Breeding my baby girl

My maltese is getting ready for her 3rd heat this month, she is 18 months old. I just want to mate her to continue the good genes of a sweet little dog. I'm not interested in show quality dogs, although she has several champions in her family. What should I look for in a mate, and what is a reasonable price to expect for studding?
Laura

• Laura, please, please, go to the Archives and read the responses to the Q&A subject "breeding malteses" -- it is between "Questions about Allegeries for the Maltese Breeder" and "Maltese ear hairs"

  Please be a responsible owner and do NOT breed your dog, no matter how "cute" too many cute dogs are put to death every day or end up in rescue programs (as evidenced by some of the recent postings) if you are not interested in show quality and improving the breed, don't breed and have some emphathy and consider for the pet population that is already here! But even if you do not like what I have said here, please do read the posting in the reference I have given you!
  Rebecca

• I looked into breeding my Chantilly Lace a while ago. Please talk to someone associated with the AMA, or someone who shows maltese to determine if your girl would better the maltese standard. Once she has been evaluated, you should then consider looking for a stud. I have come to the conclusion that breeding maltese is an art, and should be left to the professional breeders. Please be prepared to spend a large quantity of time on this project. I spent almost seven months trying to breed my girl, and was unsuccessful. There are many rescues that may have maltese available. Please try and help those dogs recieve good homes like Holli. Jay sometimes posts rescue dogs on the bulletin board. I know that this is not the answer that you want to hear, but take it from someone who has learned it is not worth the heartache.
  Sharisse

• That was a good reply from Sharisse. I am not a breeder, nor do I show dogs. I have 3 Maltese that I purchased thru a very responsible breeder in our Chicago area: "The M & M & M Girls." A responsible breeder takes this very seriously, and spends much time and research with this. It takes a long time. I visited a site about canine genetics, and realize more than ever how hard these breeders work at this. The AMA takes this very seriously. My relative, who used to both show and breed, taught me a lot. In all fairness to the puppies, it's best to let the pros do it. Give Holli 3 big hugs & kisses from Missy, Mindy, & Mimsy!! And a great big thank you to the Biancos for this wonderful Maltese site!! The compliment on home page is well deserved!! P.S....My girls also have some other names: "The Paper Shredder" "The Mountain Climber" &......"I Told You I Wasn't Trained for this Grate!"

• I understand your feelings about breeding. I have my first Maltese and everyone loves her. She is beautiful. I have had several offers from male owners to breed my girl. When I first got her, I had every intention of doing so. However, after spending several months on this information site and another, I realized that it is a very serious thing and it should be left to the pros. I have read about diseases, dead births, possible loss of the mother's life, not to mention all of the countless hour s it takes for these little ones. I don't mean to scare you but honestly some of the things I read did scare me and I have just recently had my 8 mo old spayed. I feel much better about that. I hope you think about it and I wish you luck.
  Sandy