Maltipoo breed is a fairly popular breed today. This is because of their puppy-like appearance. They maintain this appearance until adulthood. They are also popular because of their fur. The most popular color today is apricot. This breed is also friendly. This is one the best breeds for indoors. So if you’re not the outdoor-ish type, this breed can be the best for you. Although popular, there are common maltipoo myths that you should know. These myths may prevent you from getting that cute fluffy maltipoo. If you’re already an owner, then you might be worried about some of these myths. To clear the air, these are 10 common myths on maltipoo.
The Myth
Maltipoo as “Yappers.” What are yappers? They are frequent barkers and howlers. In other words, they are extremely noisy. If you are the type that likes to keep it quiet, then “yappers” can give you hell. Small dogs are mistaken as “yappers.” Probably because of their appearance. A maltipoo has a signature snout. This snout might waft off the aura of a yapper.
Busted
A maltipoo barks the same way as other dog breeds. It’s not fair to blame the small size. A maltipoo, after all, is an interbreed between a toy poodle and a purebred maltese. This is the reason for the small size. There is no scientific evidence that a maltipoo dog barks more often than other breeds. If you like keeping it quiet and cuddled, then this breed makes the perfect call. There are small dogs, however, that have the tendency to howl. One example is the Beagle. Other small dogs, such as the pug, have more tendencies to snore. But this is due to the shape of their heads.
But…
Under one-year-old a maltipoo does have a tendency to bark frequently, especially during night time. This is common with many puppies. But do take note: a maltipoo is a designer dog. It is a house pet that uses barking for communicating discomfort. When there is excessive barking, try to check the bed or cage. Is the maltipoo uncomfortable? Is it too hot? Could there be other sources for discomfort? Bed too confining? Back problems? We’ve always been taught that communication is key. A maltipoo will communicate any discomfort. As a pet owner, you have to be responsive to these needs. This is not only for your own sake. But also for the sake of your sleeping neighbors during the night.
The Myth
Hyperactivity = outdoors. There is, however, some truth to this. A maltipoo is very friendly and playful. There is a tendency to be hyperactive. Pet owners should learn to play with the maltipoo every now and then. However, this would mean that maltipoos are outdoor-ish. Therefore, they can be taken during long trips. They can join hikes and camping.
Busted
It is true that a maltipoo is playful. In fact, there should be regular playtime everyday. This sheds off the extra energy before bedtime. Not playing with the maltipoo can leave them either hyper or alone. However, maltipoo does not do well outdoors – at least not for an extended period. This breed can be taken during trips or walks. They can be taken to the mall. They can join parties. But they would not be able to cope with the hype without the support of their pet owners. Maltipoos are an indoor kind. They do best as house buddies. They can cuddle and play all day, best when indoors. A maltipoo is considered as a designer dog. This means that they are best suited as a house pet. The moment that they are taken outdoors, pet owners would need to supervise them.
Got any ideas for indoor activities? Here are some that you can do with a maltipoo:
Tips on indoor activities:
- Teethers and plush toys: Keeping pets, in general, entertained at home involves toys. Plush toys are convenient, useful, and easy to clean. You could say that they are the “to-go” kind of toys. Best practices? Choose plush toys that are BPA free. A maltipoo would enjoy bright colorful toys to get busy. This can be a great way to prevent boredom. You could leave a maltipoo plenty of toys when you need to leave the house. The best thing about teethers and plush toys is that they can easily be cleaned. A teether can easily be washed. Plush toys can be hand washed or machine washed.
- Treats in the food dispenser: You can entertain the maltipoo with treats. You can always do this manually, especially when teaching new skills. A food dispenser stimulates the dog. It can also prevent them from being overweight. A food dispenser can release small amounts, depending on the customization. There are some food dispensers that are also toys. This increases the difficulty level so that only a liberal amount can be released.
The Myth
Smaller dogs live shorter than bigger dogs. They are frailer and weaker. Their needs are more demanding. Smaller dogs get more easily sick than bigger dogs.
Busted
A maltipoo can live from 12 to 16 years. For a small dog, that range is not short. As for being frailer and weaker? One behavioral problem for this breed is hyperactivity. This means excessive energy that can be challenging. You could tire before the maltipoo. True enough, this breed is the indoor type. However, they are playful and need regular exercise to stay in shape. There is no basis that big dogs can live longer than small dogs. Pet care becomes a decisive factor. There is no basis that small dogs can get sick easier. However, no breed is immune from sickness. For a maltipoo, these are two common diseases to watch out for:
- White Shaker Syndrome: This occurs between 6 months to 3 years old. Signs would include the lack of coordination, over-excitement, and rapid eye movement.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This occurs between 4 to 6 months old. The femur is affected due to the lack of blood supply.
The Myth
Too much hair means daily bath. A maltipoo needs to take a bath daily because of the lank of hair. This avoids ticks and fleas. Daily baths can prevent matting. Daily brushing is also a must.
Busted
Daily brushing is a must. Dogs, in general, need daily brushing. Some chewers and teethers can even help maintain oral care for dogs. This is because dogs explore using their mouth. Double this fact for a maltipoo that loves to explore. Daily brushing the proper way is not an option. A maltipoo, however, needs only one bath in three weeks. Some pet owners give one bath per month. One bath per 3 weeks or in a month prevents drying. Hair brushing, however, needs to be done daily to prevent matting. Matting is something that you should not allow. This can irritate the dog so much that this could affect the mood.
The Myth
More hair means more shedding. The logic is clear. Maltipoo hair can vary from curly to silky, and from soft to thick. Because there is a need for daily hair brushing, shedding is doubled. A maltipoo can be difficult to keep if the pet owner is sensitive to dog hair.
Busted
Anyone who has read the origins of the maltipoo would know that this breed was made as non shedders. Made for the indoors, allergy sufferers need not worry about one of the common maltipoo myths. Regular clipping and brushing will maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
The Myth
Made for the indoors means that they can easily learn new tricks. Maltipoos can be taught at an early age and learn new commands. They were made from two smart breeds which means that they can also harness new knowledge fast.
Busted
Yes and no. Indeed, maltipoos are smart and can be trained as early as 8-weeks-old for simple commands. With continuous training and positive reinforcement, they can garner new skills easily. Teaching at an early age is very important. Socialization with family members is also crucial during the first weeks and months. However, training can be difficult for the playful pet. In fact, common behavioral problems involve potty training and peeing wherever. This is because the maltipoo may sometimes find it difficult to be steady and to focus. Just because the maltipoo is an indoor pet doesn’t mean that training is like a walk in the park. Teaching new skills can be challenging.
The Myth
A maltipoo is an indoor pet that doesn’t need that much supervision. He/she would easily understand where to sit, play, and eat. Teaching can be easy. Proper instructions can be delayed since the home is only a small space where behavior can be contained.
Busted
This does not only fall as one of the common maltipoo myths. It also falls as a misconception about indoor dogs. Timing is crucial for any dog, especially puppies. Always remember that a maltipoo is very playful. One moment you turn your back and the maltipoo could be tugging the sofa. Saying ‘no’ to unwanted behavior should be done immediately. Spare the rod, spoil the child applies here. Your words are the rod. Timing is crucial. To remove an unwanted behavior, negative reinforcement can work.
Negative reinforcement is not punishment. Instead, this adds an action to remove a behavior. For instance, the puppy has ruined your favorite tie. You need to take him out of the yard (a safe distance of course). This is the added action. Your puppy will not like this kind of ‘time out.’ He/she would therefore understand the error. It was wrong to chew the cupcake-designed tie. Because the tie was chewed, he/she was taking ‘time out.’ The puppy would relate one incident after another easy. Remember that timing is crucial.
The Myth
Maltipoos bark whenever they feel a discomfort. Barking is always high pitched and sharp for a maltipoo. This is a call for distress.
Busted
True enough, maltipoos bark as a cry for help. Take this like a baby crying to meet their needs. However, not all barking is the same. There are slight differences. Usually, these differences depend on the personality and temperament of the dog. It also depends on how much the pet owner knows the maltipoo.
- A high-pitched bark may indicate fear. You would observe this when they see new faces in the house. Seeing strangers can cause fear and anxiety.
- Barking with whining may indicate loneliness. When your dog is missing you, this could happen. This is also observed as a sign of loneliness. A maltipoo gets easily lonely. If you are the type that doesn’t like a clingy dog, then a maltipoo is not for you.
- Sharp barking, still high-pitched. This ‘sharpness’ will be obvious when it is continuous. Feeling anxious is one thing. Feeling aggressive is another. Maltipoos may really dislike certain strangers and could feel aggressive as a consequence. They would express this through sharp barking.
- Other types, a distressed signal. This is where intuition enters the picture. As a pet owner, you know the dog well enough. Sometimes barking can be an indication of serious health problems. If you have noticed that the quality and pitch are different (i.e. hoarse, fatigued, or weak), then it is best to check for fleas, ticks, gum problems, or dizziness.
Here’s a video on how to calm the maltipoo when distressed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYcQhV6Rcgw
Also Read: How to Deal with Maltipoo Separation Anxiety – A Guide for Every Pet Owner
The Myth
Maltipoos should be trained differently when they are young. When they become older, old habits can be waived and some can be adapted. For instance, they can poop inside the house occasionally.
Busted
Consistency is key. Being inconsistent is a faulty training practice for all dog types. Changing the rules can create confusion, especially if the dog has already been habituated to a specific behavior. For example, you would only allow the maltipoo to sleep on your bed occasionally. Dogs do not understand the concept of ‘occasionally’ or ‘sometimes.’ This can even be a source of confusion. Being clear on the command is crucial because learning can be boxed for a maltipoo. This means that they will follow what has been crystallized in working memory. Inconsistency can distort a learned skill.
The Myth
A maltipoo is highly adaptable due to the amount of hair that it has. It can adapt to both hot and cold temperatures.
Busted
Not really ‘adaptable,’ but are sensitive to temperature changes. Maltipoos are sensitive to cold and hot temperatures. Between the two, they are more sensitive to heat. This is the reason why outdoor trips, especially hiking, are not ideal. Maltipoos tend to shiver whenever they feel too cold. This would also depend on sleeping hours and body fat. They tend to have less body fat which makes shivering highly possible even when the temperature is not too low. There are a couple of ways to comfort the dog when the temperature changes. This could include putting them in comfortable outdoor clothes or putting extra blankets in their bed. Normally, maltipoos sleep for as long as 14 hours. Shorter sleep can affect their mood and health.
Common maltipoo myths share similar misconceptions with indoor dogs. Maltipoos, like other breeds, have different grooming needs, sleeping patterns, temperaments, and nutrition. They are well-known for their playful and friendly temperament. They are designed to look as pups until they grow old. But just because they are designer and indoor dogs doesn’t mean that they are fragile and easily tamed. The common maltipoo myths were busted to disprove this idea.
