While there are a bunch of Poodle crossbreeds that make great family companions, the appeal of the Maltipoo remains unmatched. This is why many dog lovers are curious about how much a Maltipoo costs.
Due to their trainability and skills as therapy dogs, it’s no wonder why they are relatively more expensive than other Poodle mixes like the Yorkipoo or Labradoodles.
If you ended up in this guide because you’re trying to estimate how much a Maltipoo puppy costs, consider yourself lucky!
This is actually a comprehensive guide on Maltipoo price and the ongoing expenses of owning one.
The Average Cost of a Maltipoo Puppy
The average cost of a Maltipoo puppy from a reputable breeder is between $400 and $4,000. However, some breeders sell rare-colored Maltipoo puppies at a much higher price range. For instance, red, champagne, and chocolate puppies may cost you around $8,000 to $15,000.
On another note, adult Maltipoos are sold at a relatively lower price than adult purebred dogs since they are no longer in their prime years. You’ll see them being marketed by reputable breeders for only $350 to $700.
Apart from the age and color of the Maltipoo puppies, their size also has a say in their price.
Among all the Maltipoo sizes, teacups are noticeably the most expensive since their parent dogs are intentionally bred by a limited number of dog breeders. This does not mean, though, that they are healthier than the other sizes.
In fact, they may be considered an anomaly since the Maltese and Poodle don’t really come in the teacup size.
Check out this video to see what a healthy Maltese Poodle mix from a reputable breeder looks like:
Maltipoo Puppy Growing Up! | Week 1 to Week 16 | Puppy Transformation<a href="https://youtu.be/LE2pftUI5uY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FLE2pftUI5uY%2F0.jpg" alt="Maltipoo Puppy Growing Up! | Week 1 to Week 16 | Puppy Transformation" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Maltipoo Puppy
Compared to other mixed breed dogs, Maltipoo puppies cost a lot more. Now you may find these actual Maltipoo prices ironic since these dogs are small crossbreeds.
Why would they cost so much when they can very well fit in the palm of a hand?
To put you out of confusion, here is a detailed list of all the factors that impact Maltipoo prices:
Breeder’s Reputation: Professional breeders go to great lengths just to prove their reputation, unlike puppy mills. Once they are given recognition or acknowledged by certain organizations like the American Kennel Club, their Maltipoo prices become more premium. This is well worth it, though, because they offer the healthiest puppies, and their breeding stock is health tested.
Size: As discussed in the former section, the Maltipoo breed comes in three different sizes: teacup, toy, and miniature. Teacup Maltipoos are the most expensive since they are harder to come by. They are meticulously bred to avoid congenital diseases that they may inherit due to their size.
Color: Unlike other crossbreeds, the color of a Maltipoo dictates its cost. Red, champagne, and chocolate Maltipoos are way more expensive than white, cream, and other colors due to their rarity.
Generation: Since Maltipoos are hybrids, first-generation (F1) crosses that only require a Poodle parent and a Maltese parent are cheaper than second-generation puppies and beyond. This can be attributed to the fact that in breeding F2 and the succeeding generations, the breeder needs to wait for a long time, and they have to closely monitor their Maltipoos to avoid inbreeding.
Lineage: Similar to purebreds, a Maltipoo puppy’s bloodline directly affects its price. Maltipoos with champion bloodlines have better characteristics, be they physical or temperamental.
Puppy’s Age: Maltipoo puppies need more careful attention than their adult counterparts; thus, they are more expensive. Initially, Maltipoo breeders have their litters vetted, microchipped, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered, which can balloon to a few hundred dollars.
Some other minor factors that can impact the price of a Maltipoo are the location of the breeder or the shipping cost, the dog’s popularity in a certain area, and registration fee in hybrid kennel organizations.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Maltipoo From a Rescue?
Maltipoo fanciers who are on a tight budget may be wondering how much a Maltipoo costs from a rescue. Well, the adoption fee is around $100 to $800, depending on the organization.
This means of acquiring a Maltipoo is more suggested since a dog’s life can be saved while being practical in terms of money.
The fee collected by most shelters and rescues goes to maintaining other dogs left in the facility.
If you want to be technical about it, the actual cost of rehabilitating a rescued dog is way more expensive than what is being asked by these rescue organizations.
However, the screening process is also more intensive than buying a dog.
If you ever found a Maltipoo on a rescue and you want to ace your adoption application, go read our ultimate guide on dog adoption.
It offers a run-through of the application process and tons of helpful tips to ensure that you’ll get to bring home a Maltipoo in no time.
Initial Cost of Maltipoo Ownership
Owning a Maltipoo, or any dog for that matter, will require you to spend a chunk of your savings for their care and maintenance aside from the fee you’ll pay to the Maltipoo breeder.
You won’t be able to transition your dog home without buying some necessary items like leashes and collars, dog food, food bowls, and the like.
Here is a complete list of all initial Maltipoo breed essentials, along with their average cost:
Food and Treats: Despite being a small dog, the Maltipoo breed is a hearty eater. They need to be fed twice or thrice a day since their metabolism is fast. That being said, you’ll spend around $50 to $80 for grain-free dog food and treats.
Food and Water Bowls: You won’t be able to feed your dog just by the palm of your hand. Purchasing feeding bowls for their food and water is something you shouldn’t overlook. These can be purchased for $10 to $25.
Bed: Similar to humans, Maltipoos need a dog bed for them to sleep comfortably. This can also serve as a space for them to retreat to if you have visitors. There are various types of dog beds available in the market, and the average price is between $30 and $150.
Crate: Dog crates are primarily needed if you plan to travel with your dog. But you may also choose to buy this for house training or to prevent destructive behavior since Maltipoos are known for aggression due to separation anxiety. You can source a sturdy crate for around $30 to $200.
Leashes and Collars: Purchasing a leash and collar for your pup is advantageous during obedience training. Similarly, these items come in handy when you walk them in your neighborhood or you bring them elsewhere. You can purchase a good-quality leash and collar from pet stores for about $15 to $50.
Toys: Maltipoos are playful family pets due to their Poodle ancestors. Surely, you don’t want them to chew your rug or your furniture because of this innate playfulness. What you can do is provide them with chew toys that cost between $20 to $30. This also improves their jaws, so it’s well worth your money.
Grooming Essentials: Maltipoos may be non-shedders, but they need to be cleaned and groomed from time to time. They need to be brushed 2 to 3 times a week. Aside from a brush, you also need other grooming essentials like dog shampoo, nail trimmer, and ear cleaners that you can purchase for $30 to $150.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Maltipoo puppies are prone to parasitic worms, fleas, and ticks. If the breeder didn’t have your dog dewormed, you need to spend $50 to $200 along with flea and tick medications.
Initial Vet Visits: After taking your puppy home, you are required to take your Maltipoo to the vet clinic for an initial consultation. Since this dog breed is vulnerable to different health issues, it’s best to have your dog checked for initial symptoms of any disease.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Vaccine shots are important if you want to avoid an unhealthy dog. There are also some dog vaccines that are meant to protect humans from a dog’s scratch or accidental bite. These vaccines are often around $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: If you have no plans to use your Maltipoo for breeding, neutering or spaying is a must. These procedures can cost around $50 to $500.
Dog License: You should also consider getting a dog license for your Maltipoo. Having this will ensure that your pup will be identified and brought home in case it gets lost. A dog license will cost you around $10 to $20.
Microchip: Getting your Maltipoo microchipped is another expense you shouldn’t skip. A microchip contains important information about a particular puppy which is helpful in identifying your pup when it gets lost. The procedure for microchip implantation usually costs between $40 and $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Owning adorable pups can also get messy. To help you dispose of their waste without the added hassle, buy a poop scooper, urine cleaner, and other cleaning essentials for $15 to $30.
Below is a recap of each initial item you need to purchase for your Maltipoo:
Note that the expenses listed above are only average costs. In other words, the total amount of money you’ll be spending for your Maltipoo will still depend on the type, brand, or amount of product you’ll buy.
For dog food, however, buying in bulk will save you a lot more money.
Annual Costs of Owning a Maltipoo
Aside from the Maltipoo puppy’s price and initial costs, the annual expenses of Maltipoo ownership may be overwhelming for most pet owners. The recurring costs for these small dogs amount to over a thousand dollars in total.
Here is a rundown of the yearly expenses of maintaining a Maltipoo, including the computed monthly cost:
Maltipoo ownership is no cheap venture. Throughout your pet’s lifespan, you need to provide for its needs, whether food, toys, or medical requirements.
Annual vet visits should always be a priority for your Maltipoo. This is to ensure that they’re free from health issues that may progress as they grow old. Hence, you need to prepare $200 to $400 to pay a licensed veterinarian.
Most potential puppy owners ignore the potential cost of medical treatment for diseases such as White Shaker Syndrome.
To avoid breaking your bank account in case your Maltipoo has a medical emergency, you should include pet insurance in your yearly pet budget. This typically costs $500 to $600 per year.
Other Potential Expenses
As a devoted dog lover, it is normal to desire the best for our dogs. This involves availing services that will make them more comfortable as they serve as our companions.
Here is a list of the services and potential expenses that you should consider including in your budget:
Pet Daycare: When you are tasked to run some errands or have a domestic or international trip, you could leave your Maltipoo dog in a daycare center where someone can look after them. This service amounts to $40 to $80.
Dog Walking Services: If you’re too busy with work and you don’t have enough time to walk your pet since they are active dogs, hiring a dog walker for $15 to $30 puts good value on your money.
Grooming Services: Maltipoos look best when their coat is maintained. Thus, proper grooming is essential. This speaks true to other parts of their body, so trimming their nails, cleaning their eyes, or providing dental care are also top priorities. Bringing them in a professional groomer from time to time would cost you around $50 to $80
Medical Treatment: As your dog matures, it may encounter certain health issues that need immediate medical attention. This would require you to spend $500 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the complication. This wouldn’t be much of a problem if you bought your dog from a good breeder.
Kennel Club Registration: Although major canine organizations like the American Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club do not recognize crossbreeds like the Maltipoo, there are some associations, such as the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry, which fully acknowledge them for $90 to $150. You’ll get your pup’s pedigree documented if you choose to avail of this.
All of the above services are optional except for medical treatments. If you feel like these additional costs aren’t really necessary, you always have the choice to defer availing them.
Places to Find Maltipoo Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Now that you’re more informed about the initial cost of a Maltipoo puppy and the ongoing expenses of owning one, it’s about time I share the details of some Maltipoo breeders with reasonable puppy prices.
This will also help you avoid buying from puppy mills and unethical breeders because they are often disguised as professionals.
Here are the top Maltipoo breeders that you should get in touch with if you want to get a Maltipoo puppy:
Bear Creek Maltipoo – The price of the puppies from this Maltipoo breeder is determined by sex, size, age, and color. But generally, they sell puppies in toy variations and deeper colors at around $2,300. They have a waiting list for potential puppy owners as they don’t frequently breed to ensure the quality of their Maltipoos.
My Doodle Maltipoos – This kennel has been breeding dogs, including miniature Maltipoos. Available Maltipoo puppies are priced at $4,000, which includes a health guarantee for each purchased pup. Puppy pictures are also available on their website.
Polos Maltipoos – Polos Maltipoos is run by a quality breeder that produces every single Maltipoo color imaginable. Similar to My Doodle Maltipoos, they also ask potential dog owners for a non-refundable $500 deposit, and the average cost of a puppy from them is $4,000.
If you weren’t able to secure a puppy from this list of breeders, check out our top 10 picks for the best Maltipoo breeders for more options. Also, make sure to read our puppy buying guide before any transaction.
For those on a low-budget, Maltipoo adoption is the more practical option.
Here are some rescues and animal shelters that are possibly housing your next Maltipoo:
Metropolitan Maltese Rescue – This is a non-profit corporation that has been saving Maltese and Maltese mixes since 1998. They charge a $500 adoption fee for dogs below two years old, $400 for Maltipoos that are 2 to 5 years old, and $300 for dogs over five years old.
Florida Poodle Rescue – This rescue has been around since 1994 and has saved 10,000 Poodles and Poodle mixes, including the Maltipoo. The adoption fee for their rescued dogs amounts to $150 to $800.
Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue – This organization rescues Poodles and their mixes in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. You can view the available dogs on their website, which usually cost $500 to adopt.
Instead of going to a puppy mill, you can read our article on the best Maltese rescues. They may offer Maltipoos closer to your location.
If you decide to go on this route, read our ultimate adoption guide to ace your application.
You can also try your luck on getting a free Maltipoo by following our tips on how to get a free puppy in your area.
Money-Saving Tips for Maltipoo Owners
There’s no shame in seeking ways to cut some costs in Maltipoo ownership since these dogs are expensive to buy from quality breeders.
Here are some useful tips on how to save money on dog-owning:
Adopt, don’t shop. Whereas buying Maltipoo puppies from a breeder costs up to $4,000, adopting a senior dog from a rescue shelter would only require you to pay a one-time fee amounting to $150 to $800. This is suggested if you aren’t after the lineage or age of a Maltipoo or you’re already happy with average pups.
Buy high-quality dog essentials. You think you’re saving money by buying a cheap dog brush, leash and collar, and other items for your dog. But the truth is, you are “wasting” your money. Always invest in high-quality dog essentials even though they are much more expensive because you’ll be able to use them longer.
Never skip vet checkups. By bringing your dog to the vet when they are scheduled to, you’ll be able to track their overall health and prevent serious diseases from targeting them. Failing to do so would put your dog at risk, which also means that you’ll spend more on treatments.
Groom your Maltipoo at home. Grooming Maltipoos, even though they are small, can be quite expensive if you’ll bring them to professional groomers every month. With the aid of ebooks and YouTube videos, you can master grooming your dog without spending much.
Buy in bulk. This is no secret but is often overlooked by many Maltipoo owners. Buying in bulk, especially dog food and treats, saves you more money than buying per gram every single week. This also saves you more energy.
Pet owning doesn’t have to be expensive all the time. With a bit of planning and strategizing, your bank account won’t be crying for help, and you won’t be suffering from perpetual headaches.
Final Thoughts
Maltipoos may be expensive, but they are worth every penny! They are extremely adorable dogs that would definitely bring joy to you and your family.
In purchasing essential items for this cross, I would never tire of reminding you to check the best deals before settling for a certain brand.
This would save you a lot of money, and you’ll get more options when it comes to the quality of products you can avail yourself.
Remember that Maltipoos live for 10 to 15 years. If you aren’t a hundred percent sure that you’ll be able to cater to all their needs in that span of time, then you should think twice about getting one.
Are you ready for the cost of Maltipoo ownership? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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