There is a myriad of reasons and circumstances leading to Maltese dog owners surrendering their dogs over to maltese rescue shelters. Some may include:

• poor or deteriorating health (either the dog, its owner or both)
• an undesirable temperament change in the dog
• a change in an owners work schedule (excessive hours or travel)
• moving to rented property where pets are not permitted
• the responsibility of pet ownership became too much
• doesn't get along well with other pets in the household
• Maltese has become aggressive with childeren
• can no longer financially afford to care for properly
• owner cannot seem to housebreak the dog
• dog being abused by other family member(s)
• bought the dog on a whim, didn't really want a dog
• no longer fits in with the owners lifestyle
• were seized from a puppymill; court order requires placement

If you are looking to adopt a Maltese, check with the local shelters as well as the ones within driving distance from you. You would be surprised as to how many Maltese get adopted from the public shelters. Good luck!