Annaquilts

If you are familiar with these dogs I would love to hear about it. I am thinking of getting one now my little girls are turning 7. I need something to baby. We are always home and we would keep the dog inside. What would be a good way to go about finding a reputable place to buy a puppy or should I look at a slightly older dog?

TanyaL

I have always raised dogs. When my daughter was in high school we bought her a regular Maltese. Petey weighed 6 lbs. soaking wet. I think a Maltese any smaller would possibly be a little fragile for robust girls as young as 7 . Our Maltese had an allergy problem which at times was bad. We loved the dog, but he was hard to house break. LOTS of energy, lots of grooming and lots of fun. Make sure you buy from a reputable breeder, not from a store or puppy mill. Be sure to see both parents and watch them interact with people. Know how many litters the mother has had. Don't buy from an over bred bitch. Some Maltese are very excitable and won't calm down - jump around a lot and pee when a stranger comes in the house, etc. Most traits will pass down from one generation to another. If you like the way both the dam and sire behave you will probably like the offspring. If you can only see the puppy, pass on the deal. EVERY puppy is cute - you need to see the parents to judge what type of dog your puppy will grow up to be. Every Maltese looks like a little snowball that fits into your pocket. Good luck in picking out the right puppy for your family.

Unless you have a lot of experience with small puppies and small children, you need a good book on how to handle both or your puppy will be ruined through no fault of the children, but through inexperience on handling small children and puppies. Children can just be too much for puppies, and they are inconsistent by nature. You will need firm rules for the children but the training will have to be done by you.

Annaquilts

Thank you Tanyal. Some good insight. I would not be getting it for the girls as much as for me.

nativetexan

also check with your City's animal control if you want to use a particular breeder. see if they have had any complaints about them. and ask for references of other customers of the breeder. good luck.

rushdoggie

Maltese have very soft coat that needs a lot of maintenance...I have known a couple that were very sweet but they need a lot of daily brushing to not mat. And a Maltese is a toy breed, so all are small. If someone is selling teacup or extra small Maltese I would look elsewhere. IMO, theres no need to breed a very small dog to be extra small and that can lead to issues.

Pet stores that sell puppies often get them from sources where the breeding dogs are not well treated. I would look for a Rescue or a reputable breeder.

cizzors

When I was researching Chihuahuas 10 yrs ago, alot of sites stated that there was no such thing as a toy Chi. They are purposly breed to be small. Not sure if that goes for other breeds or not. And maybe today it's different. Too small for me though and I don't have kids.

maryb44662

I love my toy Maltese and is spoiled rotten. I love him to death and he does rule the roost around here. I am a window and live alone so he is lots of company for me. That's him in my avatar.

burchquilts

Also see if the local shelters ever get any Maltese or see if your state has a Maltese rescue. I had a Maltese many years ago & he was the doggiest dog I ever owned! He was very sweet & was good with the kids but he loved to roll in the mud (so much for that beautiful white coat) & run with the big dogs.

tdgiffin

Would you please comsider trying out www.petfinder.com to find your baby? This website allows you to select the age, location, and breed that you are looking for. These are all rescue pets, so not only will you be getting a new baby, you will be saving a life.

I adopted my dogs as adults, and this is why. Adult dogs are usually the ones that are passed over. Everyone wants that cute little puppy in the window. The digs are truly grateful for being rescued. They know what you have done for them, and they do not forget it. Adult dogs already display their personality. There is no guessing about whether or nit the dog is shy, aggressive, playful, out going, etc. What you see is what you get! Last of all, adult dogs have already been past the chewing on thungs and getting you up all through the night thing.

Please do some research if you are going to buy a dog from a breeder. Research puppy mills online before you buy ome from a pet store. Consider buying a puppy directly from a breeder, and get references from them. See where the puppy has been living, and ask to see the parents. A good breeder will be proud to show you these things, amd to give you references. They have nothing to hide Best wishes, and please enjoy your new little nugget!

Annaquilts

tdgiffin

We are and have always in the past taken dogs like that. We do not plan to breed the dog either and will most likely spay/neuter.