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How to Choose a Maltese Breeder

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" payment in full before taking possession of your puppy.  A small deposit is a better way to reserve a puppy.  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 mile (RED 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.