We're a family of four and are looking to adopt a puppy here soon. Which should we get? A toy poodle or a maltese? And please don't just send me your answer...Send me your answer WITH your reason why...
Thanks
2007-05-31 06:15:18 · 10 answers · asked by christinehlav 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I know that both breeds are said to be bad with kids because they are nippy. Here's my personal opinion:
Growing up, my family had a Maltese, and when that one died we got another. They were both excellent little dogs, and very good with me (I was 2-6 years old when we had them). They never bit or snapped, but my parents made sure to socialize them to kids as puppies. Ours were always kept in puppy cuts (where the fur is short and shaggy looking) because those long coats are very difficult to keep up, so they needed to go to the groomer about once a month (though you can trim your dog's fur yourself), but they were great.
On the other hand, I have known many, many toy poodles and I've never met one that wasn't snippy or wierd around kids. I would never get one if I had children, because they are small and fragile (Malteses(sp?) are also somewhat fragile, but when bred properly they can be pretty robust for little dogs), and so often are nippy.
Whatever you decide, please DO NOT buy a "teacup" poodle/maltese--these dogs are physically unhealthy and irresponsibly bred, and almost all have severe health problems. Buy from a responsible (AKC-affiliated) breeder or get in touch with a breed rescue. Good luck!
2007-05-31 06:26:23 · answer #1 · answered by thisismynewage 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old are you children? Most small dogs are not good with kids and could either hurt the kids or your kids could hurt the dog since they are so fragile. I would recommend a sturdier breed like a beagle or a spaniel mix.
How much research on the breeds have you done? Did you know Maltese are hard to housetrain and can be snappy with kids? This site has some info on Maltese although it is hard to navigate:http://www.malteseonly.com/
More good info: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/maltese.htm
Toy poodles are very cute but once again not the best with children and they tend to be very barky. Have you considered a standard poodle? Here is some info on poodles: http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/health.htm
If you are serious about getting one of these dogs please get an adult. This way you know it will be good with your kids. If you get a puppy, you don't know how it will turn out but an adult that is good with kids will remain good with kids.
Please check out www.petfinder.com
2007-05-31 08:30:09 · answer #2 · answered by berner0123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my lifetime I have had 4 miniature poodles. I now have one. The toy poodle is cute - but I would advise it if you have young children - toy poodles are delicate and you can easily trip over one - hurt yourself or the puppy. A maltese is beautiful - but again - needs a LOT of daily grooming. If you are thinking of a poodle - the minature is perhaps the better choice.
2007-05-31 06:28:06 · answer #3 · answered by jrs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They both need to be groomed. Can you afford to do that?
My mother had poodles and had to spend money getting them groomed at a groomers? Of course she did not mind, but it does get expensive.
If the Maltese has long hair, will you have the time to brush the dogs hair?
Have you thought of a Rat Terrier or a Miniature Pincher? The both have short hair. Or the ones I have been around have short hair. That is something to think about.
I hope that this helps.
2007-05-31 06:28:08 · answer #4 · answered by retiredsailorgal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine took in a seven year old Maltese and it is great with her two young children, ages 3 and 5. It had not had a very good life before that and yet it is still very patient with the children and loving with the whole family.
2007-05-31 07:13:02 · answer #5 · answered by doxfan4life 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get anything, anything, anything but a Chihuahua. On second thought, poodles are such a cliche. Get the Maltese.
2007-05-31 06:19:31 · answer #6 · answered by Peter D 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go for a pure poodle not a x poodles are great with cats I have 4 poodles and 2 cats my siamese thinks hes a poodle also poodle x maltese seem to yap alot
2016-04-01 07:14:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have small children, neither. Toy/tiny/very small dogs under 15 lbs or so can easily be injured by overzealous small children- the smaller breeds also tend to be 'nippier' and less tolerant ot little ones.
2007-05-31 06:24:07 · answer #8 · answered by magy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a maltese is full of energy u might often have to take it for a walk although they are small.a poddle is for showing. i think u would be best whith a maltese
2007-05-31 06:40:45 · answer #9 · answered by kissypuppys 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither. There dumb dogs. Get a miniature greyhound excellent with kids.
2007-05-31 06:19:21 · answer #10 · answered by Michael 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋