Longevity
Life expectancy
The Maltipoo’s longevity is good for a small-sized dog and is generally between 12 and 16 years. An appropriate diet, regular activity, dental care and early screening for hereditary conditions promote a more serene aging process.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Maltipoo is rather robust overall, without being a breed to neglect from a medical standpoint. Its small size and mixed heritage do not preclude monitoring of the joints, eyes, and certain endocrine or neurological diseases reported in its parent lineages.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring is recommended for the joints, the eyes, and hereditary conditions that may appear in certain lines. The seriousness of the breeding and the quality of the tests carried out on the parents weigh heavily on the dog's future health profile.
Hip dysplasia: A possible joint condition, less common than in large dogs but to be monitored depending on bloodlines.
Patellar luxation: A relatively classic orthopedic problem in small dogs that can cause limping and locomotor discomfort.
Addison's disease: A rare but serious endocrine disorder that requires rapid veterinary diagnosis and long-term follow-up.
Meningoencephalitis: A severe inflammatory neurological condition that requires specialized care.
Congenital portosystemic shunt: A vascular abnormality that can disrupt liver function and the dog's growth.
Shaker dog syndrome: A neurological disorder described notably in small light-coated dogs, responsible for generalized tremors.
Corneal ulcer: A painful corneal lesion that warrants a prompt consultation in case of a closed or watery eye.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Maltipoo tolerates cold as well as heat moderately. Its small size and the texture of its coat require avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, with particular attention during high heat and during humid or very cold periods.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Even if weight gain is not its main weak point, the Maltipoo remains a small dog in whom excesses are quickly visible. It is preferable to control portions, limit treats and maintain regular daily activity to preserve its joints and its comfort.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly check the eyes, ears, and the condition of the coat.
- Monitor the gait and consult in case of limping or suspected patellar luxation.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit pressure on the joints.
Vaccination
Maltipoo vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Maltipoo need? Like all dogs, Maltipoos should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Maltipoo vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Maltipoo booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Maltipoo need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Maltipoo
Careful veterinary follow-up should include the orthopedic examination, eye monitoring and the evaluation of family history before adoption. In breeding, health checks of breeding dogs are particularly important to limit the transmission of conditions known in the parent lines.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
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