Do Maltipoos get along with other dogs? If you’re in the market for a new puppy, you’re probably weighing your options. Some breeds are more well-known for being friendly and amicable toward other pups, so what about the Maltese-Poodle mix?
The Maltipoo is a designer dog that was first deliberately bred in the 1990s. Because they’re a relatively new breed, the pups are gaining in popularity quickly. If you’re considering adding one of these fluffy dogs to your family, you’ll want to learn all you can about the breed.
Well, we’re here to help. Before you adopt or buy a Maltipoo puppy, keep reading! In our guide, we’ll talk about whether Maltipoo dogs get along with others. Additionally, we’ll cover what you can do to socialize your pup for the smoothest transition into your household.
Before reading this guide, “Do Maltipoos Get Along With Other Dogs,” check out: Why Is My Maltipoo Shedding? (2023) and When Is a Maltipoo Full-Grown? (2023).
What Is a Maltipoo?
The Maltipoo, as mentioned, was first deliberately introduced in the United States in the late 1900s. The 1990s brought an influx of breeders who were interested in combining the intelligence and the hypoallergenic traits of the Poodle with the laid-back, friendly personality of the Maltese.
The result, of course, is a fluffy teddy bear dog with floppy ears and a winning personality. The dogs look — and usually act — like puppies for their lives. And that life can be quite long! The average lifespan of a Maltipoo is between 12 and 16 years, so you can be sure you’re adopting a true lifetime companion!
Your Maltipoo can be just about any color thanks to its Maltese and Poodle genes — some may even be multi-colored. Plan to groom your Maltipoo every month or two, and brush him frequently as the dogs are prone to matting and tangles.
As for exercise, you should plan to be active if you adopt a Maltipoo! It’s best for these little dogs to get about 40 minutes of activity each day. That activity may be walking, jogging, hiking, or just playing a rowdy game of fetch in the backyard.
Do Maltipoos Get Along With Other Dogs?
Maltipoos make great apartment dogs and are wonderful companions for seniors and families with responsible children. By responsible, we mean kids that know the proper way to handle a dog.
But what about the existing dogs in your home? Do Maltipoos get along with other dogs, or will you be introducing chaos and drama into your home?
In short, Maltipoos do get along with other dogs. However, the socialization of your pup will be critical, and it should start at an early age. It’s important to choose a Maltipoo breeder who takes the time to train dogs to be handled by humans and to introduce puppies to other animals.
If your breeder has family pets, all the better! Your puppy will learn from an early age that other dogs will set boundaries and will learn to set his own. He’ll be less likely to demonstrate food aggression, and when he’s socialized early he’ll be more likely to transition seamlessly into your home with your dogs.
How Are Maltipoos Socialized?
Some of the social activity your Maltipoo receives will come from the breeder, while other aspects should be handled by you when you bring him home.
To begin, your breeder should work hard to ensure your pup is exposed to other animals and humans — especially children. Some breeders will choose to utilize a training program that includes leash training, exposure to stimuli like a vacuum, and an introduction to children.
There are courses, classes, and programs that were specially created for this, and the training should begin as early as when your puppy is three weeks old! Ask your breeder about the programs they offer, and discuss how you can employ similar methods when you get your puppy home.
When Gotcha Day rolls around, you’ll want to start your own training! Of course, your puppy will take some time to acclimate to his new surroundings. Yet it’s a good idea to begin introductions as soon as possible. We’ll talk a little more about that later in our guide.
You don’t have to enroll your dog in an expensive program to ensure he’s getting the social interaction he needs. Eventually, once your dog is vaccinated, you’ll be able to get all the interaction you need just by frequenting daycares and doggy parks.
How Do I Socialize a Maltipoo With Children?
Maltipoos are gentle, friendly, and laid-back dogs. As such, your Maltese-Poodle mix will probably get along just fine with your kids from the moment you bring him home! However, it’s important you have a chat with your kiddos before Gotcha Day to ensure that everyone is on board with the care of your dog.
First of all, establish boundaries. Help your kids (in particular the younger ones) to understand that your little puppy is fragile! Handling the puppy when excited can lead to injury. Additionally, your kids should understand that your pup can get overstimulated.
The dog is cute, sure, and your little ones will be eager to give him plenty of attention. Supervise them to avoid adding unnecessary stress to your puppy’s transition.
If it’s possible to do so, bring your kids with you when it’s time to pick the puppy up for the first time. They can get all their excitement and squeals out while the dog is safely kenneled in the car, making it less likely that they’ll “bother” the dog when you get home.
Finally, try to give each child their own responsibility, if they’re old enough! For instance, you can enlist one child to un-crate the dog and bring him out in the morning, another to measure and serve his food, and another to walk or brush the dog.
How Do I Introduce My Maltipoo to Other Dogs?
Do you already have dogs in your home? You’ll want to introduce the newest member of your family gradually and carefully. Your existing dog may get territorial, and will almost certainly get jealous.
Choose a neutral space to introduce the dogs, and keep each on a leash. Ensure that the area is free of your older dogs’ favorite toys. It’s okay to buy a few new ones for the occasion.
Once you’ve established a neutral space, it’s time to introduce your babies to one another! Keep them on their leads and let them say “hi” — they’ll likely sniff one another and it’s possible they’ll try to play. If you have a larger dog, stay vigilant. Your pup may want to play but may not realize his own strength.
As we mentioned when discussing children, it’s important to understand that dogs can get overstimulated. Look for signs of stress or anxiety in both dogs and separate them as you see the distance become necessary.
The introduction may take several days, so please be patient with your animals as they grow accustomed to this new lifestyle.
During this transitional time, your older dog may show a bit of separation anxiety or even jealousy. Give him extra attention to make sure he knows that he’s still a loved and cherished member of your growing family.
How to Choose a Maltipoo Breeder
Choosing a breeder who will care for the social and emotional well-being of your puppy is crucial if you’re planning a lifetime of companionship. Therefore, you’ll want to select a Maltipoo breeder who puts the pups’ needs first in the first, formative weeks of their lives.
When selecting a breeder, do all that you can to visit the kennel in person. We understand that some Maltipoos are shipped from state to state, but if you have a first-hand interaction with the place in which the puppies were raised, you’ll get a better feel for whether the dogs will be friendly.
Use all your senses to scope out the breeder’s kennel. Does it smell fresh and clean? Does it look tidy and do the animals look well-cared for? If you can, take a little time to play with the puppies and ascertain whether they feel plump and fuzzy as healthy puppies should.
Most importantly, chat with the breeder. Ask her about her dams and sires and her breeding standards. Health guarantees are a consideration, and your breeder should be willing to offer lifetime support should questions or concerns arise.
Look at reviews from others, too! Referrals and good reviews can go a long way in helping you decide whether the breeder — and puppy — you choose will be a good addition to your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
While a small Maltipoo can have an accident while playing with a larger breed, in general, the two should get along if both are socialized.
Maltipoos can become aggressive in certain situations where they feel threatened, stressed, or anxious. Generally speaking, though, Maltipoos are affectionate dogs.
Maltipoos are known to form a close bond with their owners. In some cases, a dog can prefer one owner over another and become attached to them.
Conclusion for “Do Maltipoos Get Along With Other Dogs”
Maltipoos are a designer breed, and the breed was only first introduced in the late 1900s. Even so, they’re a popular little dog, and hundreds of sweet Maltipoo puppies are adopted each year.
Do you already have dogs in your home? If so, and if you’re looking for a Maltipoo puppy, you’re probably wondering “Do Maltipoos get along with other dogs?” In short, yes they do! When given the right care and social experiences, your new little furry friend will get along with each of your family members just fine.
If you find this guide, “Do Maltipoos Get Along With Other Dogs,” helpful, check out:
- Are Maltipoos Hypoallergenic? (2023)
- Are Maltipoos Smart? (2023)
- Maltipoo Lifespan – How Long Do Maltipoos Live? (2023)
Learn more by watching “7 Reasons You SHOULD NOT Get a Maltipoo” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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