Tips when getting a new dog.

taylor3

Strongly thinking about getting a lovely Maltese/Bichon mix male dog. He is 3 months old. I have 2 cats and 2 old enough kids, (early teens). Any tips or ideas on this type of dog. He will have company all day more or less. Garden is secure, can walk him no problem. Lots of love and care to give so what are the pitfalls if Any? Cheers.

VonVix

Maltese/Bichon types need regular grooming, keep in mind you'll have to fork out 40+ euros every 3-6 months, price will often go up depending on the existing condition of the dog, a dog in a more poor condition (more matting) may take longer for a groomer to groom, so price can go up. You'd also want him to be used to gentle grooming as soon as you have him (if you do take him on), feet, tail, behind the ears/ears, belly and back of legs are often overlooked when brushing a dog in the home, these are the areas that typically will get matted the most quickly.

Smaller dogs are typically harder to house train (smaller bladder, more chances for accidents, more chances to miss teaching him where he is supposed to go), think about how you plan to deal with this. Puppy pads generally are the reason many small adult dogs still end up peeing in the home.

Crate training is a super useful tool for a puppy to have, even into adulthood. Very useful for house training.

Maltese/Bichon types are also typically quite vocal.

I strongly recommend pet insurance, Bichons and their crosses (heck, white dogs in general) often suffer from skin issues. People seem to have the most luck/prefer Allianz for this.

mvl

have you decided on this breed mixture already ?
we got a mal-shi few weeks ago, at 8/9 weeks. our needs were: small size with little shedding (cause of allergies) and no strong dog odors.

- when I brought her in, I didn't know that we need the crate (so only bought her a very posh bed) - and as a result, she kept both adults in the house awake all first night.

we're still getting used to having her around, but she's lovely.

em_cat

One of our neighbors just brought home a 4-5 month old male Bichon/Maltese cross breed & is full of mats because they can’t get a brush or comb near it. The groomer quoted them 80-90 for the first groom and that was just for the dematting. She was complaining about it and all I could do was feel sorry for the little lad panting 5 minutes into this heat.

taylor3

Thanks guys for all your responses. Obviously as we all know pets are a commitment. It's just I never had a dog before (only cats) but my husband has. I went to see this dog and he is just lovely. I know if we decide to get him we will absolutely put in the effort to keep him well. For example I am unsure of simple things like with my cats I flee and worm them every 8 weeks. Do you do similar with a dog ?? Thank you all again for your input.

em_cat

taylor3 wrote: »

Thanks guys for all your responses. Obviously as we all know pets are a commitment. It's just I never had a dog before (only cats) but my husband has. I went to see this dog and he is just lovely. I know if we decide to get him we will absolutely put in the effort to keep him well. For example I am unsure of simple things like with my cats I flee and worm them every 8 weeks. Do you do similar with a dog ?? Thank you all again for your input.

Most people I know use preventative treatments for flea & worming but for ticks only if dog presents with one. We only use the lungworm for our dog as he’s not really around many other dogs. Your vet will be able to advise you.

cocker5

Costs Associated with dogs:
Initial costs – beds , bowls, lead, collar, ID tag, toys as much or a little as you want but average €130
Kennel (if you’re getting one) a good one €100 (be very careful on sizing too small or too big they won’t use)
Vaccinations €75 per year averaging
Neutering €150 average
Vet care - incidentals… ear infections / cuts etc. €55 per visit plus medication (worming and fleas)
Puppy / training / socialisation classes €125 average (so so important a well socialised dog is a happy dog)

Regular grooming my cocker costs €60 every 6/7 weeks
Pet Insurance €250 average per year (personally I would only go for with Allianz)
Dog Licence €20 yearly (I think)

Proper / good quality food and treats… depends on how much you willing to spend - my cocker costs around €80 per month he’s fed RAW

Kennelling while away on holidays - average is €20 ish per day (my guy goes to home stay and costs €30 per day)

Time
Most dog want to be with you all of the time especially puppies… regular training / play and brain stimulation is key
Training - daily walks are really important 5 mins per each month your pup is alive to start with and over time increase slightly

Please remember as the dog gets old and if they develop health issues costs will increase… to give you an idea…
I have a 13 year old cocker with hip dysplasia and a heart murmur while we do have pet insurance at his age now it only cover 65% of costs

In the last 12 months the costs have been.. (costs us AFTER pet insurance claim)
Monthly supplements €85
Monthly hydro €60
Monthly cold laser €45

15 months ago he was diagnosed with the above - all the tests he needed cost €600
He had a huge infection in his tonsil last October €400
2 weeks age had to have a lump removed from his lip €385

Not trying to put you off just giving you an honest costing

Hope the above helps!

taylor3

Thanks Cocker5, very helpful. We went yesterday to maxi zoo to price lead, collar, bed and food etc; so we are aware how much he will cost us before we even pay for the dog himself. Have a great vet I use for my cats, even over the phone they are helpful with advice and tips.Just have to decide this week now whether to take the plunge and get him.

SusieBlue

I have a Maltese and he's a dote. I honestly don't find his upkeep to be very high maintenance, he gets groomed roughly every 8 weeks and needs very little in between. The only issue we have is with tear marks around his eyes, they can be a hard to treat and clean but once you keep on top of it its fine.

They can be very clingy, he likes to be near us all the time and it did take awhile to build his confidence so he was comfortable in his own company. He's a lazy little fecker as well, almost impossible to get him out on a walk, but he'll happily bound around the garden if someone is playing with him.
No noticeable issues with toilet training him.

He's a joy to have around, we'd get the same again if we were to ever get another dog. I'd just make sure to go to a rescue next time, rather than buying, personally.

Cherry Blossom

Most importantly ensure the dog is coming from a reputable source and don't support back yard breeders. In the case of a mongrel I would assume your pup is coming from a reputable rescue centre but have learned in the past that it's never safe to make an assumption like that.

em_cat

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Most importantly ensure the dog is coming from a reputable source and don't support back yard breeders. In the case of a mongrel I would assume your pup is coming from a reputable rescue centre but have learned in the past that it's never safe to make an assumption like that.

+1 for not supporting backyard breeders...unfortunately I don’t think the message is being heard. Over the last week alone I’ve met 4 puppy farmed pups & suspect I’ll be seeing a lot more.

cocker5

well the OP is looking at a Maltese/Bichon mix male dog... if not from a rescue centre then it is from a back yard breeder... puppy farm

em_cat

When I read the OP’s post I wanted to scream, shout, and beg please don’t perpetuate the horribly greedy & deplorable puppy farming trade but have a really hard time not being condescending & judgemental. Have to commend you @cocker5 for giving some super advice earlier and being sound about it.

The original post made me what to cry ‘cause I really don’t get it. Why mix a Maltese with a Bichon in the first place?

cocker5

em_cat wrote: »

When I read the OP’s post I wanted to scream, shout, and beg please don’t perpetuate the horribly greedy & deplorable puppy farming trade but have a really hard time not being condescending & judgemental. Have to commend you @cocker5 for giving some super advice earlier and being sound about it.

The original post made me what to cry ‘cause I really don’t get it. Why mix a Maltese with a Bichon in the first place?

To be honest em cat like you.I find it really hard not to post something along the lines of ...

seriously designer dog?? Puppy farms / back yard breeders ie where these dogs come from is widely reported .. all over Facebook and online .. anyone with any sense of concern for all the little mothers and pups used for such breeding would never even considering purchasing such a dog ... I find it so so hard ;( but even if you post with the best will in the world they will still go out and buy the small fuffey mongrel and not think anymore of the huge issue here in Ireland they are contributing towards ...

Money wise I try to be as honest as I can most people think dogs don’t cost that much .. they do.. especially if / when they are sick or have long term issues and as a responsible owner people need to take this into account..

On the designer breed thing ... I have no clue .. maltipoo?? Chavacon? I mean seriously why pay for a mongrel when there are tons waiting for homes stuffed into rescue centers all over the country

Anyway I really do hope the OP is going to a rescue and not paying a backyard breeder ..

mvl

taylor3, is the dog micro-chipped ?
@all - seeing some info on the micro-chipping here - http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2015/si/63/made/en/pdf

Possession, transport, sale, etc. of dog
4. (1) A person shall not—
(a) have a dog in his or her possession or under his control unless the dog
is microchipped and registered in accordance with Regulation 3 or
the dog is less than the age of 12 weeks,
(b) transport a dog from the land or premises where it was born or cause
or permit another person to so transport a dog unless the dog is microchipped
and registered in accordance with Regulation 3 before
such transportation,
(c) sell or supply a dog or cause or permit another person to sell or supply
a dog unless the dog is microchipped and registered in accordance
with Regulation 3 before such sale or supply, or
(d) acquire a dog or cause or permit another person acquire a dog unless
the dog is microchipped and registered in accordance with Regulation
3 before such acquisition.

Wonder if the state has some control over the micro-chipping process, to ensure only genuine dog owners would get access to it (and not for example the backyard breeders) ?

Something I am personally confused about is the neutering/spaying process: is it ethical (or the best thing an owner can do for their dog)? at what age is this operation recommended ? for example, can it be done after the dam has a set of puppies ?

Thanks.

taylor3

The dog is micro chipped. This week he is exactly 3 months/12 weeks old. He is from a dog breeder. Met the man in person. Mammy dog was also there and she is adorable. All look in great condition, I saw where they are kept etc; yard and green area as well for them to run around. If I do not go with this particular dog any other dog I looked at via Re-homing through <snip>, with respect I didn't see any dog in the category of what I am looking for. <snip>t said any pups they get are gone asap as there is higher demand for them compared to the older bigger dogs that they have. I am grateful for expierenced dog owners tips and advice. Genuine question Is it possible that "some" dog breeders are ok to buy from or are they all bad ? This man seems genuine and fair.

VonVix

taylor3 wrote: »

The dog is micro chipped. This week he is exactly 3 months/12 weeks old. He is from a dog breeder. Met the man in person. Mammy dog was also there and she is adorable. All look in great condition, I saw where they are kept etc; yard and green area as well for them to run around. If I do not go with this particular dog any other dog I looked at via Re-homing through ---, with respect I didn't see any dog in the category of what I am looking for. --- said any pups they get are gone asap as there is higher demand for them compared to the older bigger dogs that they have. I am grateful for expierenced dog owners tips and advice. Genuine question Is it possible that "some" dog breeders are ok to buy from or are they all bad ? This man seems genuine and fair.

A Bichon x Maltese would be either backyard bred or an accidental breeding. Or puppy farm bred, which is easily the worst of the bunch. These dogs are the reason why we have full rescues, because people are breeding either for money, because they have a "nice" dog, because they simply don't care, or all of the above. Often these dogs can grow up to have questionable temperaments, health issues or both, because of the lack of selective breeding.

There are some legitimate breeders of crossbreeds, but these are extremely rare and usually purpose bred for work, rather than a pet home.

If you don't go down the rescue route, I strongly recommend you source a reputable breeder if you are going to pay an individual for a puppy, these are usually people where the parents are health tested (a "vet check" means nothing, health testing has paperwork behind it), have been bred with temperament/conformation in mind.

Keep in mind there are a LOT of rescues out there, don't just think you need to go to the big, popular guys to find what you are looking for, there are smaller rescues out there (some of them are foster based, where they don't actually have a base, just a network of wonderful foster homes) many people over look them because they simply do not know they exist.

mvl

mvl wrote: »

Something I am personally confused about is the neutering/spaying process: is it ethical (or the best thing an owner can do for their dog)? at what age is this operation recommended ? for example, can it be done after the dam has a set of puppies ?

Thanks.

Yes it's the best thing to do both ethically and for health at least in my opinion, my wife's also who is a vet nurse.

Apart from reducing unwanted puppies (as a lot of people would see as ethical), it reduces the risks of certain cancers in both male and female dogs (also cats)

As to when while there are general guidelines, it can depend on the breed/mix of the dog, so as with all health issues/questions you should talk to your vet.

cocker5

taylor3 wrote: »

The dog is micro chipped. This week he is exactly 3 months/12 weeks old. He is from a dog breeder. Met the man in person. Mammy dog was also there and she is adorable. All look in great condition, I saw where they are kept etc; yard and green area as well for them to run around. If I do not go with this particular dog any other dog I looked at via Re-homing through <snip>, with respect I didn't see any dog in the category of what I am looking for. <snip>t said any pups they get are gone asap as there is higher demand for them compared to the older bigger dogs that they have. I am grateful for expierenced dog owners tips and advice. Genuine question Is it possible that "some" dog breeders are ok to buy from or are they all bad ? This man seems genuine and fair.

With all due respects he not a breeder he’s a backyard breeder .. breeding his pet with another pet (male whom u didn’t see) to make money.. probably for the family’s holiday to costa del sol this year..

Also kept in a yard? Not indoors? In the home environment?

em_cat

taylor3 wrote: »

The dog is micro chipped. This week he is exactly 3 months/12 weeks old. He is from a dog breeder. Met the man in person. Mammy dog was also there and she is adorable. All look in great condition, I saw where they are kept etc; yard and green area as well for them to run around. If I do not go with this particular dog any other dog I looked at via Re-homing through ISPCA, with respect I didn't see any dog in the category of what I am looking for. Dogs Trust said any pups they get are gone asap as there is higher demand for them compared to the older bigger dogs that they have. I am grateful for expierenced dog owners tips and advice. Genuine question Is it possible that "some" dog breeders are ok to buy from or are they all bad ? This man seems genuine and fair.

1. Anyone can microchip, the chips can be registered by anyone, you can easily buy them online from a company in Kildare.

2. Yes as with all rescues pups will go fast and as a lot of people don’t want the potential hassle of baggage with an older rescue 7 mos onwards depending on breed.

3. What kind of breeder? Not a reputable one if he is specifically crossing a Bichon with a Maltese. There is absolutely no need to cross them, both are white, both have single low shed coats, both are are small/ toy breeds, both have similar temperament qualities i.e. barking tendencies, ability for training, alertness, stubbornness and so on...

The only reason for this cross is greed driven by social media and ignorance; OP this is not directed at you as you are asking so to me that indicates you are willing to listen.

4. Mother being adorable is not a good indicator of potential puppy qualities sorry.

5. Where exactly are they being kept? A nicely kept garden area is not an indicator of anything, fair enough it’s not some coco housing estate in an abandon car park, but still.

5. Often, if you have a relationship with one of the many rescues and they know you are looking for a particular breed they will contact you if one comes in. Patience can really pay off.

6. If you are looking for a particular breed than chances are there is a dedicated rescue group for it.

7. Lastly, reputable breeders exist but you will have look for them a good start would be the IKC.

I know this a very long post but I wanted to answer your questions.

One thing are you looking a particular breed or do you have specific things you are looking for? You never know there could be a Bichon, Maltese, Poodle or Westie out there waiting for you

em_cat

mvl wrote: »

taylor3, is the dog micro-chipped ?

Wonder if the state has some control over the micro-chipping process, to ensure only genuine dog owners would get access to it (and not for example the backyard breeders) ?

Something I am personally confused about is the neutering/spaying process: is it ethical (or the best thing an owner can do for their dog)? at what age is this operation recommended ? for example, can it be done after the dam has a set of puppies ?

Thanks.

Not sure if the state has control other than they are responsible for legislating that all dogs must be chipped.

As I stated in another post anyone can buy chips and get them inserted, this does not require a vet. I don’t agree with it but it is the case.

I think neutering is a personal choice, rescues have a mandate to, it is encouraged by vets to try and curb the amount of accidental litters and the vast amount of unwanted pets.

I would neuter but only if it’s in the interest of the dog. I’ve seen some horrific neuter/ spay post ops and tbh there are better and less invasive ways than we currently practise in Ireland.

In terms of age if it’s not a breeding dog than 6mos for small dogs, 9 for medium and 24mos for large breeds.

Studies indicate that letting a dam have 1 litter does little to nothing to prevent mammory or ovarian cancers, however the medically based evidence does show that the benefits outweigh the risks when spaying at the recommended age ranges. However it is paramount that with each and every dog they are finished growing before neutering.

Yes a dam can be spayed after having a litter but it needs to be discussed with your vet and they would then advise.

alroley

A maltese/bichon mix is coming from a back yard breeder. Breeding only for money. No matter how clean their house is, how cute their dogs are, they are still only breeding for money.

Of course some breeders are reputable, but they breed purebred dogs that are shown and health tested. They breed to better their breed and for show dogs for themselves. They often have pet puppies available though - you may need to go on a waiting list, but they're worth the wait!

I have a purebred maltese from a reputable breeder and he is a gorgeous and healthy dog. I understand the draw to these mixed breeds - they are adorable!! But, purebred maltese, bichon etc. are equally as cute and you can find reputable breeders.

Just to say as well, you mentioned buying a collar in a previous post. Toy breeds should never be walked using a collar. Their necks are far too sensitive. Harness only.

sillysmiles

To me the things to think about are

1) the dog - where is it coming from. You've said it's a 3 month old pup. At this stage you have missed the socialisation window so imo it would be less hardship to get an older dog as you know what kind of personality/traits you are looking at

2) the impact you will have on the dog - is your lifestyle compatible with a dog or are there aspects of your life that will negatively impact a dog that you need to think of work arounds for.

3) the impact the dog will have on your life - there are many many pros to having a dog, bu there are cons and a pup is like - so I've been told - having a baby in the level of attention they need initial


Don't be pressured into making a rush decision. There are many dogs looking for good homes. My personal opinion is that if you are only looking for a dog for a pet (not a working/showing dog) then there is no need to buy when there are ooodles of small dogs looking for homes.

mvl

em_cat wrote: »

Not sure if the state has control other than they are responsible for legislating that all dogs must be chipped.

As I stated in another post anyone can buy chips and get them inserted, this does not require a vet. I don’t agree with it but it is the case.

what about the role of fido.ie ? I'd expect this process is legit for future dog owners that can only buy a pet from private sellers.
Fido operates two pet microchip registries:
Certified Registry: exclusively for dogs and approved by the Irish government

or is there a process/law that can protect genuine buyers&sellers at all ?

DBB

Folks, by all means, start a new thread to discuss the ins and outs of microchipping, as the discussion here is pulling the thread way off-topic.
Thanks,
DBB

mvl

I do think the details about the need to update the new dog's certificate of registration can be mentioned, as certification is also a legal requirement.

this can be done online at fido.ie, at a cost of 15 EUR, paid by the new dog owner. (unlike the dog license, which is a separate document requiring a visit to the post office).

DBB

mvl wrote: »

I do think the details about the need to update the new dog's certificate of registration can be mentioned, as certification is also a legal requirement.

this can be done online at fido.ie, at a cost of 15 EUR, paid by the new dog owner. (unlike the dog license, which is a separate document requiring a visit to the post office).

mvl, there is no harm in mentioning it.
But turning it into a discussion (there are now 7 posts associated with the topic on a short thread) is dragging the OP's query off topic, and I'd thank you, as requested, to leave the discussion on microchipping on this thread now to avoid pulling it any further off-topic.
If you wish to discuss the topic any further, please start a new thread, as requested.
In addition, I'll remind you that discussing moderator actions on-thread, and indeed ignoring mod instruction, is not permitted. So please leave it at that.
Thanks,
DBB

em_cat

mvl wrote: »

what about the role of fido.ie ? I'd expect this process is legit for future dog owners that can only buy a pet from private sellers.
Fido operates two pet microchip registries:
Certified Registry: exclusively for dogs and approved by the Irish government

or is there a process/law that can protect genuine buyers&sellers at all ?

ASFAIK FIDO is a registration service only and the law is that all dogs must be microchipped but I’m not sure if it puts the onus on breeders/sellers or purchasers, I say this because I’m genuinely not sure. I know our local vets see a lot of unchipped privately bought from Cavan, Navan, Cork etc puppies mostly the ones purchased from the d*n*d**l type sites.

I know that rescues, most vets. reputable breeders and, I say this the only way I know how, decent people ensure that their dogs are not only chipped but registered as well.

The amount of people who put up lost dog posts saying chipped, not registered is unreal so I believe the law is such as the dog must be chipped but registration is simply recommended. Open to correction on the above but to my knowledge this is how it is.

DBB

Em-cat and mvl,
I've asked nicely twice now to quit dragging this thread off-topic. This is the 3rd time I've had to say it.
I'm losing patience now.
There will be cards handed out next based solely on both of you ignoring mod instructions. Please stop. For the THIRD TIME, start a new thread if you want to discuss the legalities of microchipping.
DBB