In terms of choosing the best breed among ‘man’s best friend,’ humans tend to abide by certain qualities that are akin to their character profile. For relatively inexperienced (in terms of dog ownership) city-dwellers who seem to be living on their own, the Maltipoo breed of dog proves to be one of the most suitable choices for a four-legged companion.
According to Pet Breeds, this petite cross-breed between the Maltese and the Poodle is an ideal pet for owners who frequently have children around given their playful and affectionate nature. Measuring 6 to 15 inches, these dogs do not require a lot of space – hence, a suitable apartment pet. Although they frequently require the attention of their owners, the Maltipoo generally do not inconvenience owners who seem to have a busy lifestyle.
While many dogs require more than an hour of walking around the neighborhood, the Maltipoo can pretty much stay in shape while staying indoors. The only aspect that requires effort on the part of the owner is keeping the little one from looking like a mess. Bearing in mind that the Maltipoo is a furry creature, it requires frequent grooming. On the bright side, its furs do not easily shed like other shaggy dogs.
It is interesting to take note that the Maltipoo has yet to gain the official recognition of the American Kennel Club. But thanks to the selfless efforts of the North American Maltipoo Club and North American Maltipoo Registry, owners do not have to experience a needless difficulty when it comes to the nuances of ethical dog stewardship.
Average Market Price
The national average Maltipoo price is roughly around $400 to $1,000 per puppy. The American Kennel Club somewhat categorizes the Maltipoo as a mongrel. Hence, Maltipoo puppies cost no more than the highest end of the average price range from decent breeders.
While there is some validity in questioning a Maltipoo price exceeding $1,000, it is also important to understand that not all puppies sold beyond the average limit warrant suspicion. Breeders are keen on preserving the genetic qualities of any original parent (Maltese or Poodle).
Case in point: a famous Maltese show dog usually has a market price of up to $2,000 and the portion of the premium value may be carried over to its direct Maltipoo descendant. Teacup Maltipoo puppies cost no less than $600. This sub-species of Maltipoo is much smaller than its average cousin. They are priced higher due to their relative rarity.
Lifestyle Cost Considerations
A year of raising Maltipoo puppies cost less than what any prospective pet owner would expect from other non-crossbreed dogs, according to Kiplinger. The overall cost of a lifetime ownership is anywhere between $4,070 and $101,070. However, it is important to take note that the size, genetic predisposition, and the owner’s keen expenditure directly contributes the exact lifetime budget. These are the basic costs one should consider in terms of raising four-legged children:
- Initial Expenses: $345 or so
- Food Supply: $55 per year
- Toys: $40 per year
- Routine Vet Care: $210 per year
- Health Emergency: $2,000 to $,5000
- Pet Insurance: $225 per year
- Grooming: $265 per year
- Kennel Boarding: $20 to $53 per night
About the Initial Expenses
The first year of owning a dog is generally more expensive than the next succeeding years since some non-consumable items bought during that time may not necessarily require replacement. A Maltipoo’s maximum life expectancy is 15 years. Some supplies like crates, steel food bowls and even durable leashes and collars could last well throughout its entire lifetime. These are the following necessities that the pet owners must account for as soon as they already have a new dog in their home:
- Spay or Neuter: $190
- Initial Medical Exam: $70
- Annual dog license: $10 to $20
- Supplies: $95
Top 4 Dry Food Brands
Some well-prepared dog owners include the one month’s supply of dog food in the initial expenses. However, there are some dog owners who are keen on feeding young pups with milk before introducing them to solid food. There are also other owners who would simply give them left-over dinner as an alternative to dog food pellets.
A Maltipoo requires 1.5 cups of dried dog food per day. For owners who are keen on putting a premium on nutritional value, they could by brands that cost more than the earlier projected price range. These are the following trade names to consider when choosing high-quality dog food:
- Evo Red Meat Formula: $88
- Evo Herring & Salmon Formula: $81
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Chicken Meal Formula: $70
- Canidae Grain Free Pure Sea: $60
Routine Care & Health Emergency
When it comes to cost-efficient stewardship of dogs, preventive veterinary care has kept homeowners from paying exorbitant fees that are otherwise necessary for treating severely ill pets. The annual cost projection for routine care often includes (but is not limited to) basic full body evaluation from tooth to nail, vaccination, and flea control.
As mentioned earlier, the only aspect of spending that far exceeds the Maltipoo price itself are emergency procedures. Two of the most common causes for rushing the dog to the emergency vet facility include trauma and cancer – with the former having a higher prevalence than the latter. Near-fatal accidents requiring surgery could cost as much as $5,000.
However, it is also important to take note that the Maltipoo is also predisposed to some congenital diseases. According to Dog Time, there are over 6 prevalent conditions that a Maltipoo may suffer during its lifetime. Fortunately, the chances of any Maltipoo acquiring these diseases are very slim considering that breeders often present authentic health certificates that may clear the puppy from these genetic defects. These are the corresponding costs for treating the following conditions:
- White Shaker Syndrome: $2,500
- Patellar Luxation: $2,000
- Portosystemic Shunt: $2,000 to $12,000
- Retinal Atrophy: $600
- Leg-Perthes Disease: $2,000 to $4,000