What to ask a Maltese Breeder - Link to American Maltese Breeders List 2004

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What To Ask The Maltese Breeder

by Jay Bianco

A personal recommendation from a satisfied owner is an excellent way to find a Maltese dog breeder. Ask any of your Maltese owning friends or perhaps a veterinarian. They may know of a Maltese breeder and would know about the quality of the pups. Be prepared with some questions to ask the Maltese breeder, for example:

How long have they been breeding Maltese?

How many other breeds do they have? A real plus if they only breed Maltese dogs

Does the breeder insist that all non-show-quality puppies for sale be spayed/neutered at the appropriate age and not be allowed to produce puppies of their own?

Do they have an agreement to take or buy the dog back, should this ever become necessary? Will they put it in writing?

What temperament problems can be encountered? Is it an easy breed to train and housebreak?

Do they have shot records? Are they documented?

What type of contract, conditions or guarantees are involved in the sale of the Maltese puppy?
Reputable Maltese breeders will provide a written contract/guarantee with a spay/neuter requirement and limited registration for any pet puppies. They do not sell breeding animals to pet homes.

Could they give you at least 2 references of someone who acquired one of their Maltese in the past?

Does the Maltese breeder participate in the rescue of abandoned and owner-relinquished Maltese?

Did the Maltese breeder require you to visit the premises where the mother dog and the litter of puppies reside, so that you can see how they're raised and cared for?

Is the Maltese breeder USDA licensed? If they are, that is a

RED FLAG to you that this breeder is a puppy mill. Licensing is required by USDA for any breeder who sells more than $500 per year of puppies to a broker or pet shop.

Be careful giving a breeder a "non-refundable" deposit. Paying for the puppy in full is a much better approach to insure YOU will get a puppy and not some other prospective buyer when the puppy becomes of age to be sent home with you. "Deposits" aren't good for either party and it's a fact that they have caused many hard feelings between breeders and puppy buyers. Usually puppy buyers who are a little unsure about actually following through with the purchase favor a deposit as it's a way out of the sale without losing the entire purchase price. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable about giving the breeder full payment up front several weeks before actually taking possession of the puppy, you probably haven't found the right breeder or Maltese puppy and you should move on.

Was the Maltese breeder responsive to openly discuss these concerns, or seem ignorant of them, or defensive, offended etc...?

If you have any doubts as to the honesty of any of the information the breeder gives you-check it out. Remember it is your right and responsibility to make your purchase from someone who takes all steps necessary to produce dogs of quality and health, and then stands behind what they sell. There can be no gray areas when it comes to selling living creatures. Defective Maltese puppies, unlike toasters or automobiles, suffer pain, as do the owners who love them.

If you find a Maltese breeder that suggests meeting you in a store parking lot to save you from driving that extra mileRED FLAG, you should wonder what they are trying to hide. You should ALWAYS be able to see the living conditions of both the Maltese puppies and the parents. Maltese Breeders who do not question you about your home and family situation or how you intend to care for your Maltese are those you should be cautious of. They are more than likely concerned about the financial aspects of the sale than about providing the very best home possible for their Maltese.

Also, remember that responsible breeders will want to ensure their pups will go to good homes, so do expect to be asked some questions yourself such as:

Do you have any young children?
If so, do you understand a Maltese is very fragile as a pup?

Do you have ample space for a new Maltese?

Do you have other pets? If so, how will they be around another?

Have you ever owned a Maltese dog before?

Have you had a dog before? If so, what happened to it?

Have you ever got rid of a dog? If so, why?

What do you know about raising and training dogs?

Why did you choose the Maltese breed?

Is anyone in your family allergic to dogs?

Do you have the time to give the attention that a Maltese puppy requires?

What type of socialization with your new Maltese puppy are you planning to do?

How much time during the day will the dog be alone?

Do you rent? If so, does the landlord allow pets?

Do you have the patience needed to housebreak a new Maltese puppy?

You will know you have found a responsible Maltese breeder when the breeder makes you PROVE you are qualified to own one of their puppies. If a breeder doesn't ask you any questions but only asks to see your checkbook, walk away. If the breeder makes you feel like you are trying to adopt one of their kids, you have found a responsible breeder. If a breeder will sell to you without giving you the third degree, walk away. A Maltese breeder who sells carefully will have bred the litter carefully.

And a Maltese breeder who requires that you return the dog to them, if at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the dog, is a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will always be willing to take back one of their dogs - they feel responsible for every puppy they sell, for that dog's entire life.

Hopefully all will go well between you and the breeder. If you do decide to purchase a Maltese puppy, don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. A responsible Maltese breeder can be very helpful with some answers and remember to find a breeder who is willing to take back a puppy or dog if any problems develop or if you become unable to care for your Maltese any longer. Good Luck!

~Patience is bitter... but its fruit is sweet!

American Maltese Breeders List
The most extensive list of Maltese dog breeders you'll find anywhere. Organized by State.