Maltipoo Lifespan

The median age at death for all dog breeds was found to be 124 months (10.33 years). The 5663 dog breeds in the study were mostly purebred and it got me asking like other Maltipoo parents, ‘what’s the lifespan of Maltipoo’?

What is Maltipoo?

Maltipoo is a hybrid or designer dog breed that is a cross between Maltese and a miniature or toy poodle. They are also known as Maltepoo, Moodle, Maltipoo, and Malti-Poo.

It was first bred in Australia during the late 1990s and became popular in the United States and Canada in the early 2000s.

It is a small dog breed that does not shed making it very easy to groom this pooch.

Just like other hybrid or designer dogs, the lifespan of a Maltipoo depends on various factors such as their parent breeds, health and genetics.

What is the lifespan of a Maltipoo?

The lifespan of a Maltipoo is around 10 to 15 years although some sources indicate that it could be shorter ranging from 10 to 13 years. The 10 to 13 lifespan lies within the average lifespan for all dogs and is significantly shorter than other small-breed dogs such as Chihuahua or even its parent Toy Poodle which is known to live up to 20 years.

Mix-breed dogs are known to have fewer health challenges than their purebred counterparts and a study found that on average, mix-breed dogs live 1.2 years longer than their purebred counterparts.

Another online article claims that female Maltipoos live 1 to 1.5 years longer than their male counterparts and this is in line with other studies that found gender variation in longevity of life.

What do Maltipoos usually die from?

There is no specific research or study done on the leading causes of death to Maltipoos. However, several studies have documented that the most common cause of death in dogs, which is cancer. Other leading causes of death include old age, accidents, and heart disease.

Maltipoo Health Issues:

As with all breeds, there are certain health problems that Maltipoos are prone to which include Patellar Luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Epilepsy, Bloat, and Eye problems.

Patellar Luxation is a dislocation of the kneecap and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is a condition that results in the death of the head of the femur. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures while Bloat is a condition that causes the stomach to twist.

Some eye problems that Maltipoos are susceptible to include cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy.

White Shaker Syndrome: A neurological disorder that affects Maltipoos and other small breeds of dogs. It is characterized by tremors and seizures.

Reverse Sneezing: A condition that is caused by a spasm of the throat and soft palate. It usually lasts for a few minutes and does not require treatment.

Portosystemic Shunt (PSS): A congenital condition that affects the liver. Maltipoos with this condition have abnormal blood vessels that bypass the liver. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the bloodstream and can be fatal if not treated.

Legg Calve Perthes Disease: A condition that affects the hip joint and causes the head of the femur to die. It is seen more in small breeds of dogs.

Rate of Aging for Maltipoos:

A 2020 Study by Yordy, Jennifer et al. found that mixed-breed dogs such as Maltipoo relatively age faster than their purebred counterparts. In addition, the body size directly affected life expectancy via the absolute rate of aging.

Factors That ImpactHow long do Maltipoos live?”

Some of the key factors that have been identified to impact a Maltipoo’s lifespan include:

Genetics:

As with all living creatures, genetics play a vital role in dictating how long an individual can live. In dogs, this is no different and the genes inherited from their parents” can determine how long they will live. A study on the impact of genetics and genetic diversity in dogs found that as the size of a dog breed increases, the average life expectancy decreases. 

Breed:

The breed of a dog also has an impact on its lifespan with some breeds known to have shorter lifespans than others. As Maltipoos are a mix of two different breeds, they fall somewhere in the middle with a lifespan that is shorter than purebred Toy Poodle and Maltese

Size:

Studies have shown that smaller dogs tend to live longer than their larger counterparts. As Maltipoos are a small breed of dog, this could explain why they have a relatively long lifespan.

Gender:

It has been suggested that female dogs live longer than male dogs and this difference in longevity has been attributed to the fact that males are more hormone-driven” and therefore age faster.

Environment:

The environment in which a dog lives can also impact its lifespan. For example, if a dog lives in an area with high levels of pollution, this could shorten its lifespan.

Diet:

What a dog eats can also play a role in how long it lives. A study published in the journal “Science” found that a group of laboratory rats that were fed a calorie-restricted diet lived an average of 20% longer than those who were not restricted.

Exercise:

Just like humans, dogs need to exercise to stay healthy and this can impact their lifespan. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to

As you can see, there are a number of factors that can impact a Maltipoo’s lifespan. However, by taking care of your dog and giving it the best possible life, you can help to ensure that your Maltipoo enjoys a long and happy life.

How can I extend my Maltipoo’s lifespan?

There are several things you can do to help your Maltipoo live a long and healthy life.

• First, ensure that you get your Maltipoo from a reputable breeder. A good breeder will be able to provide you with information on the health of the parents and the littermates.
• Second, take your Maltipoo for regular check-ups to the vet. This will help to catch any health problems early and get them treated before they become serious.
• Third, give your Maltipoo a nutritious diet and make sure they get plenty of exercises. This will help to keep them fit and healthy.
• Finally, provide your Maltipoo with love and attention. This will help to keep them happy and stress-free, which can also help to extend their lifespan.

What shortens Maltipoo’s Lifespan?

1. Obesity: Obesity can shorten the lifespan of a Maltipoo. 30% and some studies even go further to suggest that up to 50% of dogs here in the US are obese. It is very easy to pamper small-breed dogs such as Maltipoo by showering them with treats that end up increasing the weight of your pooch.
2. Hip Dysplasia: When the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit snugly together. This can cause pain and lameness in the affected leg. Maltipoos are particularly prone to this condition due to their small size.
3. Patellar Luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap (patella) slides outly. This can cause pain and lameness in the affected leg.
4. Cataracts: A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye that can cause blindness. Cataracts are a common problem in senior dogs and Maltipoos are no exception.
5. Dental Disease: Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and it can cause a number of problems such as pain, tooth loss, and infections.

Sources:

• Yordy, Jennifer et al. “Body size, inbreeding, and lifespan in domestic dogs.” Conservation genetics (Print) vol. 21,1 (2020): 137-148. doi:10.1007/s10592-019-01240-x
• https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/the-genetics-of-canine-aging.html