Two Outdoor Brothers
by Mary
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
I have begun researching breeds preparing for the day (hopefully coming soon!) when I will be able to have an indoor dog. My husband and I have no children and love dogs. We have two outdoor boys now, one is a 10 year old Lab and the other is a 1 year old Jack Russell. (We had a nine year old Jack Russell who recently died due to a brain tumor.) Both of the boys stay outside while we're at work and sleep in a house outside (they each have a house, but like to share one), but they come in the house when we are home. They are both trained well and behave themselves, but they ARE outdoor types and can play rough. I love my boys, but they are just not cuddle dogs. The Maltese seems like a sweet, smart cuddle-puppy and I am very interested in learning more about them. We are seriously considering one or two Maltese puppies in the spring of next year. We have a farm and lots of room in the house as well. My question for you current owners is: How well will a Maltese interact with two cowboy brothers? Is this a bad idea? Your comments and advice will be most appreciated. -- Mary

DISCUSSION:

I do not recommend bringing a Maltese into the home with a young terrier of almost any breed, especially one like the JR. We did have Westies at one time and they got along great with the Maltese but Westies have a much softer temperment than most other terriers.
Mary Lou