Male vs Female Maltipoo: Which is Right for Your Family?
So you’ve decided a Maltipoo is right for you? That’s incredibly exciting, but your decision making isn’t over quite yet!
There are still many questions you need to answer before selecting a Maltipoo. Which generation is right for you? What size do you prefer? Should you purchase a puppy from a breeder or adopt an older dog?
One of the most common questions prospective owners have is the difference between a male vs female Maltipoo. Does gender really matter when it comes to this breed? Let’s find out!
Male or Female Maltipoo: Health Differences
The health of your Maltipoo can be directly influenced by their gender. Many health conditions are impacted by hormone levels and some will affect one gender more than the other.
Male Maltipoos are at risk for prostate disease and testicular cancers. Female Maltipoos, on the other hand, are at risk for mammary cancer, uterine infections, and uterine tumors.
The easiest way to protect against these conditions is by spaying or neutering your Maltipoo. If you aren’t planning on breeding your dog, you’ll want to do this as soon as they are fully grown.
Spaying or neutering your dog is one area where you’ll notice a slight difference between the male vs female Maltipoo. The male neutering surgery is generally easier and can be slightly less expensive than the female spaying surgery. Males also tend to see a faster recovery time.
In general, both male and female Maltipoos will typically live between 10 and 15 years. This range isn’t influenced much by gender, but rather their overall health.
One great way to help set your Maltipoo up for a long, healthy life is by investing in pet insurance as early on as possible. This investment will ensure you’ll be able to afford the best treatment without worrying about its impact on your finances.
While being covered under any company is better than nothing, many Maltipoo owners prefer Healthy Pawsdue to their extensive coverage and relatively low rates. Some policies will cover up to 90% of your veterinary bills!
Male vs Female Maltipoo: Size & Appearance Differences
Like all dog breeds, the average size of a Maltipoo will vary based on gender.
Male Maltipoos, on average, will be about 10% larger than female Maltipoos. However, given the small size of these hybrids, this difference in weight and stature is usually not obvious to the casual observer.
Keep in mind, this size difference between male vs female Maltipoos is not always accurate in younger puppies. Female Maltipoos will usually reach their full size a little faster than males, making them deceptively appear like the bigger dogs.
As a whole, there are no coat differences between a male Maltipoo vs female Maltipoo. Your dog’s fur length, texture, and color is affected by their parent’s genes and which generation of Maltipoo they are.
Male or Female Maltipoo: Grooming & Upkeep Differences
Maltipoos are hypoallergenic, low-shedding dogs and are a popular choice for people with dog allergies. However, this is not a low-maintenance breed. These pooches require daily grooming to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
For best results, I suggest using the Chris Christensen Baby G Slicker Brush. It works wonders at preventing matting and keeping your Maltipoo’s coat looking great!
Besides brushing, it’s also important to clean your Maltipoo’s ears to prevent your dog from getting ear infections. Consider investing in an ear cleaning product like the VetWELL Ear Cleaner for Dogs and using it weekly.
Many people claim there are personality differences between male Maltipoos and female Maltipoos.
For example, some say that males are easier to train while females are smarter. Some say that females are more territorial while males are more aggressive.
At the end of the day, assuming your pet is spayed or neutered in a timely manner, you won’t find that gender impacts your dog’s personality. Many owners associate particular behaviors with a gender when they’re simply part of their individual dog’s personality and upbringing.
Even behaviors like humping and territory marking don’t always follow conventional wisdom. While they’re often associated with un-castrated males, both male and female Maltipoos are guilty of these deeds.
While testosterone can play a role, these behaviors can also be driven by boredom, anxiety, and certain medical issues such as urinary tract infections.
Which Gender Should you Choose?
Picking between a male or female Malitpoo isn’t always an easy choice. The good news is that the differences in a male vs female Maltipoo are relatively subtle and there isn’t a right or wrong choice.
The Maltipoo that is right for you is the one that has a personality that fits in your family and an energy level that will suit your lifestyle. If you already have pets at home, this is likely to influence things as well.
If you have your heart set on one gender but end up with the other, it is unlikely you will be disappointed. It really is not something to get hung up on and is not something most owners give much thought to when their dog is grown up.
Focus on your pup’s sweet personality and you’ll soon build a strong bond that will last for their whole lifetime!
Dr. Linda Simon
Contributing Professional
Dr. Linda Simon is a small animal veterinary surgeon who works as a locum vet in the UK. She qualified in 2013 from UCD, Ireland and was top of her year in small animal medicine. Linda writes for a range of animal-related publications and is the resident vet for Pooch & Mutt dog food. She is a proud doodle owner who shares her life with a 3 year old Cavapoo named Raffie!
