Growth of Maltipu

Maltipoo Growth Stages: What to Expect as Your Pup Grows Up

Maltipoos are known for their cuteness, playful energy, and affectionate personalities. But like all dogs, they go through different stages of growth—from tiny newborns to full-grown fluffy companions. Understanding the growth journey of a Maltipoo will help you support your pup's development at every step. In this article, we’ll walk you through each stage of the Maltipoo growth timeline, talk about size expectations, and give tips to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy throughout.

How Big Do Maltipoos Get?

Before we dive into the stages, let’s talk size. Maltipoos are small dogs, but their exact size depends on their parentage. A typical adult Maltipoo weighs between 5 and 20 pounds and stands about 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. That’s a pretty wide range, and it all comes down to whether your dog’s Poodle parent was a Toy or Miniature. Toy Poodle mixes usually stay under 10 pounds, while Miniature mixes can grow closer to 15–20 pounds. Most Maltipoos stop growing by 12 months of age, though some might fill out a bit more in their second year. Knowing your pup’s expected size helps you pick the right crate, harness, and food portions as they grow.

Newborn Stage (0–2 Weeks)

At birth, Maltipoo puppies are blind, deaf, and totally dependent on their mom. They weigh only a few ounces and spend almost all their time eating and sleeping. During this stage, they rely on their mother for warmth, milk, and protection. It’s a delicate time, and most of the work is done by the mom (or a foster caregiver if hand-raising). You won’t see much personality yet, but big changes are just around the corner.

Transitional Stage (2–4 Weeks)

Around two weeks old, things start to get exciting. Puppies begin to open their eyes, their ears start working, and they start standing up and walking—wobbly but adorable! They also start interacting with their littermates, and this is when early social skills begin to form. Their baby teeth start poking through, and they become a little more vocal. While they’re still nursing, you might see them sniffing around and starting to explore a bit.

Socialization Stage (4–12 Weeks)

This stage is crucial for development. Maltipoos between 4 and 12 weeks old are little sponges. They’re learning about the world, figuring out what’s safe, and picking up behaviors that will stick with them into adulthood. This is the ideal time to introduce your pup to gentle handling, new environments, other dogs, and people. It’s also when they transition from mother’s milk to solid food. Breeders often begin basic potty training during this stage too. By 8 weeks, puppies are typically ready to go to their forever homes.

Juvenile Stage (3–6 Months)

Your Maltipoo is officially a puppy and full of energy! During the juvenile stage, they start teething in earnest, which means they’ll chew on pretty much anything. You’ll want to have lots of safe chew toys handy. This is also the best time to start formal training—sit, stay, come, and leash walking. Maltipoos are smart and eager to please, so they usually respond well to positive reinforcement. Their growth will be noticeable during this time, both in size and confidence.

Adolescence (6–12 Months)

Welcome to the teenage years! Your Maltipoo may become more independent and even a little stubborn. You might see some testing of boundaries or forgetfulness when it comes to commands they previously knew. This is all normal. Stay consistent with training, and reinforce positive behavior. Around this time, your pup’s coat will start to change, often becoming curlier or fluffier. They’re also nearing their adult size and may begin to fill out. If you haven’t spayed or neutered your dog yet, talk to your vet about the right timing.

Adulthood (12+ Months)

By one year old, your Maltipoo is mostly grown. While they may continue to gain a little weight or muscle, most of their physical development is done. Mentally, however, they’re still maturing. Some dogs settle down quickly, while others stay puppy-like into their second year. Adult Maltipoos usually develop a routine and become more predictable in behavior. Their coat may need more regular grooming, especially if it’s thick or curly. This is also when many dog owners begin to transition from puppy food to adult dog food—check with your vet for the best timing.

Senior Stage (8+ Years)

Small breeds like Maltipoos often live 12 to 15 years, sometimes longer with good care. Around 8 or 9 years old, your dog enters their senior stage. You may notice them slowing down, sleeping more, or developing age-related issues like arthritis or dental problems. Their diet might need adjusting, and they could benefit from supplements or more frequent vet checkups. That said, many senior Maltipoos remain lively and loving companions well into their teens.

What Affects a Maltipoo’s Growth?

A few factors can influence how quickly your Maltipoo grows and how big they ultimately get:

Genetics: The size of the Poodle and Maltese parents makes a big difference.

Nutrition: High-quality puppy food supports proper growth and development.

Health: Illness or parasites can delay growth, so regular vet care is key.

Activity: Puppies that play and exercise build stronger muscles and coordination.

If you ever feel your pup isn’t growing like they should, it’s a good idea to check with your vet. Early intervention can help prevent long-term problems.

Final Thoughts

Watching a Maltipoo grow up is one of the most joyful experiences for a dog owner. From tiny fluffballs to confident companions, these little dogs pack a ton of personality into their small frames. Knowing what to expect during each growth stage helps you care for your pup in all the right ways—feeding them properly, training them at the right time, and enjoying every moment along the way.

Whether you're raising a brand-new puppy or thinking about adding a Maltipoo to your family, understanding their growth timeline gives you the tools to be a great dog parent. These lovable dogs may be small in size, but they’ll fill your life with big love.