Am I Ready For A Maltese Puppy ?
A puppy is a serious responsibility. Make sure you have asked all the right questions to yourself:
Why do I want a dog?- Have I worked out all the costs involved?
- Does my job mean that you will be leaving your dog on its own for long periods of time?
- Do I have the correct environment for a dog? How do I feel about going for walks ?
- Am I ready for a possible 15+ year commitment to a dog?
Life without pets means doing anything you want, from going on holiday at short notice, or even staying out later than planned. Once you have a dog to look after, all this changes. A puppy is for life – your life. Take a look at your lifestyle and the environment you live in. Do you have children and what are their ages? Do you plan to have children?
Some dogs relish family life. Have you any pets already? If so take into account their age, size, breed, sex and temperament. Other pets such as rabbits and cats may rule out some dogs, unless you have adequate time and experience to socialise them properly.
What are your work commitments ?
Is your house left empty from morning to evening and do you often have to stay late unexpectedly or work weekends?
Maltese bond very strongly with their owners. A stressed and unhappy dog can easily develop anxiety problems. Finally, how would you sum up your household? Quiet and calm, lively and busy or very variable?
A Maltese is a companion dog, and would be miserable left for long periods on a daily basis.
Still interested in making a Maltese part of your life ?
Contact the Maltese Club Secretary :- email secretary@themalteseclub.co.uk
Where Can I Find a Reputable Breeder ?
One of the most common questions in puppy enquiries is: “Where can I find a reputable breeder?”
This can be a minefield, talk to as many breeders as you can. Also log on to the Kennel Club and look at their assured breeders page.
Ideal opportunities for meeting experienced Maltese owners is at Kennel Club Shows, such as Maltese Club Shows events – Maltese Fun Day, Cruft’s or other Championship & Open Shows.
First and foremost these shows attract a healthy number of Maltese breeders so prospective owners can meet the breed and learn what they are like in person. Or attend Discover Dogs at Cruft’s and at the Excel Centre, London. These events will allow you to chat with Maltese owners and breeders.
Secondly, The internet can provide set answers to common questions, but meeting an experienced Maltese owner face to face can ignite conversations which go on to share information about the breed that no website can truly express
Thirdly, prospective Maltese owners can register their interest in a puppy with a reputable breeder. From meeting the breed and talking to the breeders these prospective owners can begin to work out whether the Maltese is the right breed for them.
Join The Maltese Club ! News Letter, Maltese show’s to attend, as a guest or exhibitor. Members page access, experienced breed knowledge available. Annual subscription £12.
Maltese breeders with the kennel affixes established and well known in the breed, do not have litters frequently. Usually they will breed on average once every year or two so prospective owners have to be patient and may need to travel some distance for the correct puppy/ family match.
When these prospective owners become owners, the friendship develops further and the relationship between a breeder and their puppy owners should only become stronger, with each keeping in touch throughout the lifetime of their Maltese.
In summary, the value of Shows should never be underestimated especially in the context of educating those who are truly interested in learning about our beautiful Maltese breed.
Puberty and neutering
Puberty
Puppies normally reach puberty any time from six months old and their elevated hormone levels can adversely affect their behaviour, so seek help if you are have any problems. This behaviour will not always be ‘automatically’ resolved by neutering .
Bitches are normally ‘in season’ for three weeks (and are fertile during this time) so they should not be taken outside (other than the garden) or allowed to mix with entire male dogs. You can tell your bitch is in season when her vulva swells and she exudes a discharge which may be blood tinged. This should happen about every six months, throughout her life unless she is spayed.
As male dogs reach puberty they start cocking their legs, and you may observe an increased interest in other dogs, independence, mounting behaviour and ‘macho’ behaviour with dogs and/or people.
Neutering
Unless you are going to breed from your dog, you will no doubt consider neutering it. This has health and behaviour benefits but as with everything, it neutering can have downsides too. Please Consult your Veterinary Surgeon for advice on your individual Maltese.
PROS of spaying bitches:
- reduces the incidence of mammary tumours, if carried out at an early age
- ensures no phantom pregnancies
- ensures no womb infections (pyometra)
- ensures no ovarian tumours
- ensures no unwanted pregnancies
CONS of spaying bitches
- can increase the risk of urinary incontinence in older bitches
- does affect growth rate
- increases the likelihood that your dog will get fat later in life (unless your dogs nutritional requirements are controlled and exercise is given daily. As the reproductive system uses many calories, when this is removed, excess calories are laid down as fat)
- could affect the growth and texture of your dog’s coat
PROS of castrating male dogs
- removes the risk of prostate problems
- removes risk of testicular cancer
- can reduce aggressiveness
- can reduce hypersexual behaviour
CONS of castrating male dogs
- may not reliably reduce aggression, especially in older dogs as behaviour is “learned”
- may not reduce dominant behaviour
- does affect growth rate
- Can increase the likelihood that your dog will get fat later in life (unless you control its diet to meet a change in nutritional needs and exercise is given daily)
- could affect the growth and texture of your dog’s coat
Your Veterinary Surgeon will be able best placed to discuss the best options for you and your individual Maltese.