adopting an older maltese

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Archived Message

adopting an older maltese
by Sherri
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
adopting an older malteseSeveral months ago my 15 yr old Yorkie died. I miss him terrribly, and during his senior years, I really came to appreciate the qualities in an older dog. I've been thinking of adopting a 7 yr old Maltese from a breeder. This dog is being "retired", and due to personal medical problems, the breeders need to cut down on the number of dogs that they can keep. They are allowing a 30 day trial period, but I want to make a wise decision for both the dog and myself. Do these dogs adapt well the new living arrangements? Do they generally like other pets? Do older previously-bred dogs make good pets? Any wisdom would be appreciated - Thanks!

DISCUSSION:

Most Maltese will adapt quite well. It has been raised with older adults so it should get along great with another dog. You may have to housebreak him/her which may take a little longer and more patience than with a puppy but its something to think about as it sounds like if they are cutting back on their dogs, its probably presently living in a kennel. What's the 30 day trial about? What would the breeder do if the situation arose wherein 2 or 3 months you've decided it didn't work out......??
Jay

Sherri, My Carty was 6 when he came to live with us. Now his circumstances were a little different in that he lived with a family, not in a kennel, and he had a couple of "issues" that are directly related to the care he got previously. However, after he got used to me and Lucy and realized he wasn't just here to board, but actually was staying with us, he was (and is) fine. Took him a while to warm up and to socialize with us, but again I think he had kind of a rough time in his previous home and wasn't exactly brimming with trust. We have had him a year now and he finally plays and cuddles and in general is a "normal" maltese. Also, I have placed a couple of 5 and 6 yr old Maltese through rescue and they do fine in new homes. So, if you want an older dog, go for it. Loving them is the best way to "make them yours." One thing that I didn't do with Carty and think would have speeded up the bonding process is take him to obedience classes, and I would highly recommend that as a way to let your new baby establish a positive relationship with you from the start. Let us know how it goes. Will be watching for your posts.
cathy brown

Sounds like a great idea for both you and the dog. I have a 3yr old I got from a breeder and she loves me to death. Just like children, they feel special when they are receiving love on a one to one basis. Not that the breeder wasn't giving her alot of love, it's just that I didn't have my attention divided among many. About the 30 day trial - I don't like that. A good caring breeder should take the dog back at any time if someone is unable to care for it. Hope it works out for you.
Vickie - Juskind/NY

It sounds like a wonderful chance for the dog, but it will take a lot of patience from you. Sometimes these dogs in kennels have not been given the personal cuddling they deserve and the don't know how to show affection. But that doesn't mean they can't learn to love and to accept love! Let us know how it turns out, please.
Marcia

Sherri, sorry to hear about your Yorkie...my heart goes out to you. I too lost my Chico/Maltese at the age of 16 and my Buster (10 mos old) is a hand full but I love him to death. Typical puppy! Ha! Ditto on what Jay has said. I think the older Malt will adapt very quickly. Good luck and keep us posted.
Libby & Buster

Sherri, one of my Maltese is 7 years old and she adopted to our new Maltese without any problems. In my personal opinion 7 is not very old for Maltese.

I agree with Marcia as to dogs in kennels not being given the personal cuddling they deserve. These dogs still DO know how to show affection, it comes natural in the Maltese breed, they will still be givers in spite of sometimes not being on the receiving end.
Jay

Sherry, I adopted both of my maltese girls as older dogs. Shelby was 2 1/2 when I got her and Nikki almost 6. They have both adjusted wonderfully, you'd never know we hadn't had them since they were puppies. I also don't like the sound of the thirty day trial. They should care about the future of this girl and always be willing to take her back should the time come that it didn't work out.
Sandy (Shelby & Nikki)

Sorry, I can't tell you if older maltese adapt to new homes well but I know pups do. They get comfy in new homes pretty fast and they love new owners.
Anne