Maltipoos are an incredible breed that delivers abundant love and warmth to every household they join. These delightful pups are the offspring of a Poodle and a Maltese, combining affection, intelligence, and a strong aptitude for training. Are you contemplating Maltipoo breeding?
To ensure success, follow a few essential steps, such as selecting parents with superior genes, temperaments, and coats. And once the little ones arrive, you’ll need to consider promoting and, ultimately, finding loving homes for your Maltipoo puppies!
I’ve put together a comprehensive guide brimming with valuable insights and recommendations for those interested in breeding Maltipoos. After perusing its contents, you’ll be well-equipped and prepared to welcome an adorable litter of Maltipoo puppies into the world.
Have Your Dogs Genetically Tested
The initial step to take is to ensure both parent dogs undergo testing for potential genetic issues. Since a dog’s DNA remains constant throughout its life, you can test them even if they are already a few years old.
Embark is among the top genetic labs for canines, providing crucial information about your dogs and determining whether they are suitable for breeding.
For your Maltese, it is essential to screen for diseases such as Degenerative Myelopathy and GM1 Gangliosidosis. Moreover, check for any eye-related issues, including prcd-PRA and cataracts.
As for your Poodle, ensure they are tested for Degenerative Myelopathy, GM2 Gangliosidosis, Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures, and Osteochondrodysplasia. Also, examine them for prcd-PRA and vWD type 1.
Remember that Maltipoos inherit traits from both breeds, so it is crucial to test for all the diseases mentioned.
Another crucial aspect is to determine whether your dog, its parent or grandparents have a merle coat. If so, you should test for the presence of the merle gene. Avoid breeding two merle carriers, as it can lead to offspring with a higher risk of health issues, including deafness, blindness, and other potential complications.
If one of the dogs you are breeding carries the merle gene, it may be wise to test for MDR1 alongside the other screenings.
Decide Which Generation You Want to Breed
It’s time to determine the Maltipoo generation you wish to breed. Depending on the generation, your pups may require coat testing to help predict the type of coat their puppies are likely to inherit.
When breeding a Maltese or a Poodle with a Maltipoo, coat testing is not necessary. However, if you decide to breed two Maltipoos, it becomes crucial to perform coat testing.
Here’s a quick reference for when to conduct coat testing and when it can be skipped:
- Breeding a Maltese and Poodle results in an F1 Maltipoo, and no testing is needed.
- Breeding an F1 Maltipoo and Poodle produces an F1b Maltipoo, and no testing is needed.
- Breeding two F1 Maltipoos creates an F2 Maltipoo, and coat testing is highly recommended for the F1b parent.
What is Coat Testing?
Coat testing involves examining your pup’s DNA to identify any traits that have two copies. This test is particularly vital when breeding two Maltipoos, as it helps determine if they possess the furnishing or improper coat trait.
Another essential and strongly advised test for your dog is the shed locus test. Embark provides coat testing services in addition to their genetic testing offerings, supplying more information about shed locus and improper coats.
Should I Have Coat Testing Done for my Stud?
Although coat testing typically centers on the female dog, it’s beneficial to have the male undergo coat testing too. If other breeders express interest in using your dog as a stud for their own litter, providing comprehensive information about him is advantageous.
Evaluate Their Personalities
Invite an accomplished trainer or animal behaviorist to assess your dog, which will give you a clearer understanding of its true temperament. Alternatively, you can pursue a Canine Good Citizen certification for your dog from the AKC.
The objective of this evaluation is to guarantee that prospective owners of your lovely dog’s puppies can be confident in their good temperament. Additionally, it ensures that an impartial expert doesn’t uncover any temperament traits you might have overlooked.
Similar to genetic testing, temperament evaluation can be conducted at any age. Be sure to complete this process before embarking on your breeding journey.
Research the Pedigree of Your Dog
Another valuable step in Maltipoo breeding is investigating your dog’s pedigree. Not only does this help identify any history of diseases or ailments in your dog, but it also allows you to assess their suitability for breeding.
Your dog’s vertical pedigree, encompassing their parents and grandparents, and horizontal pedigree, which includes their siblings and other relatives, are essential factors in accurately evaluating your canine’s lineage.
Provide your dog’s pedigree along with their health and genetic testing results, so other breeders have a comprehensive understanding of what your dog brings to the table.
Get Your Maltipoo OFA Tested
OFA, or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, provides health tests tailored for Maltipoos. Complete the relevant forms and count on your regular vet to perform cardiac and patella luxation tests (which can be conducted any time after your dog turns one year old) during routine visits.
Once the forms are filled out, submit them to the OFA along with the required fee to be entered into their database. Afterward, find a vet registered with the OFA, experienced in OFA films, and proficient in hip and elbow dysplasia x-rays for your pup.
Avoid scheduling a hip x-ray for your female dog if they are about to enter heat or is currently in heat, as hormonal changes may affect joint laxity.
Be sure to include the AKC registration or OFA numbers of your dog’s parents on the form if they have undergone OFA testing previously. Studs and breeders intending to sell their puppies to other breeders should prioritize this step, as it is crucial.
The various OFA forms you will need are the Cardiac Form, Patella Luxation Form, and Hips/Elbows Dysplasia Form.
Take Pictures of The Dogs You Plan on Breeding
Remember to capture photos of the dogs you intend to breed. Whether your dog is female or male, photographs provide an excellent glimpse of what others can expect from your charming canine companion.
Don’t limit yourself to taking pictures of the parents only. Once you have a litter of puppies, capture plenty of images of the little ones, too.
Possessing photos of an adorable group of puppies significantly improves the chances of finding buyers. It’s difficult to resist the appeal of beautiful puppies, and when people see attractive pictures, they’re more likely to make a purchase.
Always strive to obtain the best possible photographs. This includes high-quality shots, flattering angles, and a variety of images that showcase your pups’ appealing appearance.
Consult an Experienced Veterinarian
When selecting a veterinarian, make sure they are equipped and experienced in caring for a pregnant dog.
Some vets may not be prepared or experienced enough to handle a litter of tiny puppies, and a composed demeanor is necessary to conduct essential health checks, administer vaccinations, and potentially insert microchips.
A vet who can address your inquiries and guide you throughout the breeding process is a valuable resource.
Aim to find a reproductive veterinarian who can offer support and assistance whenever needed. These specialists can also provide recommendations for where to take your Maltipoo for OFA x-rays.
Get the Proper Supplies
Once you’ve addressed everything else, it’s time to gather the necessary supplies for your future Maltipoo puppies. Purchase a whelping box for the newborn pups and washable cloth for bedding in case the mother chooses to give birth outside the box.
Keep small cloths on hand to clean the puppies and a bulb suction to assist with breathing if needed. Disposable gloves are also useful for maintaining a sterile and clean environment around newborns.
A warming pad is another essential item. Even if your location isn’t particularly cold, remember that puppies can become chilled quickly. Using a warming pad when needed helps keep them healthy and comfortable.
Prepare some snacks for the mother dog in case she needs rejuvenation. Giving birth and feeding a litter of puppies is exhausting! Excellent rehydration snacks include broth, cottage cheese or vanilla ice cream, and plain yogurt.
If you have a male dog, consider obtaining artificial insemination kits. These can be helpful if he’s unable to achieve a tie with his mate. Artificial insemination kits can simplify the breeding process for inexperienced studs.
Advertise Your Puppies!
While Maltipoo puppies are irresistibly adorable, the main purpose of breeding them is to sell most of them. Don’t hesitate to advertise through various channels, and make sure to capture plenty of cute pictures that make people fall in love with the puppies at first sight!
Some potential marketplaces for selling your puppies include:
- On Facebook: Utilize local pet groups and dog-lover communities to your advantage. Share updates and photos of your Maltipoo puppies to entice potential buyers.
- On Your Website: If you plan on becoming a professional breeder and producing multiple Maltipoo litters, consider setting up your own website. Websites are relatively inexpensive and can reach a broader audience than Facebook. You may even include advertisements for extra income.
- On Puppy Advertising Sites: Some excellent websites for advertising your puppies include PuppySpot and Hoobly. Both require payment to advertise, but they are effective ways to sell your puppies.
Abide by the Law
Lastly, remember to adhere to the breeding laws in your area. Specific states, counties, and cities have particular regulations regarding breeding and what is permissible. Take the time to familiarize yourself with these laws to avoid any complications when breeding your Maltipoos.
Conclusion
These are just a few considerations to keep in mind when breeding your own Maltipoos.
By following this guide, you should gain a solid understanding of the steps necessary to prepare for breeding your very own Maltipoo puppies.
Sources
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – Breeding Your Dog: A Comprehensive Guide URL: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/breeding-your-dog-a-comprehensive-guide/
- The Kennel Club UK – Breeding from your dog URL: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeding/breeding-from-your-dogs/
- The University of California, Davis – Veterinary Genetics Laboratory URL: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/
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