Teacup Maltipoo: Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits
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The teacup Maltipoo is a miniature dog with a big heart despite its small size. It was bred from the little white Maltese and a toy Poodle and is a designer breed that kennel clubs do not officially recognize. However, it’s coveted and adored by families all around the world. This article will examine what it’s like to own one of these tiny treasures.
The Earliest Records of Teacup Maltipoos in History
The exact history of the Maltipoo is hard to ascertain, as it is a crossbreed that can theoretically occur by accident. However, many are now bred exclusively to be tiny, so the teacup variety may be more likely to have been specifically bred.
The Maltese (one-half of the Maltipoo) was mentioned in text and depictions in the Ancient Greek times, which is astonishing. A breed described as a “Melita” (from Malta) is thought to be the earliest form of the breed, with dates as early as 280 B.C. being mentioned.
The modern breed was first mentioned by those close to the British Royal family in Victorian England, with passages from 1847 recording the Maltese and its looks. The Poodle’s heritage is also speculated on, but most researchers agree that the dog originated from Germany (which is the most commonly held belief). However, some people mistakenly believe the Poodle came from France. Although it was popularized in France, it’s not native to the country. In either case, the Poodle was first mentioned in the Middle Ages.
17th-century waterfowlers bred these dogs to retrieve downed game and spent arrows from the water; this led to the curly, insulating coats the Poodle is known for and that the Maltipoo sometimes inherits.
How Teacup Maltipoos Gained Popularity
Over the last 20 years, “designer dogs” have exploded in popularity, and the Maltipoo is no exception. Breeders discovered that purposefully mixing certain breeds will result in handsome dogs with desirable traits, and the tiny stature of teacup dogs is a great example of the trend.
Celebrities like Paris Hilton and her tiny teacup Chihuahua brought the possibility of minuscule dogs into the public eye. The teacup Maltipoo combines a small stature with a loving temperament and is bred to look exactly like a teddy bear.
With their adorable looks and status as “hypoallergenic” dogs, the teacup Maltipoo’s popularity soared.
How Teacup Maltipoos are Bred
Teacup Maltipoos (and all teacup breeds) are bred by selecting the most miniature dogs in litters, breeding them together, then breeding the smallest of those litters, and so on. This selection process gradually reduces the size of the adult dogs until they’re tiny, with the average weight being under 5 pounds.
However, this doesn’t come without its health risks, as the smallest of the litter may well be the runt. If a runt Maltipoo was bred with another one, the chance of the puppies having deformities or other debilitating health problems is much higher.
Top 6 Unique Facts About Teacup Maltipoos
1. They Live for a Fairly Long Time — 10 to 13 years.
Teacup Maltipoos live on average 10 to 13 years, which is a reasonable amount of time for a dog. However, they have been known to live up to 15, as smaller dogs generally live longer than larger breeds. Because the teacup Maltipoo is so small, it’s susceptible to specific medical issues and the potential inherited health issues all crossbreeds may get.
2. They Are Good for People With Allergies
The Poodle and the Maltese breeds are both considered low shedders and dander producers. Dander is a natural substance all dogs shed from their fur, made of dead skin, hair, and saliva (among other things).
It’s the dander that causes reactions in people with allergies. Because of their coat types, the Maltese and Poodle tend not to trigger allergies in people as often as other breeds (or at all), but it still comes down to the individuals. The teacup Maltipoo inherits this tendency from its parents, and since they’re so small, there is not as much dander to shed.
3. They’re Excellent With Other Dogs and Children
The teacup Maltipoo is often loyal, loving, and happy. This light and loving temperament make them ideal pets for families with children, although care must be taken that they aren’t stepped on or dropped. Unfortunately, teacup Maltipoos have such fragile bones that a severe injury (or even death) can occur if left alone with a child, through no fault of the dogs or the child.
4. They Are One of the Most Popular Designer Dogs
While trends constantly change, designer dog breeds are here to stay. Teacup Maltipoos aren’t an exception, with the “breed” being the number two top dog for designer canines in the USA. This is probably due to their sweet temperaments and loving actions.
5. They Are Favored by Celebrities
Ellen Degeneres, Miley Cyrus, and Carmen Electra have Maltipoo dogs, and they’re becoming a firm favorite among America’s elite. They look like little teddy bears and can be loyal and loving partners, but they come with a hefty price tag, so it’s no wonder celebrities like to keep a teacup Maltipoo close.
6. They Can Face Health Problems
Because of their “fit in a teacup” stature, Teacup Maltipoos can suffer from various illnesses almost exclusively found in teacup breeds. Increased incidence of the following problems occur in teacup dogs:
- Hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood pressure)
- Respiratory problems
- Collapsing trachea
- Seizures
Does a Teacup Maltipoo Make a Good Pet?
This little dog is an excellent pet for those new to dog ownership and owners who want a kind, caring, and loving dog to relax with. Of course, the temperament of all dogs largely depends on their experiences and socialization, but the Maltipoo takes the best parts of both the Poodle’s and Maltese’s temperament.
Exercising them is easy, and they’re ideally suited to apartment living. The food required to keep them happy and healthy is less than it would be for a larger breed, but grooming needs can offset this if they have particularly curly coats. Lastly, watching out for emerging health concerns should be a significant deciding factor, as their teacup stature can mean some costly health issues are much more likely.
Conclusion
The teacup Maltipoo is a gorgeous little dog with a huge heart and boundless energy for its family. They can sometimes be more challenging to care for due to some potential health problems, but regular veterinary visits and responsible breeding can help to negate these issues. A family with older children or no children would be best suited for this teeny pup, as they can easily be hurt because of their size. Despite this, the teacup Maltipoo is an absolute delight to be around in every way.
Featured Image Credit: Sheleh Vadzim, Shutterstock
