When considering adopting a Maltipoo, the first question likely to pop into your head is, “How much does a Maltipoo cost?” It’s understandable, as this designer breed tends to be on the pricier side due to its high demand.
But exactly how much does a Maltipoo cost, and what other expenses are associated with owning one?
In this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about Maltipoo pricing. We’ll also offer some tips on how to manage the costs of caring for a Maltipoo on a budget. Read through to the very end before deciding to get a Maltipoo!
How Much Does a Maltipoo Puppy Cost?
A Maltipoo puppy, also known as a Poodle Maltese mix, typically costs between $1,000 and $6,500 when purchased from reputable breeders. The price of this puppy is influenced by several factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s lineage, size, generation, and coat color, among others.
A key factor affecting a Maltipoo puppy’s price is its generation. Maltipoos can belong to various generations, like F1, F1b, F2, F2b, or F3 hybrids. These labels indicate how many generations the puppy is removed from the original cross of a purebred Maltese and a purebred Poodle.
In simpler terms, an F1 generation puppy is a mix of a purebred Maltese and a purebred Poodle, while an F2 hybrid is a combination of two F1 Maltipoos. An F1b, on the other hand, is the offspring of an F1 Maltipoo and a purebred Poodle or Maltese, and so forth.
Each subsequent generation may exhibit more consistent traits, which, depending on the lineage, could influence the puppy’s price.
Understanding these factors that affect the cost of a Maltipoo is crucial. Being knowledgeable about these aspects will help you determine whether you are getting a Maltipoo at a reasonable price.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Maltipoo From a Shelter?
Adopting a Maltipoo from a rescue or shelter is considerably less expensive than purchasing one from a reputable breeder, with adoption fees generally ranging from $200 to $800.
It’s important to note, however, that finding a Maltipoo in a rescue shelter is quite rare. Additionally, should you be fortunate enough to find a Maltipoo available for adoption, be prepared to undergo a rigorous screening process before you can bring your new pet home.
Speaking from personal experience, I can vouch for the immense reward and fulfillment that comes from adopting a dog from a shelter. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to adopt several dogs, including some Doodle mixes, from shelters.
While a few of the dogs I’ve adopted have needed special care and medication due to minor health issues or advanced age, the experiences have been entirely worthwhile.
First-Time Expenses of Maltipoo Ownership
Stepping into Maltipoo ownership comes with other expenses aside from the price of the puppy itself.
Some of these costs include vet fees, vaccination, spaying or neutering expenses, and the cost of preventive medication. In addition, you will also need to make a one-time investment in a range of supplies.
To help you budget properly, here’s a rundown of the first-time expenses involved in Maltipoo ownership:
- Food and Treats: The first couple of items you’ll need to shop for your pup are dog food and treats. You can easily get these at your local grocery or pet supply store. The cost for the first few batches of high-quality food and treats will cost you between $30 and $80.
- Bowls: You’ll also need to purchase bowls for storing your dog’s food and water. Opt for stainless steel or ceramic ones since plastic ones might not last as long. You should expect to spend between $10 and $30 for a good set of feeding bowls.
- Toys: Given that Maltipoos are known for their high energy levels, it’s no surprise that they are incredibly playful. Therefore, you should also purchase toys that will keep your pup entertained for long periods. Expect to spend between $20 and $30 on food puzzles, balls, and chew toys.
- Beds: When choosing a bed for your Maltipoo, it should not only be of high quality but also fit your dog’s size. Depending on quality, size, materials, and brand, a dog bed could set you back anywhere from $30 to $200.
- Collars and Leashes: Leash training is essential for all dog breeds, including Maltipoos. That said, investing in a good collar and leash that fits comfortably around the neck and won’t slip off easily is important. The average price for these accessories ranges from $15 to $50.
- Crates and Carriers: If you plan to bring your Maltipoo with you from time to time, a suitable size crate and carrier is necessary. These can be purchased either at a pet store or online, costing roughly $30 to $200 each.
- Grooming Essentials: Maltipoos do not shed a lot of hair; however, they can be prone to matting and tangling. Allocate around $50 to $160 for pet-friendly shampoo, brush, detangling comb, shedding rake, trimming scissors, wipes, and nail clippers.
- Initial Vet Visits: Early vet visits for vaccinations or wellness checks are essential for every dog. The average cost of these initial vet visits will set you back between $100 and $500.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: Ensuring your Maltipoo receives a series of vaccine shots in its first few months is crucial. These vaccinations help protect your dog from diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies and are likely to cost between $50 and $300.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Like other dogs, the Maltipoo is susceptible to parasitic diseases. Thus, it’s necessary to invest in deworming, flea, and tick medications as preventative measures. For these medications, prices often range between $40 and $300.
- Neutering or Spaying: To prevent unexpected litters, you might want to consider neutering or spaying your Maltipoo. These medical procedures are safe and can help prevent reproductive health issues. Expect to spend $50 to $500 for these procedures.
- Microchipping: For an average of $40 to $60, your Maltipoo can be microchipped. Although it might seem costly, it’s one of the best ways to ensure your pet’s safety. For instance, if your Maltipoo goes missing and is found by animal control, they can identify your pet by scanning the microchip.
- Dog License: Check with your local government to see if a license for your Maltipoo puppy is required. Usually, dog licenses serve two main purposes: to keep track of the number of dogs in the locality and to ensure they can be identified if lost or stolen. The fee for this may cost between $10 and $20.
- Other Essentials: Budget an additional $20 to $50 for other necessary items while raising your Maltipoo. These essentials include items such as pee pads, poop scoopers, dog clothes, and poop bags.
To aid your budgeting, here’s a table summarizing the initial cost of bringing home a Maltipoo puppy:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
Bowls | $10 – $30 |
Toys | $20 – $30 |
Beds | $30 – $200 |
Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
Based on the estimates above, Maltipoo ownership does require a substantial investment. Keep in mind that the above-mentioned expenses go on top of the actual cost of a Maltipoo puppy.
That said, however, there are many ways to cut down on these costs. For instance, you can choose to reuse items you already own. Likewise, you may look for breeders that offer freebies for every puppy purchase.
Annual Cost of Owning a Maltipoo
By now, you should have a clear picture of the cost of buying and bringing home a Maltipoo. However, the spending doesn’t end there, as there are recurring costs to consider as well.
As a future pet parent, it’s important to prepare for the long-term costs of Maltipoo ownership. Given that Maltipoos can live between 12 and 16 years, planning in advance will come in handy.
Here’s a quick look at the yearly expenses you can expect when bringing home a Maltipoo:
Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
Food and Treats | $240 – $800 |
Routine Veterinary Care | $200 – $600 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $150 – $400 |
Vaccinations | $100 – $250 |
Grooming Essentials | $100 – $300 |
Leashes and Collars | $20 – $40 |
Beds and Crates | $100 – $400 |
Toys | $25 – $100 |
Pet Insurance | $500 – $600 |
Other Essentials | $30 – $50 |
Yearly Total | $1,465 – $3,540 |
Average Monthly Cost | $122 – $295 |
Keep in mind that the estimated figures above don’t tell the whole story. For one, your actual spending may fall below or beyond this price range for a number of reasons.
Furthermore, some items listed above don’t require yearly replacements. For instance, beds, bowls, and crates don’t normally break just after a year of use. However, it is good to save up some money for when repurchasing is necessary.
Other Potential Expenses to Consider
On top of the basic costs tied to owning a Maltipoo, there are additional expenditures that new puppy parents should keep in mind. More often than not, these are optional expenses.
To help you get the full picture, here are some other costs you might encounter when owning a Maltipoo:
- Dog Training Classes: Dog training classes can be helpful for rookie pet owners or those with busy schedules. Having your dog trained and managed by an expert pet trainer will help it learn tricks and commands quicker. These lessons cost around $50 to $200.
- Professional Grooming: Many Maltipoo owners choose to bring their dogs to the grooming salon regularly. This is to prevent their dog’s coat from matting. Typically, a grooming session will cost anywhere between $30 and $60. If you want your Maltipoo to sport a unique haircut, expect to spend more.
- Dog Sitting: If your lifestyle requires you to be away at work during the day, hiring a dog sitter can come in handy. Not only will a dog sitter accompany your Maltipoo while you’re away, but they will also socialize and play with your pooch. You can expect to pay around $10 to $20 per hour for this service.
- Pet Walkers: Pet walkers are people who get paid for taking dogs out for a stroll. If you don’t have a lot of time to take your pooch to the park, hiring a pet walker might be a good solution for you. The usual cost of this service ranges from $20 to $30 per hour.
- Emergency Vet Bills: Medical emergencies can occur at any time throughout your dog’s life. Even if you purchased one of the healthiest puppies from a quality breeder, emergencies can still happen. It’s recommended to set aside around $200 to $5,000 for emergency vet bills.
Keep in mind that these expenses are just a few of the potential expenses you may encounter. Aside from these things, you may also find yourself spending on travel expenses, specialty health products, food supplements, and more.
Best Places to Find Maltipoo Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you’re set on purchasing a Maltipoo after learning about the cost of owning one, you’re probably wondering, “Where can I find a Maltipoo puppy for sale or adoption?”
Thankfully, there’s a variety of trustworthy places to discover this unique hybrid breed dog.
Check out the sources below where you can find a Maltipoo puppy for sale:
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – While the AKC is primarily a purebred dog registry and does not recognize mixed breeds like the Maltipoo, it can be a helpful resource in finding a reputable breeder. Occasionally, some breeders listed on the AKC marketplace also delve into breeding hybrid dogs.
- Emily’s Pups – This Missouri-based breeder raises their Maltipoos on a small farm, ensuring they grow physically and behaviorally well. All Maltipoo puppies they sell come with up-to-date shots and are vet-checked. Available Maltipoo puppies from this breeder cost around $2,000. Additionally, this breeder offers different Maltipoo colors, such as apricot, black, and black and white.
- My Doodle Puppy – Located in Utah, My Doodle Puppy offers Maltipoo puppies for sale with extensive health guarantees. Their Maltipoo puppies are produced through the best breeding practices and are immediately subjected to multiple health tests and early neural stimulation. They also offer a training program, so you can bring home a puppy that is already trained with basic commands.
If you are unable to get a Maltipoo puppy from the sources above, check out our round-up of the best Maltipoo breeders.
On another note, you can also try adopting a Maltipoo puppy from a shelter or rescue. Take a look at some of the most popular platforms where you can locate Maltipoos for adoption:
- AKC Rescue Network – The AKC Rescue Network is a great place to find rescue organizations. In partnership with over 450 AKC-recognized shelters, this platform can help you find Maltipoo puppies for adoption. You’ll also find contact information for rescue groups on this site.
- Petfinder – Petfinder is an easy-to-use online directory for adopting all kinds of pets. It lists many Maltipoo dogs from different shelters and rescue groups all over the country. Its rich feature set and search filters also ensure you find a dog that fits your criteria.
- Adopt a Pet – This is the biggest website in North America for adopting pets. It works with over 17,000 sources that take care of animals, such as shelters that rescue pets and agencies that help pets get adopted. Check out their listings for adoptable pets, as your Maltipoo may be right around the corner.
Keep in mind that when looking for a Maltipoo, it is important to find a reliable source. Getting one from a backyard breeder or puppy mill is highly discouraged.
In addition to the resources mentioned above, online forums and social media groups can also be helpful. You may also seek recommendations from your local vet, friends, family, and fellow pet lovers.
Money-Saving Tips for Maltipoo Owners
Introducing a new pup into your family, particularly a hybrid breed like a Maltipoo, can be costly. Hence, it’s vital to discover nifty strategies to properly manage your budget. Luckily, there are many ways to do so.
Here are a few clever tips for Maltipoo owners who are keen to keep costs to a minimum:
- Hone your grooming skills at home. When it comes to grooming, the Maltipoo’s hair doesn’t require much. As this breed isn’t prone to shedding, regular brushing and occasional professional grooming will suffice. That said, though, if you want to save some cash, it is recommended to practice grooming your pooch at home. Having owned a Maltipoo myself, I used to practice simple grooming routines at home, saving me considerable money over time.
- Watch out for bargains. Before splurging on your Maltipoo’s essentials, see if any shops are offering sales or markdowns. This could allow you to purchase quality goods at a lower cost. Personally, I wait for bargains during clearance sales. This helps me save hundreds of dollars on dog food, pet accessories, and treats. Just be sure to check the quality of the product before purchasing.
- Do your research. For newbie puppy owners, it’s recommended to gather as much advice and information as possible before purchasing anything for your Maltipoo. It’ll help you avoid buying unnecessary items, keeping your budget intact.
- Keep your Maltipoo healthy with routine vet check-ups. Regularly taking your Maltipoo to the vet might seem like an added expense, but it’s actually a proactive way to save money in the long run. It allows you to detect and address potential health issues before they become serious and expensive to treat.
In essence, owning a Maltipoo does not have to burn a hole in your pocket. Learning to manage your finances wisely and efficiently is key to enjoying Maltipoo ownership without spending more than necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Maltipoos So Expensive?
Maltipoos fetch a high price tag primarily because of their designer breed status. These Doodle dogs are popular and highly sought after, allowing breeders to charge more for their puppies.
Furthermore, the Maltipoo’s price tag is also affected by the cost of healthcare and the cost associated with breeding and raising these dogs.
Likewise, special kinds of Maltipoo puppies, such as the teacup, can also come at even higher prices.
Are Maltipoos Rare?
Maltipoo dogs aren’t exactly rare; however, certain color variants of the breed, such as sable or black, don’t occur as frequently.
These rare color variants are often priced much higher, and enthusiasts end up spending much more for them.
How Long Can a Maltipoo Live?
On average, a Maltipoo’s lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years. This lifespan is comparable to the lifespan of the purebred Poodle and Maltese and is considered a long life in the canine world.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the average cost of a Maltipoo can vary greatly. For one, it depends on where you get your dog — from a breeder or a rescue. Additionally, factors such as coat color, size, gender, and generation, also affect the price.
On top of the actual Maltipoo price itself, potential owners have other expenses to keep in mind. The initial expenses, recurring costs, and other potential expenses are all important considerations.
Hopefully, this Maltipoo price guide has given you a preview of what Maltipoo ownership looks like price-wise. Feel free to bookmark this guide and refer back to it whenever necessary.
If you have anything you wish to share about the Maltipoo prices and expenses, feel free to leave a comment below!