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There are two basic types of tattoo mechanisms - the "ear crimp" and the "tattoo gun". Both sound harsh and unpleasant - but neither is all that bad. The ear crimp is probably easier for a novice to use themselves but generally less legible than the "gun". Also, and I know this sounds horrible, an ear can be surgically removed if someone was intent on eliminating the identification of a dog they "appropriated" - there are documented cases of this. The "gun", with the needle depth set to an appropriate level for the extremely thin sensitive skin of a Maltese. is "our" identification mechanism of choice. We place the tattoo on the underside of the dog - on the side of its belly near the rear legs. This is the same type of device used to administer human tattoos and has all the flexibility for personalized identification. Many use the AKC number, some a kennel ID plus a number, and others use their own social security number. We use a kennel ID system as we want it as short in length as possible and often only put three characters - very tiny ones, on the dogs. While this may not assist someone to locate us if the dog got "loose" - it does positively identify the dog should it become necessary to prove ID or ownership.
The overall experience is not that traumatic on the dog - we administer a topical anestitic in advance and then antibiotic cream afterward to ward off infection. It heals quickly and the dog still loves you after it is over.
Larry Stanberry Divine Maltese
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