MALTESE DOGS

Hi, I'm also the co-author (with my Maltese dog Chiclet) of the award-winning canine health and safety book, Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care (pictured below left). That's my Jiggy on the cover. My two babies, now almost 9 years old, are pictured (right) with me. Jiggy is in my lap on the photo's left. Chiclet is on the right. 

Maltese (the word is both singular and plural) are small, scary smart and submissive (which means they're relatively easy to train). The standard size of this Toy breed is 4 to 7 pounds. Most are cuddly, adoring and as sweet as dogs come. Some are lap sitters; some aren't. (Some breeders believe that male dogs are the most affectionate.) As dogs go, they're considered hypoallergenic and non-shedders. 

On the down side, Maltese are pure white and a challenge to keep clean. Even a brief walk brings four dirty paws in need of cleaning. And, unless kept in short "summer" or "puppy" cuts, as Chiclet and Jiggy are, they'll grow hair down to the floor. If you don't like the idea of daily brushing, clip them short or look for another breed. By the way, Maltese have silky hair, not fur.

These dogs are sometimes called Maltese terriers, but they are not terriers. The smallest Maltese (like 4-pound Chiclet) are sometimes called "Teacup Maltese," but there is no such thing. "Teacup" is a marketing term and does not guarantee a small dog. In fact, I've seen more than a few "Teacup Maltese" who now top 20 pounds or more.  

If you're not willing to love a big dog as much as a tiny one, please find another breed. Note: Chiclet, and several small Maltese I know, weighed less than 2 pounds at three months of age (although this is no guarantee of adult size.) By the way, 3 months is the youngest age from which they should be taken from their mother. If the breeder wants you to take an 8 week old dog, find another breeder.

Note: the smaller the dog, the more health problems you're likely to encounter: especially dental problems. There just isn't enough room in their mouth for 42 teeth, even when they're tiny.

The best way to judge a puppy's adult size is to see the parents and grown siblings, although even this is no guarantee. Just as with people, family members can vary greatly in size, looks and disposition.

Do not trust on-line photos. And don't trust guarantees, especially for dogs brought from another state. You'll be in love shortly and won't want to return a dog with genetic or personality defects. They count on that. Also, chasing someone down to get your money back can be a challenge.

Maltese are fragile -- not a good choice around young children, especially rambunctious toddlers. If your children can't be trusted to treat these dogs as though they might break any moment, they should not be allowed to play unsupervised with the dog. (See Chadwick at right.)

In areas with ANY predator--even hunting birds and owls--they must be kept indoors or held close on leashes. Where I live, hawks and owls fly off with small dogs. Coyotes grab them off leashes and run. You must maintain constant vigilance. They are also a popular target of dog thieves, so beware. If your children aren't old enough to make sure your house's doors are always closed, and that your dog is inside, please select a larger breed of dog.

Problems that affect most Toy dogs also affect Maltese. Dental disease, Maltese tear stains, knee problems (luxating patellas) and problems with anesthesia are paramount among them. You MUST have your dog checked thoroughly by an independent veterinarian before purchasing. This check can save you a fortune in the long run. (My book, Scared Poopless, addresses these problems in depth. Read the Table of Contents.)

Please DO NOT BUY Maltese, or any other dog, from pet stores, on-line puppy shops, street corners or swap meets. These dogs are generally the product of inexperienced "backyard" breeders or of cruel mass breeding operations called puppy mills. They may even be stolen. What you might save in purchase price, you'll likely pay many times over in veterinary and training bills as these dogs are often damaged both physically and psychologically. If you buy one of these poor pups to "save it," you'll be perpetuating an unthinkable cruelty. Every puppy purchased means a female will be kept in captivity to breed yet more of these unfortunate pups. You save one, you hurt two or more.

The American Maltese Association suggests you ask breeders these questions. I agree. Click here for some of their general care tips.

A reputable Maltese breeder will:

• Keeps dogs indoors. These dogs should be members of the family.
  
  Show you at least one parent on the premises.
  
  Won't breed three or more breeds of dogs.
  
  Won't advertise that they always have puppies.
  
  Won't let you buy a dog without grilling you about your home, knowledge, etc. (This is an adoption; not a sale.)
   

• Won't ship a Maltese puppy alone on a plane. Dogs die and are permanently damaged this way. Read my article on Flying a Dog in the Belly of an Airplane.
  
  Will show or belong to a dog group of some sort.
  
  Will have a library of care books.
  
  Are HARD, not easy, to buy from. Good breeders have waiting lists for their dogs most of the time and want their babies to go to the best homes.
  
  Caution you about over-vaccination, give you a list of your dog's shots and dates when given, and won't have given puppies shots before 8 weeks of age.
  
  Will not let you have a dog younger than 12 weeks of age.
  
  Will feed their dogs really good food, preferably raw.
  
  Will recommend a thorough vet check (from an independent vet) before the purchase is final.

• Will not recommend antibiotics for tear stains.
   

If a breeder recommends combination vaccines (like DHLPPC), they are not up to date on vaccinating protocols. Small dogs are especially susceptible to vaccine reactions. Read my book's chapter: "Rethinking Vaccination," and see this web page on Vaccinating Dogs Safely.

If they recommend kibble, they are not experts on nutrition. Read my on-line chapter on "Food to Die For," an excerpt from my award-winning dog health care book which is narrated by a Maltese. Also see this web page on Dog Food Information.

Maltese, and Maltese mixes, await your love in a shelter with a rescue group near you. View dogs in multiple nearby shelters at www.petfinder.com or www.1-800-save-a-pet.com. Check out rescue organizations by searching on-line for "Maltese rescue" or go to American Maltese Association and click "Maltese Rescue."  In So. California, e-mail me and I'll put you in touch with a rescue group.

Important: When you find the dog you want, please have an independent veterinarian (not the breeder's vet) "vet check" your dog thoroughly before finalizing your purchase. This is the best money you'll ever spend and no reputable breeder will refuse or be offended.

I wish you good luck and Maltese love.

Jan Rasmusen

Note: a So. California Maltese breeder is telling people she's a good friend of mine and a number of top breeders. None of us have ever heard of her. It is thought she is trying to pass off low-quality dogs as champs. Always check out any claims and get references.