Maltese Question

[bohemianfey]

Another of the toy breeds that I'm interested in looking into for our next is a Maltese. I have a couple questions

Do they shed?

Also, what's a rough esitmate on price?

And how often do they need to be cut to keep the "puppy cut" look?

[chocolatecoffee]

I have a Maltese and a Maltese X, they're wonderful little dogs.

Do they shed?
Mine don't shed at all (well, apparently all dogs shed, but I've never found a hair of theirs).

Also, what's a rough esitmate on price?
I'm not sure how much a Maltese from a reputable breeder costs. Mine are both rescues, one was $100 and the regular adoption price of the rescue I got my other one from is also $100.

And how often do they need to be cut to keep the "puppy cut" look?
I just got my Maltese X a month ago today so I haven't had her groomed yet, but I do notice that my Maltese has to be groomed more often than my Shih tzu X. If you brush your dog every day, I'd probably get it done every 2-3 months.

Good luck, I love the breed!

[bohemianfey]

What does that capital "X" mean?

Thanks for the info! Do yours have a probelm with tear staining?

[calgal]

My friend takes her Maltese to the groomer every week for a shampoo & trim, but all you need to do is make sure you brush the dog daily and watch out for knots. You can easily keep it trimmed too. No difference than my Yorkies. I bathe them every week and brush them every day........sometimes twice a day if they have had a VERY rough day playing so much.

[bohemianfey]

Do Maltese need a cream rinse? My beagle and rat terrier don't need a conditioner.

[calgal]

All flowing hair dogs need a conditioner rinse.

[k9hullio_sam]

I HAVE A MALTESE! lol
(By "X" they mean "maltese cross.")
Mine doesn't shed at all. The only time that I fin dher hair is when I brush her and that is it.
When I was looking online for "reputable" breeders and such I found that the price was anywhere between $1500-2500. I was able to get mine for $800 from a local breeder.
Mine has gone to the groomers for a trim I think like 3 times now and she is 10 months old. So I guess about every two to three months.
I condition my dogs hair **and she just feels so soft.** hehehe
And YES! Brushing is a daily job. One time I lost the brush for like 2 days, and when I found it I was cutting out a bunch of matts .
Tear staining...hmmm....I wouldn't say it is a problem but you do have to clean it out occasionally. (you don't HAVE to but I think my pup looks a lot better without it )
Good Luck with your decision, I think they are great dogs.

[Shelties]

Originally Posted by k9hullio_sam

I HAVE A MALTESE! lol
(By "X" they mean "maltese cross.")
Mine doesn't shed at all. The only time that I fin dher hair is when I brush her and that is it.
When I was looking online for "reputable" breeders and such I found that the price was anywhere between $1500-2500. I was able to get mine for $800 from a local breeder.
Mine has gone to the groomers for a trim I think like 3 times now and she is 10 months old. So I guess about every two to three months.
I condition my dogs hair **and she just feels so soft.** hehehe
And YES! Brushing is a daily job. One time I lost the brush for like 2 days, and when I found it I was cutting out a bunch of matts .
Tear staining...hmmm....I wouldn't say it is a problem but you do have to clean it out occasionally. (you don't HAVE to but I think my pup looks a lot better without it )
Good Luck with your decision, I think they are great dogs.

I had thought maltese's are more expensive than that? from what i understand they run from 2500-5,000, shoot i could by a car!!! LOL. I don't understand why maltese have to be so expensive, if i ever get a maltese i think i'll just head on over to the pound at least it's only 25 dollars adoption fee LOL ...

[chocolatecoffee]

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!

[bohemianfey]

The other thing I was wondering about was tear staining. How much of an issue is it to keep their faces clean?

[k9hullio_sam]

I don't think my dog's is that bad. It is not white, but it is not that bad either. Occasionaly I pick some stuff out with my fingers, but I wouldn't not get another maltese for that reason. I think it is pretty easy to take care of, just clean it out in the bath, then every once and a while pick some eye gunck out. Some are worse than others though. It all depends on the dog. They also get worse depending on if they are stressed and so on.
Mandi (and Sam)

[chocolatecoffee]

I agree with k9hullio_sam.

The tear stains are there, but they do fluctuate depending on a number of factors (such as stress, as was mentioned, and food). All in all, I really don't think they're bad and they're very managable, as long as you keep up with them, they don't get bad at all. Even with tear stains, I'd definitely get another Maltese (I love this breed ).

[cszmommy]

Ok I had to put my two cents worth on Maltese. hahah
I had a Maltese for 9 years. Ashley. Named after Ashley from "Gone with the Wind"
Grooming: It depends once a month sometimes every 2-3 months.
Washing: Becareful with washing once a week. A dog needs to go 4-6 if possible without washing the skin. Unless you use less soap or very very mild shampoo. Maltese have delicate skin and you can cause a rash or the hair will start to fall out. Also, brushing as people have mentioned is good often, but gently. Keeps tangles. There are some spray conditioners detanglers you can get as well. (Man they can get expensive. ) Or just keep them cut short and you won't have that problem.
Tear Stains: There are products you can buy to help you with tear stains. I found mine at Petco. Also, be careful when messing with that area of the eyes it hurts them. Becareful with products that you use around the eye. That stresses them out and can cause more. But all in all Ashley's only got really bad maybe 3 times the whole time I had him. Ask your vet when you buy something if it is safe for their eyes. Just b/c if it's out there doesn't mean its good. I figured that out the hard way.
I loved my Maltese. Ashley was rescued and lived to be 14 years of age before he was put to sleep from extreme health issues and pain. We miss him. It was a good breed he was good with children as well.
Oh and don't forget to get the Maltese's teeth cleaned regularly. They have the small dog teeth problem as well. Ashley came to us with bad teeth and we got the bad ones pulled and kept the ones he had left cleaned he was able to eat pretty good with what he had left.
These dogs can give a life time of enjoyment and companionship.
Great breed and so loving if trained properly.