Maltese Puppy

xzanti

We've decided to get a family dog in the near future. We are a family of four. Two kids aged 12 and 5.

Having perused a few different breeds we've decided upon a Maltese. I'm looking for pointers on acquiring and caring for a young puppy of this breed. Also, pros and cons of cross breeds such as Maltese/Bichon, which seem to be popular.

I know there are going to be those who tell us to rescue. But we feel a rescue dog is more suited to a childless couple or older couple as many rescue dogs are coming from bad experiences; or neglect and can have emotional issues as a result and being around young kids can be tricky for them.

Thanks.

tk123

If you contact the breed club they’ll be able to give you any information you need. I don’t know what it’s like now but when I was getting my pup last year I only managed to get on the breeders list by having a very good friend who was involved in the breed clubs so was a mutual friend.

xzanti

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118764777#Comment_118764777

Thanks. Much appreciated. I'll look into that.

JustAsking2022

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058236593/maltese-puppy

Some rescue dogs have issues but not all. Most reputable rescues don't rehome adult dogs to people with children under 7.

xzanti

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118767358#Comment_118767358

Which is why I said "many" and not "all".

LapsypaCork

I couldn’t recommend Maltese high enough, I have 2 and they were so easy to train if you do it properly or at least go to a few classes if it’s your first pet, very important that the whole family go as you will all be doing the same training and won’t confuse the dog. They breed well with shih tzu which I have personal experience with also. I wouldn’t be a fan of bischon even in a mixed breed as they can be temperamental and sometimes difficult to train. Maltese, if you can get one from a reputable breeder would be a lovely family dog. Their also non-shed.

xzanti

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119103350#Comment_119103350

Thanks for that. Much appreciated.