I want to get a Maltese...?

Question

but my parents say I can't. We live in a medium sized condo, and of course they let us have pets.
My mom says that they will attract bugs. Will they attract bugs? She also says that they will cost too much. I am willing to pay about $500 myself, which I hope will be about or more than half of the total cost. I also did my research and it said the average maltese will eat about $20-30 of food per month.
It also said that it is active indoors, and only needs about 20 minutes of outdoor time everyday.
One major concern is that it might get lonely. I am at school from 7:15 to around 4:00, Monday to Friday. My father can't take care of a dog. My mom has work from 9:00 to 5:00 on Tuesdays and Fridays. I can take the dog for a walk at a park right accross the street everyday, though. And I really love dogs, so I will try my best to give all of my affection to him/her.
Should this convince my mom, and is all of this info true?

By the way, my mom loves dogs.

And sorry for such a long question. I just really wanted a dog since I was 4 yrs old. Oh, and I am very responsible. In my opinions... at least!

Answer 1

When I wanted a Maltese ( And got one) I did my share of research too.
Yours isn't that accurate. Regularly food including treats is about $11-15 per month. And they don't need much exercise.

Just because you want one doesn't mean you are ready for one. The second day I got mine I thought this is way too much work and wanted to return her but , guess what I learned to deal with it and found it comes with having a dog. Yes, now I love my Daisy more than ever.
If your parents say no it takes alot of convincing.

Also they are very hard to housebreak. It took me a month to get her housebroken.
I hope you know vet bills are magor including them getting spayed/neutered. Don't forget shots and vaccinations.
Purchasing them medicine for heart worms and actually getting your dog to eat it is hard.

A smaller pet would be better. Parakeet or hamster.

And no, they do not attract bugs. Ticks and flea's but all dogs do. That's why you buy them flea collars.

Answer 2

I was 9 years old when I saw my first Pekingese.I feel in love with the breed. My mother didn't want a dog in the house...but when I graduated from high school I convinced her I would care for this pet...I choose not to go on our high school graduation trip to FL...use my graduation money to purchase a Pekingese pup...I never regretted my decision . I worked so my time was limited with my baby…and my pup soon made my mom her second best friend. At 21 I married my childhood sweetheart...Mom was happy about my up-coming marriage but forbid me to take her dog...it was a real sore spot...but in the end...she had spent more time with the dog and the dog didn't care for my future hubby..

After I was wed I did get my second little fur baby...I am now 56 and have had several fur babies. Loving each one as unique individuals My babies have given nothing but unconditional love.

Ok to my advice ....a dog does attract fleas ...fleas can be controlled with several things, flea control can be pricy, baths, grooming, sometimes spray for the house and meds to prevent fleas ...a dog needs vaccination's and good vet care this adds a great deal to the expense of accepting the responsibility of fur-baby. A small dogs average life is 10 to 15 years...where will you be do you want to go away to college? Where will the pet stay when your family goes on vacation? These are just a bit of the information you will need to provide your mother…to earn her acceptance.

Purchasing a pet is a major commitment; in return you will have a wonderful experience.

Another word of advice...like you I always loved animals....when I was 20 I had the good fortune to working for a veterinary. Many veterinarians will accept teens giving them knowledge of all that is involved in caring for a cute little puppy to the aging animal. Volunteering this summer at your local animal shelter or animal clinic this may help your mother see the dedication you are willing to commit and provide to your pet.

I hope that you will get the opportunity to love your own fur baby.




.

Answer 3

You don't say that it has to be a puppy so you might want to consider a rescue Maltese that would be a little older and more able to tolerate time alone? Also easier to crate train. If you use flea control and pick up after it immediately, including bits of food from the food bowl, and keep the dog clean and well groomed then it will not attract any more bugs than your dirty socks............

Answer 4

You would be very lucky if you got a Maltese for $500 dollars, they normally range from $600 - 1,000. They are ALOT of work and need ALOT of attention, they are very smart but as with any puppy it would take awhile to potty train them, and you really need to be around alot for that. We only have to buy our Maltese a 12 dollar bag of food every month, and feed him half a cup a day (split in half, some in the morning and some at night) you also need to watch them because they are a smaller breed and really need their food. If they get low blood sugar from not eating and no one is home, it can be deadly. They are also very small when you first get them and it takes while to train your feet to feel for them before you step anywhere, I've tripped over mine more than once and the breeder i got him from said that she knew someone who stepped on her Maltese puppy by accident and it died. So i say only get a Maltese if you have lots of time to spend with them and lots of patience. Otherwise you may want a bigger/ more independent dog. Remember not to pick a breed of dog just because you think its cute... pick it because it's best for dog and you.

Answer 5

As much as I sympathize with you, I have to say that it sounds like you should wait about getting a dog.

Maltese are sweet and lovable little fellows, but they are high maintainance. You have to groom them daily for that lovely coat to look it's best.

BTW, I disagree about your Mom's bug worries. Keep the dog clean and treated for fleas, and you will have no more problems than other people.

Doc

Answer 6

If your parents say no, then Im sure they have good reason for it and you need to respect their decision. If you want a dog so bad then you can wait until you move out and are on your own and then get one. But as far as parents go....what they say is what they say.

Answer 7

My wife and I have two malteses and we love them very much. But the maltese breed is very needy for attention (more than most dogs). They get lonely and depressed easily and with no one at home it would'nt be healthy for it.

Answer 8

i dont think its the right time for you to get a dog due to your current schedual. you will just be teasing the dog.


and i think you should do a better thing and SAVE A LIFE FROM THE POUND!!!!