Instructions
Learn about the Maltese breed before deciding to find one. Consider the cost for grooming at least two to four times a month and the veterinary visits every three months until the Maltese is about a year old. Consider the amount of time you will need to give the Maltese since they desire plenty of attention and need exercise daily. They will need to be kept on a special diet to prevent obesity. It is very important they stay under 7 lbs. to keep them healthy.
Check with your veterinarian for a listing of good Maltese breeders. Once you locate a breeder ask for references and ask about the puppy's health history. Maltese tend to have eye problems with excess tear production causing the hair to turn a rusty color. They also suffer from bad teeth and gums along with problems with their joints in the knees. Ask for the health records of the puppy and of the mother and father. Make an agreement with the breeder to take the puppy to the veterinarian for a check up to make sure that the puppy is in good health before purchasing it. Look for the pup's quality of movement called the gait. Does the Maltese give an appearance of rapid movement when walking or trotting? If there is any hopping, this is a good indication that there may be joint problems. Also look at other American Kennel Club standards for the breed that indicate a dog in good condition, such as the bite and fur. The teeth must meet at the edges when biting and the fur must be long, silky and pure white. Avoid kinky, curly or wooly hair for a Maltese.
Find a Maltese puppy at a local Maltese rescue organization. Adopting a puppy through a rescue organization is less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder. However, there is an adoption fee that includes the cost for grooming, vaccinations, heartworm testing, and for a spay or neuter.
Contact your local animal shelter to find a Maltese puppy. Many times owners are unable to care for the puppies that their female Maltese had and will give them up for adoption. The fee from a breeder can run more than $1,000 while a rescue organization can cost $200. A local shelter will charge less than $100 for adoption. The fee covers spay/neuter, vaccines, grooming, and a few veterinarian check-ups.
How to Find a Maltese Puppy
Maltese dogs make great pets. Maltese dogs are well-tempered and tend to get along well with kids and other pets. Maltese are small dogs that weigh ideally no more than 7 lbs. They have white long silky hair that needs constant grooming. If you want to find a Maltese puppy, it may be more expensive and a little more difficult than getting an adult.