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Old 01-20-2006, 12:31 PM   #9 (permalink)
chocolatecoffee
 
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Canada
Posts: 120
Rep Power: 74 chocolatecoffee User has done a lot of good in the dog forum in the past.chocolatecoffee User has done a lot of good in the dog forum in the past.
Yeah, I meant cross with the "X".

If you do decide to go the breeder route, I would make sure it's a reputable breeder (health testing, showing, etc.). Since the Maltese is such a popular breed, many people just breed them for money, and don't care about the quality. As a result, they are often riddled with health problems.

My Maltese did have slight problems with tear staining but, for some reason, when I switched her to the Merrick food, it almost disappeared. Of course, Merrick doesn't work for every dog, but a high quality food with regular washing definitely helps tear stains.

The Maltese coat does require more attention than my other dog's coat, although I don't choose to keep it long (if I did, I'd have to brush it a ton). It does get matted very easily so you have to keep up with the brushing, but it's so beautiful!

If you need anything at all, feel free to ask. You can try to find breed clubs around your area to find a reputable breeder, or I can try to find a rescue near you (it's a rare breed in rescue, but if you're patient, there's more than you think...in fact, I've seen 4 rescues in my area in the past 6 months, and there aren't many small dogs in my area).

Good luck!
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