Read About Maltese Breeders

Maltese Breeders raise one of the oldest of dog breeds, dating back as far as 5000 B.C. Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Maltese Breeders - Breeder Facts

1. Professional Affiliations:

   The Maltese is recognized worldwide by all of the national associations: the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Kennel Club of Great Britain (KCGB), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and the Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC).

2. Why Use a Breeder:

   A reputable breeder should be concerned with the genetic line of the dogs they are breeding to ensure that they are raising healthy puppies. Breeders know what to look for and what to avoid to breed the "perfect" dog. Most of all, a breeder breeds for the love of the dog.

3. How to Find:

   You can find a breeder through any one of the professional associations listed above or through the American Maltese Association.

4. What to Expect:

   Expect your breeder to know everything there is to know about the breed he is raising. Avoid breeders that have so many dogs, they look overwhelmed.

5. Breeder's Surroundings:

   Because the Maltese is a small dog, it is usually raised in the breeder's home. Do not purchase your Maltese puppy from a puppy mill, where the dogs are usually left in outdoor kennels.

Maltese Breeders - Newborn Facts

1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

   Smaller Maltese dams have one or two pups per litter. Larger dogs can produce up to four.

2. Age To Be Sold:

   A Maltese puppy should not leave the breeder before it is 12 weeks of age. This will ensure that the puppy is healthy, well adjusted, and has been started on "paper training."

3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

   Puppies should be socialized and have a sweet temperament. Their eyes should be clear and you should see no signs of sneezing.

4. Registry:

   Registry with the AKC can cost over $20. Registry with the Maltese Only Kennel Club is free.

5. AKC Recognized Characteristics:

   The coat of the Maltese is white, with long, straight, silky hair and fine feathering down the tail, legs, and feet. Their maximum weight is 7 pounds. Their eyes and nose are black; the ears are "drop" style.

6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

   Puppies can range from $650 to over $2500, depending on the breeder and the puppy's "show qualifications." It is also common for Maltese to be delivered by C-section, which adds to the cost of a puppy.

7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

   A quality breeder will allow you to meet the parents. The dam and sire should have a strong bloodline to dissuade the possibility of genetic health problems in the litters.

Maltese Breeders - Breeder Concerns

1. Breeder Reputation:

   The best way to find out about a breeder's reputation is from other customers. A reputable breeder will openly give your references and encourage you to contact others who purchased puppies from them.

2. Pet Health:

   The Maltese is basically a very healthy breed. Some minor health problems can be ear infections, excessive eye tearing, and allergies.

3. Assurances:

   You should not purchase a Maltese unless it has been to a vet for its first set of inoculations, has been de-wormed, and is free of fleas. Many Maltese breeders will guarantee their puppies from disease within the first few months of purchase until up to a year or more.