Maltipoo Information
The Maltipoo is a mix of Maltese and Poodle.
They are not an exotic breed by any means, they are simply a mixed breed dog with a high price tag.
Some state that you are going to get the best of both breeds, but in reality, no one really knows what you will get since the majority of these dogs do not come from health tested lines. Both breeds are prone to many illnesses, such as: luxating patella, low thyroid, eye problems, liver shunt, dental problems, white shaker dog syndrome,Legg-Perthes, seizures, heart disease, hip dysplasia, and allergies.
Some breeders are making sure that the dogs they are breeding are clear of these problems, however most are not. Those who truly love dogs and are hoping to make the Maltipoo a recognized breed someday, are keeping accurate records, doing all necessary health tests to assure their dogs are not carrying any of the problems mentioned. The testing does cost money, and those who are only out for the money involved in breeding these dogs are not likely to put much money into testing at all.
Are Maltipoo's good dogs? Sure they are. All dogs are good dogs, in the right situation. I personally would not put a Maltipoo in a home with young children. These dogs may be easily hurt by children playing, or even dropped since they're small enough that children will be able to pick them up easily.
What about grooming? Yes, they do require grooming, however the choice of cut depends on your lifestyle, preference, and the coat type. Some have more of a curly Poodle coat while others have more of a Maltese coat. With both breeds requiring a great deal of grooming, you should plan on not only having the dog professionally groomed on a regular basis, but also doing some of the work yourself. These dogs will need combed and brushed every other day to assure their coats do not get tangled. Also be aware that the better your work on your dog, the easier it will be for the groomer to work on, and the groomer will charge less if the dog is a breeze to do. Groomers often add on to the cost for dematting, and if the dog is difficult to groom- a biter, jumpy, etc. If your dog is used to being worked on, it makes things much easier on you, your pocketbook, your groomer, and your dog.
I've heard hundreds of pet owners complain that their dogs refused to let them do anything with their feet. The key to this is to start the puppies at a very young age with getting used to having people touching their feet and clipping their nails. Even if you just trimmed your pups nails a few days ago, get out a little nail file, and use that on the nails- it will make the nails so they're not as sharp, as well as get the puppy used to being worked on.
If you insist on purchasing a Malti-poo, do not get one from a pet store. These dogs are full of the worst health and temperament problems. Also try to find a breeder who is knowledgeable in both breeds (Maltese and Poodle) and who tests for problems prior to breeding.
These prices were taken from a Maltipoo breeder website. The prices for these puppies is absolutly uncalled for.
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Why would anyone in their right mind pay these prices for a mixed breed dog? The breeder who charges these prices states that all puppies are sold as is. They only guarentee the puppies for 30 days against things such as intestinal parasites- no other health guarentee is available. The prices above do not include registration, that costs and extra $200. To top it all off, once you place a deposit on a puppy, you're pretty much locked into it. They charge from $400-$1,300.00 for a "cancellation fee"! This breeder also claims that stress is the main cause of death for these dogs- the stress from being in a new home and held too much will apparently kill them.... Please be very cautious when purchasing a dog- there are bad breeders everywhere, and a great deal of them have websites to entice you to buy.
