costs of owning a Maltipoo can be significant, their loving nature, intelligence, and adaptability make them cherished companions for many. By understanding the factors influencing their price and budgeting for their care, you can ensure that your Maltipoo enjoys a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life by your side.
