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WHY a MALTESE?
by Wendy
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
DISCUSSION:
Wendy, so glad you are doing a lot of investigation into the kind of dog you want. I am no expert on all dogs, but I can tell you what I have experienced. First of all, I dont know anything about Scotties, I dont even know anyone who owns one. As for Yorkie's, my experiences with them are only as an outsider, and I find them to be yappy and nasty with strangers, although to cover myself, I am sure there are some wonderful Yorkie's out there :)
Now, as for the Maltese, my Puff is the 4th dog I have owned in the last 4 years, the other 3 were all adults when I got them and I inheirited all their bad habits, so I found new homes for them. I, too, wasnt sure what kind of puppy I wanted, all I knew was I wanted a small one. I checked out Bichon's, Lhaso's, Shih-Tzu's, Pom's, but when I found Puff, I was sold. She was calm and sweet and when I held her, she just snuggled up against me as if to say "Please take me home." So I did and I have NO regrets. I got her at 13 weeks and she is now 6 months. She is totally housetrained, she can be let out with supervision and she wont run away. She has the personality of part clown, part princess and even my cat-loving husband is crazy about her. She loves to be with people, she is even good with the kids, to a point. When she has had enough, she hides :) She is so smart, she puts all the other dogs I have ever known to shame. And I can take her so many places I couldnt take another dog. No, she is not perfect, but, then, neither am I. But she is as close to perfect as I have ever seen in a dog. So I definately recommend a Maltese, as a companion and as a friend. Good luck and let us know about your final choice.
Sandy and Puff
Hi Wendy! I think it's just great you are asking these questions before you purchase your new dog. There are too many people in this world that buy a dog on impulse and do not even think about it being something that will be in there lives for the next 18-20 years, give or take a year or two. I chose the maltese for several reasons. First of all, my mother-in-law has a maltese/bischon mix. I always liked the way he looked. He looks more like a maltese than a bischon. So I went from there and went to the library and bookstore and read books on the breed. I contacted several breeders and asked numerous questions. I waited until I was financially prepared. My husband and I waited until we bought a house since soo-ooo many places for rent always say, "No Pets Allowed". And three maltese later here I am. We are getting a fourth maltese in October. We have all girls. Bianca, BriAnna, and Annie. My oldest is almost 3. My second oldest is 1 and 1/2, and my youngest will be 7 mo.'s old on Friday. I love the way the maltese are lap dogs. They love to give and receive love. They always want to be near you. As I type this I have Bianca in my lap, BriAnna by my right foot, and Annie is snuggled up next to BriAnna. I have been around many breeds of dogs, but I would not own any other breed but the maltese. They are more than dogs--they are like little human babies. Most people on this site call them fur babies. You will not go wrong with this breed. Good Luck and let us know what you decide!
Angel
Wendy I can tell just from reading you post any dog you get will be just fine, and be well taken care of, anyone willing to but this much time into finding a dog will take good care of the pet. You might try the Human Society for you dog , and find one that matches you personality, there should be plenty of small dogs there who need to be taken home, and one you can match up with, by the way I got my maltese from the pound, so you can never tell what might happen, but the important thing is to find a dog that wants you to take it home, and then go from there, for you purebread baby, this should help you know just what kinda of dog you like.
Malteze
Wendy, sounds like you're really doing your homework. Good for you!!! Growing up I had a mixed german shephard/collie and then a mixed chihuahua/toy manchester. As an adult, I've had german shephards, a Pekingese and now two Maltese. By far, the Maltese is the most person-like dog of them all. They are so much like little people how they interact with you. If you decide on a Maltese, and it sounds like you have, the best advice I can give is to find a REPUTABLE breeder - a breeder that breeds for show. They are dedicated to the betterment of the breed and the health and well-being of their puppies. The second piece of advice - bookmark this website. Read everything there is to read on the home page and spend time in this forum. The last thing I want to say is give your new baby a squeeze for me. Good luck.
Marie
Wendy, I have never owned anything other than a Maltese. My first one was with me for 16 years. My second one, Buster is almost 10 months old. Very smart. I had him potty trained to go outside in 4 weeks. He will sit and shake. When he has to potty he just comes up to me and barks then gots to the door. He is a very loving/affectionate little guy. A maltese is very loyal, loving, smart breed. They require alot of attention and alot of grooming. But well worth it. Please do all of the research you can before getting any pet.
Libby & Buster
Hi Wendy, I was owned by a yorkie for 13 years until he passed away. It took me almost 2 years before I felt ready to be owned again and I have now been owned for nearly a year by a male maltese. Even though they are the the same sex, their temperaments are different. Yorkies are terriers and were bred to hunt rats and mice so their playful puppy actions reflect the stalk and attack. My yorkie loved everyone and thought visitors came just to see him. He was a spaz but not yappy. My yorkie acted regal and was more independent. Maltese on the other hand, were bred as a ladies lap dog and reflects that by their sweet loving nature. My maltese loves to play, is affectionate to other people, but very protective and will bark at the slightest sound to alert us. He is a very sweet little guy that loves attention. Both the yorkie and maltese are extremely loyal, affectionate, and smart. I love both breeds because of their many endearing qualities and as of next month I will be owned by a yorkie as well as my maltese. Good luck on finding the right baby for you. 
eva
Wendy, glad your reserching the various breeds of dogs your interested in. This is my second Maltese, I can honestly say I have never bonded with a dog as I have the Maltese. They are loving, devoted, funny, smart, loyal and to see the least, a beautiful animal. I also have a Pom, who is cute as a button, very loyal a good little dog, but my feelings are far different for the Maltese. If you decide on a Maltese you will never be sorry, and will never have to ask your question again. Good luck.Dottie & Tasha
Dottie
Dear Wendy- Unfortunately I am very pressed for time this A.M. as I write this message or I could tell you my experience with my Maltese in greater detail but lets just condense it- Loads of grooming,loads of fun,highly intelligent,devoted and adoring until death do you part. But the MOST important thing you must be told is that no matter what breed you finally choose-DO NOT BUY from A PET STORE!!. And if you buy from a breeder check them out throughly. There is lots of info in the archives at this site that will give you explicit detail on puppy mills and bad breeders. Please take heed of their warnings. Really-do not buy a pup until you research that info. It may save you lots of money, and possibly needless heartache. Good luck on your decision.
Belinda
Wendy-I have decided to get a maltie because of all the wonderful things I have read on this and other sites. I did just lose a Yorkie, and she was wonderful too, but since have found out that yorkies can have alot of genetic problems and they have an aloof personality-they aren't lap dogs. I can give you some tips on what I have found out while searching for one. Be prepared to do alot of calling or e-mailing to breeders. The best place is to get one from a show breeder, (don't get one out of the paper or a pet shop. You may have to have one shipped depending on where you live (many will not ship or you have to be no longer than a 3 hr. flight). You are more than likely going to have to get on a waiting list-especially if you want a girl. You can read about the maltese standard, but if you are looking for a "pet" you won't get one of standard, show breeders usually keep those for themselves or other show people (show dogs are costly). A reputible breeder will disclose whatever that deviation is. Good luck on your quest!
Laurie
Wendy, I know it's been said before but you are truly doing the right thing by doing the research. My husband and I are totally in love with our little dog, Austin. We are in our late 30's and he is our only child. We truly treat him like he is our child and he is completely devoted to us and us to him. He goes everywhere with us. Even when we travel, he goes along. He is small enough that we can take him on the airplane. We, too, researched the various breeds before deciding on a Maltese.
This is what we found. Maltese were bred to be carried, bred to be pampered, bred to be pleased. They are one of the breeds called sleeve dogs. Nobles carried them around in their bell sleeve and kept them in their laps.
Maltese are clean dogs and will avoid eliminating where they spend their time (not just whater they eat and sleep).
These dogs are very affectionate and if you show them love, he will return it tenfold. He is totally devoted to you. If you want a dog that you can pamper and carry around, this is the dog for you.
Austin loves to be around children and other people. I have heard that they will sometimes hide around small children. This has not been my experience but Austin has never been around children for an extended period of time.
He is not yappy. My husband says he has two speeds. Full and low. He goes full speed wanting to get all of our attention when we come home and then he settles down and is just loving and mellow.
I recommend getting books on the breeds you mentioned. I do know that my neighbors considered a Scotty (they had owned one before) before getting two Maltese. I believe that my neighbor read in a book that Scotties are more prone to illness that Maltese.
Good luck...let us know what you decide.
Terre W.
Wendy--I will try to keep this short. First, I want to commend you for researching...this is very important and smart. Second of all it depends on the temperament you want in your dog. The Terriers are feisty and Malteses are affectionate and sweet. My experience with Yorkies has not been real good. One tried to bite my daughter in the face. I don't know much about the Scottie except that it is a black dog. I do not recommend terriers around small children unless it is the soft-coated Wheaten or the Westie. I also do not recommend a Maltese around small children because of their delicate size--children who do not know better could hurt this breed easily. My malt, Cubbie, is extremely affectionate and loves new people. After about 5 minutes of "greeting" he will settle down on your lap or snuggle next to your leg. Did I mention that this breed make very good watch dogs? The Maltese is a very merry mellow fellow indeed! Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Felicia & Cubbie
My little Chloe acts like she was put on this planet to please me. I've had terriers before, they're just a different kind of dog. There is just a closer bond with the maltese. They really are something else!
Michelle, Diane and Chloe
Hi Wendy, I don't know anything about Yorkies, but I have had 3 maltese and know a little about Scotties because my aunt breeds them. (Of course, I am biased and will ALWAYS recommend a maltese.) It depends very much on what your living arrangements are. Scotties are more of an outside dog, but Maltese are more of an inside dog. Both are excellent watchdogs. Both require lots of grooming, Scotties probably once a week, Maltese at least every second day unless you keep them in a puppy cut. Scotties have a double coat and you need to pull out their undercoat at certain times of the year. They shed quite a bit. Scotties are generally more boisterous and if you have kids who want a dog to play rough and tumble games with, and no-one in the family has allergies, then a Scottie is probably a better choice. Maltese are better suited to adults and older children. Scotties have a more "doggy" smell so you would probably want to bath them at least once a week if you are contemplating letting them sleep on your bed, Maltese still don't smell doggy after 3-4 weeks without a bath (although we bath ours every 1-2 weeks usually). Although Scotties seem small, they are VERY solid - I would not like to have one jump on my lap! They are loyal but fiercely independent, and really need a yard to run around in or to be taken out for walks at least once a day. But.......if you want a gorgeous bundle of white fluff with an enormous personality and a sweet temper, that doesn't smell "doggy", sheds very little and is pretty much non-allergenic, is small enough to be comfortable on your lap, is happy to tear around the house and yard so doesn't mind if you only get to go for walks once a week, will follow you everywhere you go, gives unconditional love, makes you laugh............go for the Maltese! (Or better still, two Maltese.)
Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)
Wendy, Good for you and your research. Taffy is the first Maltese I have had, I have had a poodle and a Yorkie, and big dogs. My Maltese, Taffy, is the most lovable, the cutest, the sweetest, the most wonderful dog I have ever had or seen. She is truly my baby, I am truly her Mommy, and we truly are in love with each other. I can trust her with any other animals she encounters, I trust her not ever to bite anyone no matter what, and I am also so lucky to be able to trust her in the house. She is a joy and the absolute light of my life. Hehehe, I guess that sums up how I feel!!
Robin M.
Wendy, just like you I did a lot of research before I decided on a maltese. I had narrowed my choices down to a maltese, toy poodle, and a chihuahua. I finally decided on a maltese because I love the way they look and a friend of mine had recently got one, and Snow had the sweetest diposition. She's very affectionate, and likes to be right in the 'thick of things'. A friend of mine has three chihuahua's and he told me that they were prone to nervousness, and can be territorial. I liked the toy poodle, but I like the maltese better. All that beautiful hair! Well Lalita (13 months old, 4 lbs.) has a puppy cut now for the summer. Lalita is exactly like Snow! She's very affectionate, gets along well with people, and her big sis (Veba the cat.) She loves to travel! I do a lot of travelling, and we just came back yesterday. You mentioned that you are loving and caring, well so are the maltese they give unconditional love. My mother who does not like pets in her house at all. Couldn't help but love my little Lalita. Lalita has wiggled her way into her heart, and we now consider my parents house her 'second home' [ggg] . Lalita runs around the place like she owns it, and is always getting my father and mother to play with her.
I thought I had did a lot of research before I got Lalita, I waited a while because I didn't want to make any rash decisions. I found that finding a reputable breeder was even harder. A lot of the breeders I talked to seemed to be in it, not for a genuine love for the animals, but for how much they could make! The breeder I finally decided on has a personality that is similar to mine. I could tell that she had a genuine love for her babies, and she called and made sure everything was coming along fine with Lalita. In fact we became good friends. She was very informative, and did not think any of my many, many questions were stupid. That's how it should be. I think the maltese breed are very intelligent Lalita has 6 maltese buddies, and they all have that sweet, loving temperment. Lalita knows a lot of different commands and performs a lot of tricks, so can her buddies. They have a lot of human characteristics. They thrive on affection, they try to please you, they get into things (just like kids I could go on and on. In my opinion if your looking for a small dog that is loving, obedient, smart, easily trained, and will give you unconditional love...look no further you can find that ALL in a maltese
Opal, Lalita, & Veba
I've had a cairn terrier, two golden retrievers and now my maltese, MacLeod. I found it interesting reading everyone's replies, because I feel very strongly that Maltese are related to terriers - in a very positive sense. Though Mac is small, he is fearless and cunning. He is an exceptionally loving and loyal dog. Mac prefers to be carried upright so he can look over my shoulder as a baby does. I thought it was interesting that at our town's Memorial Day Parade yesterday there were 4 dogs in the parade - 3 of which were Maltese! That definitely says something for the breed. They all walked briskly with their little heads held high and a darling smile on their little faces. It is a wonderful breed and I know I will always have one. Good luck.
Barb & Mac
Hi, Wendy! I'm a first time owner of a dog on my own. I've had dogs as a child but didn't help in taking care of them. I fell in love with the maltese breed the first time I've ever seen one and didn't know what it was. I just knew it was the dog I wanted. I didn't know what it's temperment or personality was like until I came upon this website and the more I read about this breed I fell even more in love. All around, this is the most perfect breed for me. It is very good you're doing this research. I've had people tell me that Sunny seems so human-like. And when he stands on his hind legs he does seem like a little human. It's so cute. All dogs are different, but Sunny is a bit nervous when it comes to seeing other dogs and people from far but when he's walking he doesn't pay attention to them. It's only from inside of something like the car or house. At home he doesn't bark continuously just when he hears something outside he'll let out a bark and that's it. But anyway , you have to judge for yourself what a perfect dog for you is. A yorkie seems like a another great breed, but they say it's more yappier than a maltese but then again they all have there own personalities. But if it were me all over again, a maltese would be still my #1 choice. Good luch with your search.
Charlynn
Wendy
You should definitely not get her from a pet store. Their pups come from puppy mills, where they are bred and live in terrible conditions. Read more about it on this website. I support this 100% I would try rescuing one or purchasing from a breeder. I know what you mean, decisions, decisions. At first, I couldn't decide between a girl or a boy. I chose a boy. They cost a little less than girls. (don't know why). I hear boys are more affectionate and make better lap dogs than girls. But I wouldn't know I've never owned a female maltese. Some say girls are more yappier than boys. Sunny is very affectionate and follows me everywhere. Sunny doesn't have a constant bark just when he sees people from far away or other dogs. He can be a pain in the A@#! in that way. A reason people may not want boys is because of the marking of their territory. That was my main concern. But Sunny, now 11mos., never does it inside the house. He learned only to to do it outdoors. So I wouldn't worry about that, except maybe if you rescue an older dog who might have been doing this already. It's hard to break them of this habit but possible. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Hope this helps.
Charlynn
Wendy, it's great that you have so many questions Sasha/Sophie is going to have a great mommy. I would definitely NOT get a maltese from a petstore. My breeder and other people on this site say that some of the little babies come from puppy mills and you can have a whole world of problems and hospital bills, possibly ( God forbid) death if this occurs! It's highly unlikely that you'll be able to see what the parents look like, because I seriously doubt if they would have them at the pet store. I just don't think it's good to buy these baby's from there. They're usuually seperated from their mother before they should be, and the environment that they are in! Bright lights, noise, people constantly picking them up, germs, etc... I think your safest bet is to find a reputable breeder. As for your other question...What to look for...On the Main menu on this site on your left hand side there's a menu scroll down to #2 'What to ask a Breeder', & #21 'American Standard for Maltese', also check out (2nd from bottom) 'What is a Puppy Mill'. As far as the females making better pets... I think it's a matter of preference. I chose a female, because that's what I wanted, but a friend of mine has 1 female, and 3 males, and they all have the same sweet, loving disposition. (So does Lalita's Dad, Sparky.) So, I think it's a matter of what you prefer. As for the spaying if your are not going to breed your baby, it's always best to get them spayed/neutered whichever the case may be. I have noticed no changes in Lalita's temperment after Lalita was spayed on Feb. 5 of this year ( @ 9 months.) My breeders dog isn't spayed (Lalita's mommy, Rosie) and she has a very sweet, loving disposition. But she hasn't been spayed because she still breeds her. When she goes into 'retirement' then she's going to have her spayed. Read the arcives they have a lot of helpful information in regards to spaying/neutering. I hope this helps.
Opal, Lalita, & Veba
...also Wendy, check out 'Pet Shop Pups' 1st from the bottom.
Opal, Lalita, & Veba
Wendy, congrats on choosing the Maltese. You will be very happy you did. They are more like having little human fur balls in your house then dogs. As far as male or female: I have both, and they are equally loving, loyal, spoiled rotten little babies.
As long as you love them unconditionaly, that's all they ask of you. As far as a pet store goes: don't touch them. No responsible breeder sells to a pet store. If I were to breed Maltese, I would want to know where they were going and how they were being taken care of. When breeders sell to a pet store, they have no idea where that pup is going to end up, and they usually don't care. As long as they get their money, that's all they worry about. I have seen Maltese that were purchased from pet stores around here, it's sad. I would have never guessed they were Maltese. Wendy, take your time and check out breeders. Get as much info on the breed as you can possibly get and go with a responsible breeder that cares where that puppy is going. Good Luck in your search.
ricky
The Maltese is so loving and affectionate. When I come home, I can hear him calling me before I even get out of my car. He jumps all over the place until I let him kiss me. He protects me like a true guard. No one can pass the house without him investigating. He sleeps in my bed, and won't wake me up. He'll just stare at me until I'm ready to get up, even if I sleep late on the weekends. He is so much fun to spoil, because he is so unbelievably cute! Everyday you will look at your Maltese and say to yourself, "I can't believe he's mine."
Linda
Wendy, I have a female and I wanted a girl dog because the last 2 dogs I got were male (I too figured males would be cheaper to keep) but I had to find new homes for both of them, the last one lifted his leg on everything I owned and chewed up everything else! As far as where you should get your puppy, yes a reputable breeder is the best place. I, however, did not get my Puff directly from a breeder, I got her from a small shop that gets their pups from breeders (Yes, I got the name and address and phone number of the breeder and the papers). Now before anyone starts saying "How could you?!" let me say that I was impressed by the woman that ran the place, the way the puppies were cared for and the obvious love she had for all dogs. I am not at all sorry that I got my Puff there, as she is a wonderful baby. The only breeder near me had a 2 year waiting list and I couldnt afford to get one from far away and pay for airfare and all the rest. So you can all slap my wrists and say "Bad girl!" but if I had it to do over again, I would. I have no regrets. But you do whatever makes you feel more secure. Best of luck :)
Sandy and Puff
Wendy, okay, by the numbers. First, male or female? Like you I was wrongly influenced by general opinion that females were better than males. A very patient show breeder convinced me that males (especially maltese) make every bit as good and even better pets. I have become the biggest loudmouth in support of getting a male. So much so, that I have two males (THAT was supposedly a no-no, too). The only reason they are less expensive is because everyone THINKS they want a female, therefore, females are more in demand. Secondly, pet store. Please, please don't even go near one for two reasons. If you see a maltese, you'll be tempted to bring it home (although you don't seem like the impulsive type). Secondly, parvo is a very deadly virus that lurks in pet shops and can be carried home on your clothes and shoes and this virus can live in your home and infect your new puppy weeks or even months from now. Please find a reputable show breeder. You WILL NOT be sorry. Three, spaying and neutering. Your puppy should be "fixed". In fact, if you buy from a show breeder and don't buy a show dog, there will be a spay/neuter contract to sign. There is a reason for this. You will buy a "pet quality" puppy which only means it is not perfect in every way to show (who cares?) and whatever trait that isn't show quality should not be passed on. Lastly, Sasha and Sophie are great names, but I can't resist... Don't rule out Sebastian. Keep us posted. You're doing great and are asking so many of the RIGHT questions.
Marie