Adopting 2 Maltese Puppies?

[KLB]

Hi all,

I'm new to all this so please be patient. :-)

I am looking to adopt two maltese puppies, hopefully around the end of August. I am originally from the US but live here indefinitely, so I am a little overwhelmed at puppy shopping here. I have spent so much time on google searching for puppies for sale, but haven't had much luck. I have emailed a few breeders but no luck there either. I would even be ok with being put on a waiting list for now!

So, how exactly does on go about adopting a maltese, or any puppy, really? I will not buy from a petstore--only reputable breeders--which makes the search a little tougher. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, I live outside Melbourne, so I'm willing to drive throughout Victoria, and to the nearer parts of NSW, SA, or even TAS. Thanks!

[Pjrt]

Even though you will hear every second person in the street telling you they have a 'maltese' they usually mean a small fluffy mixed breed type of dog. The pure Maltese is very few in numbers in Aust so depending on your timing you may be in for a wait to obtain pure bred pups from a registered breeder. Worth the wait of course but low numbers and small litters may hinder you.

If you go to the Dogzonline home page link at the top of this page and then use the drop down box under breeds at the top of the home page you will find one of the most extensive lists of breeders across all breeds. Not every single breeder may be listed here so it would also pay to look at the DogsVic website or give them a call. As well as other state governing bodies like DogsSA. Also try to look out for a breed club. Links and info are usually on those websites.

Can some else post links to the dogzonline breeders page etc. I can't do it on this device.

[~Anne~]

My advice always, to anyone wanting to buy a pug puppy, was to visit breed club show days. At the very minimum you will learn about the breed in Australia, meet a great range of breeders and see their dogs... sometimes even their puppies, and you'll get a broad range of advice.

Think of the breed club show day as your first step and work your way from there.

[*kirty*]

I would also recommend against getting two puppies at once. Google 'sibling syndrome in dogs'.

Here is the list of Maltese breeders on DOL

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/breeders/maltese.asp

[Loving my Oldies]

I would also recommend against getting two puppies at once. Google 'sibling syndrome in dogs’.

I will never ever understand the numbers of people who say this. My first dogs were two Maltese (purebred LOL) from different breeders. The boy was 9 weeks and the girl was 8 weeks when I brought them home.

They were perfect together, I took them training together, we went everywhere we were allowed together. Yes, they were hugely attached ..... to me and then to each other.

That is, of course, only my experience, but the vast majority of people I see walking dogs have more than one dog. In fact, I am almost always surprised when I see a solo dog.

There is no way in the world that I would have a dog on his or her own when I worked.

Maltese are lovely little dogs. No matter how cute and gorgeous the little dog, always remember that they are dogs and need interests, socialisation, walks, training, bones etc etc etc. They are not little people in white fur onesies :laugh: :laugh:

Edited July 2, 2016 by Dame Danny's Darling

[~Anne~]

The sibling syndrome has always got me too. I've had numerous siblings over the years and never had an issue and I've known (and know) many others who have two from the same litter and they don't have any problems? it's only been the last couple of years I've ever enve heard of this issue.

Genuine question - Why would siblings have any more or less issue than any other pairing? Surely temperament would play a far bigger role regardless of parentage?

[*kirty*]

Personally in my experience it is more about them being exactly the same age, not necessarily siblings. I have plenty of examples from my circle of friends/acquaintances...

- Family bought 2 SBT siblings - at 18 months old they tried to kill each other and had to be kept separated forever.

- Family bought a LabxPoodle puppy and a Dalmatian puppy at the same time - few years later they tried to kill each other and family had them PTS.

- My friend has GR siblings and they get so distressed when they are separated that she simply can't do it any more. So every time one needs the vet or whatever, they both have to go.

I also know of some people that don't have an issue, but I would never do it. The dogs bond more closely to each other than to you, and there is twice the effort to house train and obedience train. The dogs also develop an unhealthy bond to each other and never learn to be on their own.

[~Anne~]

Ahh, ok. Thanks. As I said, I've struggled to understand why ever since I first heard of the issue.

I agree with the bonding with each other more than you, but I think that can happen with any pairing.

[KLB]

My parents adopted siblings a decade ago and they are great together; previously they had an "only child" and we have all thought the pair do better.

Anyway, maltese puppies in any number do seem hard to come by. I have contacted several breeders but most have never responded or the ones that do say they don't have any. How is it even possible to get on a waiting list?

[KLB]

My advice always, to anyone wanting to buy a pug puppy, was to visit breed club show days. At the very minimum you will learn about the breed in Australia, meet a great range of breeders and see their dogs... sometimes even their puppies, and you'll get a broad range of advice.

Think of the breed club show day as your first step and work your way from there.

How do you find out about breed club show days?

[~Anne~]

My advice always, to anyone wanting to buy a pug puppy, was to visit breed club show days. At the very minimum you will learn about the breed in Australia, meet a great range of breeders and see their dogs... sometimes even their puppies, and you'll get a broad range of advice.

Think of the breed club show day as your first step and work your way from there.

How do you find out about breed club show days?

You could try Dogs Victoria or the Maltese breed club.

http://www.malteseclubvic.net/puppies-for-sale.asp

http://www.dogsvictoria.org.au

[YvonneM]

I can't comment on the purchasing of sibling Maltese puppies but I just wanted to comment that we bought one of our Maltese from a DOL breeder in the breeder listing above - and he is the most beautiful and loving boy ever - he is currently 15 months old - our older boy who just turned 3 was also purchased from a DOL breeder although a different one to our other boy - and he beautiful too - they are less than 2 years apart in age and are best buddies - our older boy was very well trained and obedient by the time we got our second fellow I actually think it made it easier to train the second one - as he seemed to take his cues from an already beautifully trained and obedient big brother!

[OSoSwift]

I have seen many sibling puppies have issues. From never learning to be alobe and this causibg añything from training issues to severe distress to varying levels if aggression to severe damage and death.

Yes sometimes it can work, but not a rosk I would take and it's something I have been aware of and advised against for over 20 years, so certainly not a new phenomenon.

Maybe it was more likely to occur in the breeds I had or was interested in, not sure.

[KLB]

Back to the maltese as a breed and breeders, I seem to be having some difficulty reaching breeders. I have sent polite emails with contact info and have heard virtually nothing. On the other hand, I have been considering the yorkshire terrier as well, and have heard back from most of the breeders, even if it's just to let me know nothing is available and/or about a waiting list. I'm a little confused!?

[Papillon Kisses]

You might find it better to call people (if you've only been sending emails). :)

Edited July 4, 2016 by Papillon Kisses

[KLB]

You might find it better to call people (if you've only been sending emails). :)

I actually did call the first one, which was Maltese Club of Victoria, Inc. I am 30 years old but I have a "Minnie Mouse" voice and I admit I can sound like an adolescent on the phone, even when I try not to or to speak as professionally as I can. The woman who answered was polite but responded as if she were talking to a 13-year-old. I can't blame her. But, I am a little intimidated after this experience to call others, for fear they will not take me seriously!

[Papillon Kisses]

Haha, I hear you. :laugh: I'm also 30 and I am sometimes mistaken for an adolescent both on the phone and in person*. And it's worse if I'm anxious as I have been with breeder enquiries.

Practice makes perfect though hey? I made two phone calls today (for my parents who are after a toy poodle), my voice was definitely wavering a little with the first call LOL. :)

*not complaining about that one. :D

[Loving my Oldies]

You might find it better to call people (if you've only been sending emails). :)

I actually did call the first one, which was Maltese Club of Victoria, Inc. I am 30 years old but I have a "Minnie Mouse" voice and I admit I can sound like an adolescent on the phone, even when I try not to or to speak as professionally as I can. The woman who answered was polite but responded as if she were talking to a 13-year-old. I can't blame her. But, I am a little intimidated after this experience to call others, for fear they will not take me seriously!

Oh, poor you. I had a similar experience many years ago with a rescue dog. A young woman rang to say that, “Me and mum want to come up and adopt him.” I thought I was talking to a young girl around 13 too. I can’t remember how I got around it, but it turned out she was 25, highly experienced in rescuing all sorts of wild life, she and mum did come up the next day and gave that little dog the best home a doggy could want for.

So KEEP TRYING. :thumbsup:

[karen15]

KLB maybe follow up your emails to breeders with another email with some personal info (like your age!) and the type of home you can offer and ask for a convenient time to call them. I had found a compatibility test online for westies (from a US westie body) so sent that to breeders I contacted as well, expanding on anything I thought pertinent.

I didn't hear back from all breeders I emailed, but heard from enough to find the perfect puppy :)

[Dogsfevr]

As a breeder we prefer calls and then we ask for a follow up email.

Right down in point form the questions you want to asK.

A breeder during your questions will expand and find answers within your questions.

Breeders don't want to be convinced your the right person they will find out themselves.

In our breed we have no issues selling siblings but they clearly informed of the pros/cons and we will often access if there ready for two pups

Also keep in mind when someone asks for two it can ring alarm bells at unplanned litters .

Some people phone and do your head in with silly chat so that's why having a list of important questions can make it easier and both parties get a clear understanding of what each want and it's not lost in translation.

Keep in mind Malts have small size litters and certainly not breed in the numbers use to .