I would like a cute dog for my kids, one that doesn't grow very big so I figured a Maltese of some kind would be great.
Any ideas.......?
please help.
Thanks a million,
Darleen
2007-03-22 18:45:45 · 10 answers · asked by darleenrivera 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Do you REALLY want this dog???
Dogs should be able to find nice, good
home were they will be happy and healthy
and be able to live to a good old age with
lots of love!!! Not just picked up FREE or
cheap because its a phase of a child(or teen).
Also, consider that no matter what YOU! will
be cleaning up after it, feeding it, paying its
vet bills. Cuteness is great BUT dogs ARE NOT
a toy for fun one day and take back or get rid of the
next because the kids are bored!!!
Please reconsider why you are looking for a dog!!!
Not to mention there have be "studies" done by
dog/pet groups that have proven when a person
gets a dog/pet as you said free or cheap, the take very
little responsiblity for that animal only when a dollar figure
is placed on it does it become "worth" something, I personally don't know why or how people can think that way
BUT hey, IMHO. Please reconsider!!!! for everyone involved.
2007-03-22 18:57:56 · answer #1 · answered by Maggie B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A maltese might be good, but how young are your kids?
I would say a very well behaved child over 8.
But kids can easily hurt these small animals.
Maybe you want to look for a non puppy, as they will be easier to take care of and the personality has already been determined, AND they are often cheaper.
Maybe you want to try calling the lady on this page
http://www.malteseonly.com/rescues.shtml
she may be able to give you information about someone in your area.
Also if you just look up "Maltese Rescue" and your state you may find a dog to adopt. They even have puppies sometimes.
A new Maltese goes around $1000,
your shelter may have a very sweet natured outgoing one for muuuuch less.
Good luck!
2007-03-22 18:59:12 · answer #2 · answered by AllyC 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait, a Maltese for your daughter? How old is she? Do you really think she will be responsible for everything the dog needs and does? Do you know that small dogs like the Maltese will NOT tolerate any inappropriate behavior like pulling of fur, pulling ears, poking or any other childish behavior. They need an older owner. The Maltese will snap, growl and become aggressive towards your kids. Kids can't help being clumsy. Your children could drop the puppy and either kill him or cause damage, resulting in surgery for your little puppy. Please re-consider getting a Maltese while you have young children.
Maybe consider a slightly bigger dog like a Beagle or Bulldog.
Go to http://www.petfinder.com and fill in the breed you want and your state/zip code to find shelters with the dog of the breed you want.
2007-03-22 19:34:42 · answer #3 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are never free or cheap. What you don't pay in buying them, you usually end up spending 3 fold on vet treatment, they're usually cheap for a reason. Remember that you will have food, vet care including vaccination, desexing, medicine etc to pay for the next 12-20 years. You need to have time to dedicate to it, dogs can't just be put in the backyard and fend for themselves. They can have a high-maintenance coat so you need to be prepared to groom it daily. They do become matted and can suffer painful infections if not cared for properly.
Maltese can be yappy and snappy and may not be good with small children. They can be very naughty and destructive if they aren't trained and need to have outlets for their normal behaviours. Breeding is important.
You would be best to try getting one from a shelter, they have all the vet work done and they should ask you lots of questions so they can match one to your family and lifestyle. Some shelters will give a guarantee of a few weeks so you can take it back if it doesn't work out for you.
Maltese are big dogs trapped in a small dog's body, they think they're guard dogs.
2007-03-22 19:34:13 · answer #4 · answered by Cat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I hope your kids aren't too young, maltese may not be the best option.
You should try
craigslist.org
petfinder.com
the pound
humane society
no kills shelters
i dont think anyone is going to give you a $550-$1500 dog for free or cheap unless its got some major issues or health problems. Or its a old puppymill dog that they have no use for anymore, which will have health and bahavior problems. so i would try your local shelter and maybe get a small mixed dog and you can feel good and teach your kids about saving a life ( :
2007-03-22 18:52:07 · answer #5 · answered by Shell 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Go to the Humane Society and put in a request. Maybe take a mixed Maltese breed.
2007-03-22 18:58:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A maltese is a pedigree breed, hence it's probably unlikely to get a young pup cheap or for free. You may want to consider adopting from the pound. By doing so, you can also help one of those helpless doggies who got abandoned. This can teach your kids on humanity and empathy towards animals.
2007-03-22 18:54:57 · answer #7 · answered by flipper 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A free maltese would probably be quite hard to find, check local shelters and search for a maltese rescues on the internet, also check www.petfinder.com they have a great website - hope I helped, good luck <3
2007-03-22 18:49:49 · answer #8 · answered by rukia319 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Darlene
please log into my site and there on the right you will find malteserescue
Its a great place to start your search, then return back to us for all your advice on care, its what we do and its totally free.
Karen
www.eurobichons.com
2007-03-23 06:28:11 · answer #9 · answered by eurobichons 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.livedeal.com/search?queryCatyName=Maltese&browse=1&category=2152&zip=21157¤tPage=1
The cheapest is probably about 500.
2007-03-22 19:54:00 · answer #10 · answered by Stephanie V 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋