Full Grown Maltese Poodle: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The Maltese poodle is a charming small dog breed known for its friendly, gentle demeanor. But what is a fully grown Maltese poodle really like?

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Maltese poodle at its full adult size, including size, weight, appearance, personality, care requirements, and more.

By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what to expect from this adorable hybrid breed once it reaches maturity.

About the Breed

The Maltese poodle, also sometimes called a Maltipoo, is a cross between a Maltese terrier and a toy or miniature poodle.

This hybrid dog was created deliberately to blend the affectionate personality of the Maltese with the playful, intelligent nature of the poodle.

Maltese poodles quickly became popular as companion dogs thanks to their small size, non-shedding coat, and loving temperament.

Size at Full Growth

At full maturity between 12-18 months old, a Maltese poodle will reach its full-grown size. On average, owners can expect their Maltese poodle to measure:

• 8-12 inches tall at the shoulder
• 8-14 inches in length from nose to tail

Some variance in size is possible depending on whether the dog takes after the Maltese or poodle side more. In general, males tend to be slightly larger than females. No matter the exact measurements, the Maltese poodle remains a small companion dog.

Weight at Full Growth

Corresponding to their small stature, fully grown Maltese poodles also stay petite in weight. On average, expect the following weights:

• Males: 6-10 lbs
• Females: 4-8 lbs

Some large Maltese poodles max out around 12 lbs, but most fall well below 10 lbs as adults. Proper nutrition is important for maintaining a healthy weight.

Appearance at Full Growth

Once they reach adulthood, Maltese poodles' appearance really comes into its own. Their distinct hybrid look combines traits from both parent breeds:

• Silky, non-shedding coat that is wavy, curly, or straight
• Small, compact body with leggy frame
• Tail usually docked short like a Maltese
• Eyes large and round like a Maltese
• Ears large and floppy like a Maltese
• Possible wiry hair on feet like a poodle

A wide variety of coat colors are seen, such as white, cream, cafe au lait, apricot, silver, and black. Grooming is still required to keep their hair trimmed short or styled.

Personality at Full Growth

Though puppies may be rambunctious, mature Maltese poodles calm down into gentle, affectionate companion dogs. Traits they exhibit include:

• Loving and loyal towards their human family
• Playful, friendly nature enjoyable for kids and other pets
• Eager to please and intelligent and trainable
• Bonds closely to one person as their favorite
• Not aggressive or yappy barkers like some small breeds
• Enjoy following their humans from room to room

While independent thinkers, Maltese poodles truly thrive on human interaction and affection as full-grown dogs.

Price

When seeking out reputable Maltese poodle breeders, be prepared to pay anywhere from $700 up to $1500 or more depending on pedigree. Adopting a retired show or breeding dog may cost around $500. Expect veterinary expenses like routine checkups, annual shots, and unexpected medical bills to average $500-$1000 per year as well.

Food and Feeding

By their first birthday, most Maltese poodles are fully grown and require about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality kibble split into two meals each day.

Discuss optimal feeding amounts with your vet based on your individual dog's shape and activity level.

Fresh water should always be available. Occasional treats and table scraps may be acceptable in moderation but do not replace their daily food intake.

Lifespan

When well cared for indoors as family pets, the average lifespan of a Maltese poodle is 12-15 years. With preventative healthcare like dental cleanings, vaccines, parasite prevention, and regular vet checkups, it's possible for some healthy dogs to live to 17 years or longer.

Health Concerns at Full Growth

Maltese poodles tend to enjoy good health into adulthood when bred responsibly from screened parents. However, a few conditions may still crop up that owners should watch for:

• Hip dysplasia - common in small dogs, so only buy from OFA certified breeders
• Allergies - their non-shedding coat can harbor allergens
• Progressive retinal atrophy - hereditary eye disease causing blindness
• Dental problems from small mouths
• Collapsed trachea or mitral valve disease

Comprehensive pet insurance and annual vet exams are smart preventative investments for the long-term wellness of a Maltese poodle.

Care and Nutrition at Full Growth

Even at maturity, certain care needs remain for a Maltese poodle's quality of life and health:

• Brush weekly or more often if coat is longer to remove shed fur and distribute natural skin oils
• Clip nails monthly before they split or scratch accidentally
• Brush teeth 2-3 times per week to prevent gum disease and bad breath
• Wipe inner ears clean once weekly to avoid infection
• Check coat, skin, and ears for fleas, ticks, or other parasites
• Provide indoor shelter, exercise, mental stimulation, and positive training

Proper diet, routine grooming, medical care, exercise, and mental stimulation ensure fully grown Maltese poodles stay happy companions for many enjoyable years.

Costing

Here's a breakdown of average ongoing expenses owners can expect with a fully grown Maltese poodle:

• Food: $30-50 per month for high-quality kibble
• Grooming: $60-100 every 4-8 weeks for clipping and cleaning
• Toys/accessories: $20-50 per month depending on the toys chosen
• Training classes: $100-200 for a 6-week beginner course
• Boarding: $20-45 per day or $150-350 per week
• Daycare: $15-30 per day when owners work
• Veterinary care: $500-1000 per year for annual shots, checkups, unexpected care
• Pet insurance: $30-80 per month depending on coverage selected

Possible Behavioral Changes at Full Growth

Maltese poodles largely maintain their sweet personalities as adults. However, some behavioral adjustments may arise:

• May develop mild separation anxiety without daily exercise and stimulation
• Disobedience fades with positive reinforcement training
• Less toy or food aggression compared to adolescent chewing phase
• Leash reactivity can improve with socialization but keep on short leash around strangers
• Barking may lessen though alerting you to noises remains
• Digging, chewing habits are usually outgrown but chew toys redirect urge

Notable Characteristics at Full Growth

Some signature qualities of the fully matured Maltese poodle include:

• Devoted companionship and affection for their human family
• Eager to please and highly trainable nature
• Playful inquisitiveness that makes them fun canine playmates
• Gentle, non-aggressive demeanor even with children
• Sweet, charismatic personalities that captivate admirers
• Attractive hybrid coat often shown in competitive grooming
• Lively intelligence that thrives on positive reinforcement training

When is a Maltese Poodle Really Fully Grown?

Most experts agree that Maltese poodles reach their full adult size between 12-18 months of age. However, the maturation process continues in stages:

• 6 months: Growth plates close, puppy coat transitions
• 9-12 months: Adult teeth come in, boldest personalities emerge
• 12-15 months: Full skeletal/muscular development achieved
• 18 months: Sexual maturity (first heat/breeding age in females)
• 2 years: Brain fully developed for lifelong care/training

While size-wise fully grown by 1-1.5 years, Maltese poodles' minds and behaviors gently refine into adulthood over the first two years.

Suitability as a Pet

When provided with sufficient indoor care commitments, the fully grown Maltese poodle thrives as a wonderful family companion. They are:

• Affectionate and gentle natured for homes with children
• Playful and intelligent to engage older dog lovers
• Lap dogs that don't require an outdoor yard
• Best for owners committed to daily grooming needs
• Not suited for homes left alone 9+ hours daily

With their sweet personalities and compact sizes, Maltese poodles settle happily into many lifestyles and living situations at full growth.