About this Q&A blog: In this blog section, the PetMaltipoo Team answers Maltipoo questions. You can leave comments and offer your thoughts and advice. Questions can range from quite serious to lighthearted ones in which you just want to receive some feedback. Have a question of your own? Great, we'd love to hear from you!

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Post #2 Question About Size of New Maltipoo Puppy

alisa31215 • August 11, 2016

A reader wants to know if a Maltipoo pup with 5 lb. parents is too small

Question:

I am considering getting a "teacup" Maltipoo. My concern is that this breeder said both parents are under 5 pounds! The puppy is 10 weeks and weighs 1.5 pounds. I am very worried about hypoglycemia. I wanted some input as to questions I should ask.

Thanks,
Concerned

Answer:

Though with a hybrid breed dog, though there is no official size, yes, 5 lbs. is indeed the extreme low end of what is considered typical size for the Maltipoo and does bring about some concerns. Issues with this sized teacup Maltipooo , would not just be hypoglycemia (which can be somewhat prevented by frequent small meals), but also injury (trauma is a leading cause of death for toy sized dogs and part of that is being accidentally stepped on or dropped), so being so little can be dangerous. This will be an 'under the foot' dog. If you have children in the house, you will want to supervise them and instruct them in proper handling. In addition, if you are to obtain such a tiny Maltipoo, you'll want to always use a harness when the dog is on leash, never just a collar. At that size, collapsed trachea is always a concern and a harness helps to prevent that.

Another element to be aware of is that very small dogs get chilled very easily, so you'll want to prepare by having soft & warm doggie clothes...quality sweaters and 'hoodies' help tiny dogs stay warm (even if owners feel fine, little dogs can feel cold, so you'll want to keep an eye out for shivering).

As far as questions, we would suggest asking the health of the parents and if you can see them, that would be best. You'll want documents from the pup's veterinarian showing that this pup is currently healthy and free from any conditions. You'll also want a health guarantee that states the pup is covered for any genetic issues.

With this all said, we would not say to let the size of 5 lbs. stop you from obtaining the puppy as long as having a tiny dog is something that you desire; but just prepared in regard to the care that is involved. This is not an 'undersized' dog, just one that is on the small end of the size range.

Love, Hugs & Maltipoo Kisses,

The PetMaltipoo Team

Do you have any tips or advice to add? Comment below!