How Big Do Maltipoos Get?

If you are a potential dog owner looking for a small breed, a Maltipoo could be on your list of possible options. Small dogs tend to be a popular choice due to their versatility and convenience. Toy and miniature dogs are easy to take with you anywhere, do not need a lot of space in the home or yard, and they cost less for food and other necessities. 

One question you may want to explore before deciding on this breed is how big do Maltipoos get? Let’s take a look at the genetics of a Maltipoo for more information. 

What is a Maltipoo? 

Maltipoos are what many consider a ‘designer breed,’ but they are not actually a breed at all. They are the result of crossing a Maltese with a Poodle. These two types of dogs produce a favorite for many homes due to their disposition and smaller size. 

Ease of Care

This hybrid breed of dog will carry the best parts of both species with them, making them a perfect companion for many homes. They are gentle and affectionate and do not require extensive exercise or large amounts of food. 

Maltipoos are very dependent on their human family for companionship and do not like to be left alone for long periods. Their pleasant demeanor makes them terrific dogs for both families with children or seniors. 

These dogs do require exercise each day, but they do not need long walks and can be happy to play fetch in small areas as part of their daily routine. A 10 to 15-minute walk or a session of playtime with a ball or toys twice a day will give your Maltipoo all the exercise they need to keep them healthy and active. 

They will run around your home sporadically during the day when they feel a burst of energy, but these smaller breeds are less disruptive than large dogs. 

Hypoallergenic and Non-Shedding Traits

Many dog owners will choose a Maltipoo for their non-shedding traits. Because they are a combination of Maltese and Poodle breeds, people with allergies can tolerate their hair well.

Although there is not a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, Maltipoos do fare well in homes with those suffering from animal dander allergies and cause minimal symptoms. This feature makes them the perfect breed for many individuals. 

How Big Do Maltipoos Get?

Although there is one standard size for the Maltese breed, there is an extensive range of sizes for the Poodle. Because of this, a Maltipoo can vary in size, depending on the size of the parents. Typically, a Maltese will be the result of breeding with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, but some breeders will breed Maltipoos together. 

So how can you tell the size your Maltipoo will be full-grown? The best way to gauge how big your new puppy will be is to look at the size of its parents. While Maltese breeds average only 7 to 12 inches in height and 4 to 8 pounds in weight, a Poodle can be substantially larger. 

Toy Poodles are more evenly matched with a Maltese in size. They will grow no taller than 10 inches high and weigh around 6 to 9 pounds in total. Miniature Poodles can be slightly larger, ranging up to 15 inches in height, and weigh anywhere from 12 to 20 pounds. 

If you are unsure of the parents’ sizes for your Maltipoo, its adult size can fall anywhere between 7 to 15 inches and weigh from 4 to 20 pounds in total. This range can be extensive, so examining the parents would be a closer indication for you. 

Size Classifications

When exploring the Maltipoo breed, you will find a variety of sizing terms, including: 

• Teacup
• Toy
• Miniature 
• Standard 

There is not much difference between each size classification, but you will notice contrasting sizes between the Teacup and a Miniature or Standard Maltipoo. 

Teacup is a term frequently used for dog breeds that fall under a total weight of four pounds when fully grown. They are often the result of breeding extremely small puppies together for smaller than normal offspring. 

Toy sizes will be dogs that weigh 10 pounds or less at maturity. Some breeders will market Toy Maltipoos as Teacups to generate interest of potential owners. 

Miniature Maltipoos that are on the larger size of their growth scale will fall into this category. Even if you have a 20 pound Maltipoo, it will still be considered a miniature since it is tiny compared to an average dog breed. 

You may come across some breeders who have Standard Maltipoos. It is rare to have a Standard size as this hybrid breed can vary significantly, depending on the parents. When a breeder advertises a Standard size Maltipoo, it can fall into the Toy or Miniature categories. 

Once a breeder has enough bloodlines that produce the identical size puppies each litter, they market them as Standard since they can determine how large the dog will be at maturity. Often, Standard Maltipoos are the result of breeding Maltipoos together rather than a Maltese and a Poodle. 

When are Maltipoos Full-Grown? 

Different dog breeds will grow and mature at individual rates. Not all dogs will be full-grown at one year of age, and the Maltipoo is no exception. The time they reach adult size will vary, depending on if they are bred with a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle. Knowing this element, you can have a better idea of when they will be fully grown. 

Puppies will grow quickly until around six to nine months old, where they reach almost full height. They will continue to grow and mature during this time, but it is at a slower rate. 

Maltipoos with the Toy breed line in their genetic makeup will mature between 9 and 11 months of age. Miniature breeding lines for Maltipoos will reach adult size and weight between 11 and 13 months old. When you have no idea what the parents’ bloodlines are, your Maltipoo will reach its full-grown size anywhere between 9 and 13 months of age. 

They can be fully grown in size but not reach maturity until much later. Even after their skeletal system is fully grown, their bodies can still develop muscle and fat until they reach 18 months of age. Your puppy may look like they are filling out during this time as they gain a little more weight but do not grow any taller. 

Is the Maltipoo Breed Size Right for You? 

After exploring all of the options available for this hybrid breed, you may want to consider which type of Maltipoo you wish to have for a new family member. Try to find out how big the parents were or the dog’s age to help indicate how big your pet will be. 

Many new pet owners will favor one size over another, so choosing between a Toy or Miniature Maltipoo is a personal decision. No matter which size you choose, adding a Maltipoo to your home will provide a loyal and affectionate companion. This breed of dog is fantastic for apartments or homes, making them perfect for any situation. Once you add a Maltipoo to your home, your life will never be the same.