How Many Puppies Can A Maltipoo Have & Other Breeding Tips

Like many other breeds, Maltipoos have their standard litter size. Dog owners are concerned about how many puppies a Maltipoo can have. Maltipoos are a miniature breed that is packed with a lot of personalities. These dogs result from crossing a Maltese dog and a miniature poodle. Breeders can choose different breeding methods to have a distinct appearance on a puppy.

How Many Puppies Can A Maltipoo Have?

The ideal litter size of a Maltipoo is four to six puppies. The litter size may vary depending on the mother’s condition. During the first pregnancy, a Maltipoo may get only one puppy. Nonetheless, this is a rare condition. With proper monitoring, you can get a large, healthy litter.

The litter size varies depending on factors such as age and breed. Breeders should be sure to pick the parents properly and monitor the mother during her heat cycle and pregnancy. A proper diet also comes in handy in producing a handful of litter.

You must follow the set breeding standards to breed towards your desirable traits. It would be best if you bred your Maltipoo when they are old enough to avoid impacting the puppies’ health.

How Do You Breed Maltipoos?

The average litter size of a Maltipoo ranges between four to six puppies. Although it’s rare for this breed to get one puppy, it sometimes happens during the first pregnancy. It would help if you were a responsible breeder to get a handful and healthy litter.

Known to be family-friendly, adorable, and intelligent, Maltipoos are suitable for large and small households as they make great therapy dogs. These dogs have a lifespan of 10-15 years, and the time frame depends on some factors like good health and routine exercise.

Maltipoos are classified into two classes, depending on their size. The two classes are teacup and miniature. 

The Maltipoo clubs are initiating specific breeding standards to gain recognition with the AKC. Below are the two types of Maltipoo breeding.

First Generation Breeding

To recognize the Maltipoo in the AKC, the Maltipoo Club of America has to have solid standards for this dog. To acknowledge this dog breed, the first step should be considering mixing only 1^st generation dogs.

Mixing a miniature poodle and pure Maltese results in a first-generation Maltipoo puppy. The Maltipoo can eventually earn recognition as its own breed with proper breeding practices. The puppies will neither appear more like poodles or Maltese. They are likely to have completely distinct attributes.

The most important factor to note while picking the parents is that the female should always be larger than the male. This ensures an easier delivery time, minimizing the chances of having a Cesarean section.

The toy poodle should weigh between 6-9 pounds, while the Maltese should weigh between 4-7 pounds. It’s upon the breeder to choose which dog will be the dam and which one will be the sire between the poodle and the Maltese.

Second Generation Breeding

Breeding a Maltipoo to Maltipoo results in a 2^nd generation puppy. Second-generation puppies do not have distinct features. Their appearance leans closer to either the poodle or the Maltese, depending on the parents’ appearance.

A second-generation puppy is far off from a pure first-generation pure Maltipoo. If a breeder chooses two dogs with a 50/50 appearance of the poodle and the Maltese, the puppies are likely to have some distinct features. This brings them closer to the standard.

While breeders continue producing 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th generation Maltipoo puppies, establishing a standard becomes more difficult. These generations work against making the pure Maltipoo bloodline stronger.

Parents’ Characteristics

It is crucial to ensure that the sire and the dam do not have any genetic health issues to have healthy puppies. The parents should be tested to meet the AKC standards and be medically sound.

Genetic flaws can be passed from the parent to the puppy. Low-quality parents will produce a low-quality litter. These are some of the things to look out for in parents.

• Healthy coats
• The proper weight range
• A good bite
• Correct tail set
• A good body structure
• Good genetics
• A proper ear set
• Good overall health.

What is the Maltipoo Pregnancy overview?

The first heat cycle sets in as soon as the female Maltipoo reaches puberty, between 4-8 months old.

It is, however, not recommendable to breed a Maltipoo during her first cycle because they will not be at their full adult size. The pelvic width is not fully developed to bear pregnancy.

According to the AKC regulations, the best age for a Maltipoo to get pregnant is eight months. Although the AKC regulations state otherwise, it is best for Maltipoo to get pregnant at two years old when they are in their 2^nd or 3^rd cycle.

The Maltipoo gestation period lasts between 58 to 65 days. This dog litters two to four puppies on average. The most fertile time for a Maltipoo to get pregnant is 10 to 15 days after the onset of heat.

Pregnancy Testing

Pre-pregnancy testing is vital. A patella evaluation and a cardiac exam should accompany the general pregnancy examination. 

These tests rule out all genetic and hereditary health issues that may be present. The confirmatory pregnancy tests include:

• A blood test
• A palpation/ an ultrasound
• An X-ray.

Pseudopregnancy is a possible case. The Maltipoo may display an enlarged belly which will dissipate after 3-4 weeks. Therefore, breeders should monitor the female closely and ensure that all pre-pregnancy tests have been done.

Signs of Pregnancy in a Maltipoo

A Maltipoo’s pregnancy lasts nine weeks. It is possible to notice pregnancy signs by the beginning of the fourth week. Below are the obvious signs to look out for.

• Enlarged nipples– Towards the end of the second week, the nipples become larger and pop outwards.
• Swollen Stomach– A distended stomach is visible towards the end of the second week.
• Nausea– Morning sickness may occur at any time of the day. Although this is noticeable within the second week, it may carry on into the later stages of the pregnancy.
• Enlarged mammary glands– The mammary glands start to fill with colostrum and enlarge. This is seen within the third week of pregnancy.
• Change in appetite– A pregnant Maltipoo has increased appetite by the end of the third week.
• Behavioral changes– You will notice a behavior change as soon as the third-week sets in. The Maltipoo may become clingy or shoe nesting tendencies.

Maltipoo Pregnancy Care Tips

1. Avoid giving your Maltipoo calcium supplements during pregnancy.
2. Maintain regular exercise to help the Maltipoo have endurance.
3. Limit a lot of jumping.
4. Keep the other dogs away from the pregnant one.
5. Do not use any pest control method unless instructed by a vet.
6. You can switch the Maltipoo’s diet and offer one with higher fat content.
7. Keep your Maltipoo within the right temperature range of 102.5⁰ Fahrenheit.

Maltipoo Birthing Issues

Unlike other large breeds, Maltipoos are a miniature breed. Therefore, they are prone to some birthing issues since their pelvic canals are not wide enough to facilitate normal birth. This leads to dystocia.

Other causes of dystocia in maltipoos include; oversized fetus, abnormal position of the fetus, and short uterine contractions.

How Do You Take Care of a Maltipoo Puppy?

All Maltipoo puppies attain maturity between 11 and 13 months of age. These puppies’ personalities shine even in their adulthood. To increase your puppies’ lifespan, you should consider the following factors:

• Proper diet: You can keep your Maltipoo healthy by feeding them a nutrient-rich diet. Feeding these puppies a dry food diet high in natural ingredients will help them thrive.
• Regular exercise: Ensure your Maltipoo puppy gets at least 30 minutes of active play daily. Regular exercise keeps obesity and heart illness away.
• Regular vet visits: Make sure to take your puppies to the vet at least twice yearly for a check-up. Also, vaccinate your puppies to protect them from infections.

What is the Price for Maltipoo Puppies?

The average price for a Maltipoo puppy ranges between $400 to $2,000. The price entirely depends on the following:

• Breeder’s reputation
• Parents’ bloodline
• Health inspections that are conducted
• Temperament and physical features
• The overall health of the puppies.

Although it’s possible to acquire a Maltipoo puppy for as low as $100, you should consider all the above factors.