Newbie from the UK

[judyush]

Hello everyone
So pleased to have found this site (which I LOVE by the way)
I am to be the mummy of a little Maltese girl. She is 6 weeks old and i collect her in 2 weeks. I am so excited. She will be called Cristal (after the champagne not the sparkle) and she will be the most loved and adored little girl ever.
I previously owned two Tibetan Terriers, Nellie who died 4 years ago having lost her battle with diabetes and eventual blindness. Also Lulu who we lost 6 months ago aged 17 years. (totally heartbroken)
So i am used to hairy dogs but I am new to the Maltese breed.

Hope you wont mind that I may have to call on you all for advice over the coming weeks and months. I am quite nervous cos I've never had a tiny puppy before. The other two were six months old when they came to me.
I've already picked up loads of tips just reading through the forums. They are so full of information.
I will post pics of my little girlie as soon as i get her.

Look forward to being part of your wonderful group.

Judy (Sunderland ENGLAND)

[Morkie4]

HI JUDY AND WELCOME TO MALTESE TALK

Congratulations on your new little girl!!! I am sure she will bring you years of delight and love. I have had several breeds but I am sold on the maltese breed and so is the hubby!!! They are just the most wonderful creatures and I don't think I will own any other breed.

Sounds like you have already been reading some of the information about these little fluffs and are very excited to bring her home. From what all I have heard from others, breeders and pet owners, it is best, if possible, to allow the puppy to remain with the litter(siblings) and mother until they are at least 12 weeks old so they can be given some much needed socialization by the mother. But I guess if that is not possible, then I will be seeing pictures of your little Cristal sooner than later. :) :) :)

Again welcome to the forum!!!!23725

23726

[Zuly4034]

Hello, Welcome to MT.

Congrats on Cristal. You don't have to be nervous, Maltese in my opinion are really easy to raise, except the grooming part, which i'm pretty sure mostly everyone will agree that is hard.:lol2: But since you said you are use to hairy dogs it will be easier. Are you planing on keeping her in long or short coat?

As for the advise, trust me as soon as you post your question your will have tons of answers. The members here are extremely nice and helpful. Imagine if we don't post our questions and any helped we need here in the forum. It would be boring. So the more we post and ask the funner will be.:lol2:

Again Welcome, can't wait to see the pics of Cristal.:wink5:

[Nikki's Mom]

Hi Judy and welcome to the forum!!! I just know that you will love this place as much as everybody else (me included!!!). It's a great group of very friendly people always willing to help in any way. First of all, I just want to extend my condolences on the loss of Nellie and Lulu. :cry2: But, I am so happy to hear that you are welcoming a Maltese into your lives!! Congrats!! Can't wait to see pics of Cristal!!!! I have 2 little Maltese boys and they have me wrapped around their cute little paws!!! (and I wouldn't have it any other way!! :D). Oh, just a warning though. Maltese are ADDICTING!!! They are like potato chips....you can't just have one!!! :) I'm looking forward to getting to know you and your new little fluff butt!!

[JiJi's Mom]

Hello everyone
So pleased to have found this site (which I LOVE by the way)
I am to be the mummy of a little Maltese girl. She is 6 weeks old and i collect her in 2 weeks. I am so excited. She will be called Cristal (after the champagne not the sparkle) and she will be the most loved and adored little girl ever.
I previously owned two Tibetan Terriers, Nellie who died 4 years ago having lost her battle with diabetes and eventual blindness. Also Lulu who we lost 6 months ago aged 17 years. (totally heartbroken)
So i am used to hairy dogs but I am new to the Maltese breed.

Hope you wont mind that I may have to call on you all for advice over the coming weeks and months. I am quite nervous cos I've never had a tiny puppy before. The other two were six months old when they came to me.
I've already picked up loads of tips just reading through the forums. They are so full of information.
I will post pics of my little girlie as soon as i get her.

Look forward to being part of your wonderful group.

Judy (Sunderland ENGLAND)

I'm sorry to hear about the lost of your two furbabies. R I P

I agree with Carol, maybe you can ask the breeder if they can hold on to the pup just a few more extra weeks. They learned so much from their parents and can be more beneficial for their health. If not please make sure to have nutri-cal in hand for your baby arrival. Please do take lot's of pictures of your new girl when she arrives. Everyone here loves to give advise.

:mtwelcome:

[Zanadu'sMom]

Hi Judy,
Welcome to MT!! Looking forward to getting to know you and your little one
:mtwelcome::mtwelcome::mtwelcome::mtwelcome::mtwel come:

[Emma's Mama]

Hello and welcome! A new puppy is SO exciting! As the others have mentioned, it is really best for her to stay with the breeder until 12 weeks of age. These toy breed pups are slower to develop than larger breeds and really benefit from the extra few weeks with mom and littermates as they learn important social skills. The pup will also gain more weight during that time and begin to move past the danger of hypoglycemia. In the end, it's really worth the wait in order to bring home a happy, healthy, well-socialized baby who's ready to join your family!

Looking forward to hearing more about your new pup and of course, seeing lots of pics! :)

[MalteseJane]

If you are used to hairy dogs you will appreciate this one because it does not shed. Like every one else said it would be better if the breeder would keep her a few more weeks. I would say at least until 10 weeks. Of course 12 would be ideal.

[CinttisLuke]

Welcome to Maltese Talk!!

Looking forward to know you and your sweet puppy!:)

[angeleyes]

Welcome to Maltese Talk, we will be eager to see pics of your little girl and get to know you both. Any questions you have someone here will be able to answer and glad to help. I have a new 14 week old Maltese boy, Sammy, and the people here have helped me alot. I also have a 2 year old Morkie so we are going through lots of changes here. I know it's hard to get a breeder to keep a baby if they want them gone, it just means a little extra care. Sammy is my first Maltese with long hair so I'm learning about that too. I love that they don't shed and can't wait for tomorrow, It's bath day!! Yah..:tongue:
You will like it here, everyone is friendly and helpful, be looking forward to seeing Cristal.:mtwelcome:

[2morkies]

Welcome to Maltese Talk!!!!!

I can't wait tio see pictures of Cristal :hearter:

[judyush]

Wow everyone
How lovely to wake up this morning to so many replies. A wonderful welcome.
It seems everyone is in agreement that my baby is leaving her mammy too soon, so i am going to ring the breeder and ask her if she can keep her a while longer.
It seems to be the norm here in the UK that pups leave their mother at six weeks. So when my breeder said she preferred to keep then till eight weeks i was pleased knowing she had their best interests at heart.
I know she has her hands full at the moment but i'll let you all know what she says.
Jiji's mom, I have ordered some Nutri-cal at your suggestion. To be honest i hadnt heard of it but did a quick check online and its ordered, paid for and hopefully on its way. Thanks for that.
Zuly4034 I would love to keep Cristal in full coat. I do enjoy grooming and fussing.
However, here in the north of England it can be very rainy, VERY RAINY! So its not always practical. I can promise you whatever the length of her hair she will always be impeccably groomed. I've already built up quite a collection of pretty bows and ribbons for her.
Everything in moderation of course. Her daddy is not into dressing up doggies.
He worries that walking a fluffball with a ribbon in her hair will damage his street cred !!! lol
Once again thank you ALL for your input. I cant begin to tell you how confident i now feel knowing I can draw upon your wealth of wisdom should I encounter any problems with Cristal.
Take care everyone
Love Judy

[Zanadu'sMom]

Wow everyone
How lovely to wake up this morning to so many replies. A wonderful welcome.
It seems everyone is in agreement that my baby is leaving her mammy too soon, so i am going to ring the breeder and ask her if she can keep her a while longer.
It seems to be the norm here in the UK that pups leave their mother at six weeks. So when my breeder said she preferred to keep then till eight weeks i was pleased knowing she had their best interests at heart.
I know she has her hands full at the moment but i'll let you all know what she says.
Jiji's mom, I have ordered some Nutri-cal at your suggestion. To be honest i hadnt heard of it but did a quick check online and its ordered, paid for and hopefully on its way. Thanks for that.
Zuly4034 I would love to keep Cristal in full coat. I do enjoy grooming and fussing.
However, here in the north of England it can be very rainy, VERY RAINY! So its not always practical. I can promise you whatever the length of her hair she will always be impeccably groomed. I've already built up quite a collection of pretty bows and ribbons for her.
Everything in moderation of course. Her daddy is not into dressing up doggies.
He worries that walking a fluffball with a ribbon in her hair will damage his street cred !!! lol
Once again thank you ALL for your input. I cant begin to tell you how confident i now feel knowing I can draw upon your wealth of wisdom should I encounter any problems with Cristal.
Take care everyone
Love Judy
See,I thought the norm over there was 8 weeks? That is why when friends I have over seas tell me they got their pup at 8 weeks I understand, cause the norm here is 12 weeks, but is not the norm in other places :D Did you get all that? I have never heard of 6weeks being the norm :confused: That is way to young. Anyway I wish you all the luck :hearter:

[LandakGirl]

WELCOME! I'm also new here :lol2:
Nice to know you!!

[judyush]

Hi Zanadu's Mom
I agree with you 6 weeks is way too early. I have been looking for my new baby for some months now and there have been a quite a few Maltese puppies available. Some breeders were holding them for 8 weeks but but just as many were letting them go at 6.
Especially in the run up to Christmas. I noticed also that the prices were really silly
(v.v. high) so perhaps it was unscrupulous dealers cashing in on the Christmas market with no real regard for the welfare of the pup !!!!
I am trying to contact my breeder to see if she'll hold Cristal a little while longer.
Will let you know how i get on.
regards Judy

[judyush]

Hi LandakGirl
Newbies together. Nice to meet you.
Judy

[Zuly4034]

Lol Here in Puerto Rico they hold the dog 6 to 8. And a few weeks ago I asked a Yorkie Breeder if 6 to 8 week is way to early and that in the US they hold it for 12 weeks. She said by that time the puppy already eats by itself. That was the answer she gave me.:lol2:

[judyush]

Hmmmmm, I think you have to go with what you feel comfortable with. And the more i think about it, 10 to 12 weeks makes a lot of sense.

[CinttisLuke]

Hi Zanadu's Mom
I agree with you 6 weeks is way too early. I have been looking for my new baby for some months now and there have been a quite a few Maltese puppies available. Some breeders were holding them for 8 weeks but but just as many were letting them go at 6.
Especially in the run up to Christmas. I noticed also that the prices were really silly
(v.v. high) so perhaps it was unscrupulous dealers cashing in on the Christmas market with no real regard for the welfare of the pup !!!!
I am trying to contact my breeder to see if she'll hold Cristal a little while longer.
Will let you know how i get on.
regards Judy


So glad you decided to talk to your breeder!!! It will be the best for your little fluff!:wink5:

[JesBred]

WELCOME TO MALTESE TALK!!

Looks like you got a ton of info already so I will just say.. YAY A PUPPY!! :D I can't wait for photos and obviously this is going to be one spoiled pup!!

[Emma's Mama]

Wow everyone
How lovely to wake up this morning to so many replies. A wonderful welcome.
It seems everyone is in agreement that my baby is leaving her mammy too soon, so i am going to ring the breeder and ask her if she can keep her a while longer.
It seems to be the norm here in the UK that pups leave their mother at six weeks. So when my breeder said she preferred to keep then till eight weeks i was pleased knowing she had their best interests at heart.
I know she has her hands full at the moment but i'll let you all know what she says.
Jiji's mom, I have ordered some Nutri-cal at your suggestion. To be honest i hadnt heard of it but did a quick check online and its ordered, paid for and hopefully on its way. Thanks for that.
Zuly4034 I would love to keep Cristal in full coat. I do enjoy grooming and fussing.
However, here in the north of England it can be very rainy, VERY RAINY! So its not always practical. I can promise you whatever the length of her hair she will always be impeccably groomed. I've already built up quite a collection of pretty bows and ribbons for her.
Everything in moderation of course. Her daddy is not into dressing up doggies.
He worries that walking a fluffball with a ribbon in her hair will damage his street cred !!! lol
Once again thank you ALL for your input. I cant begin to tell you how confident i now feel knowing I can draw upon your wealth of wisdom should I encounter any problems with Cristal.
Take care everyone
Love Judy

You're going to have SO much fun with little Cristal once you bring her home! I hope that you can convince her breeder to hold on to her for a few more weeks, but if not, she'll just require a bit more of your time, patience, and careful monitoring for the first few weeks than otherwise. The norm for sending pups home here is 8 weeks for larger breed dogs but these toy breed pups are just a little different. There's actually an article on the American Maltese Association site that explains it pretty well: AMA (http://www.americanmaltese.org/ama_health_menu.htm)
Click on General Health Care and then Twelve Week Rule. Actually, there is a lot of other good info there as well that you might find helpful!

You'll have to convince Cristal's daddy that she needs a dress or two...or ten! LOL Good luck!

[judyush]

You're going to have SO much fun with little Cristal once you bring her home! I hope that you can convince her breeder to hold on to her for a few more weeks, but if not, she'll just require a bit more of your time, patience, and careful monitoring for the first few weeks than otherwise. The norm for sending pups home here is 8 weeks for larger breed dogs but these toy breed pups are just a little different. There's actually an article on the American Maltese Association site that explains it pretty well: AMA (http://www.americanmaltese.org/ama_health_menu.htm)
Click on General Health Care and then Twelve Week Rule. Actually, there is a lot of other good info there as well that you might find helpful!

You'll have to convince Cristal's daddy that she needs a dress or two...or ten! LOL Good luck!
Hi Emma's Mama
Thanks for the AMA website . I'll enjoy working my way through it.
I'm spending every spare moment I have trying to glean as much information as I can, so i will be best prepared as possible for Cristals arrival.
Its looking like she will be with me in 2 weeks. Her breeder is having a lot of unforseen problems, ill health and other family problems and it would be really really difficult for her to keep Cristal any longer, so she will come to me aged 8 weeks. Not ideal but what can you do?
Fortunately i'm at home all day so i can give her constant attention 24/7.
I'm sure we'll manage just fine.
Its gonna be fun and games ahead .... wish me luck :-)

[Emma's Mama]

Hi Emma's Mama
Thanks for the AMA website . I'll enjoy working my way through it.
I'm spending every spare moment I have trying to glean as much information as I can, so i will be best prepared as possible for Cristals arrival.
Its looking like she will be with me in 2 weeks. Her breeder is having a lot of unforseen problems, ill health and other family problems and it would be really really difficult for her to keep Cristal any longer, so she will come to me aged 8 weeks. Not ideal but what can you do?
Fortunately i'm at home all day so i can give her constant attention 24/7.
I'm sure we'll manage just fine.
Its gonna be fun and games ahead .... wish me luck :-)

We definitely wish you good luck! Eight weeks is certainly not ideal, but it's still better than 6, and the good part is that you'll be armed with lots of info and resources to know just what to do to help little Cristal! It's really good that you'll be home all day to keep an eye on her. I think I also saw where you ordered Nutri-Cal - that's a great thing to have for her. At 8 weeks, she most likely will have only had her first set of puppy vaccinations, so be sure to keep her off the ground outside and away from other dogs until she has completed the full series. They are just so fragile and susceptible. It's also a good idea not to overwhelm her with too many visitors or trips away from home during the first few weeks. Emma came home at 12 weeks and her breeder still told me to keep her away from groups of people and to be sure that she wasn't over-handled. She told me to treat Em like a newborn baby and to make sure that she had lots of quiet time with just me and my close family so that she could adjust. Puppies tend to play hard and forget to eat, so it will be good that you'll be home all day to monitor her eating. At 8 weeks, she's probably barely weaned and may not be used to eating regular meals. It can be hard for them to regulate their blood sugar at this age, which can lead to hypoglycemia and seizures. I've seen it first hand and had to make a trip to the emergency vet because of it - very scary! The Nutri-Cal will help with that, though. I gave it to Emma until the tube was gone (a few weeks) so with Cristal being so young, I'd make sure that you have it until she's well past 12 weeks, just to be safe! You must be so excited that your baby will be coming home soon...it makes me (almost) want to go get another myself! :)

[JiJi's Mom]

I am so happy the breeder will atleast hold her for a couple of more weeks.

Nutri-Cal is a life savior, I suggest you give her a dime size portion before leaving the breeder house. My breeder recommend no visitors for the first two weeks. Like Emma's mom suggested treat her like a newborn if you do have visitors who want to pet her have them sanitized their hands. Be careful with kids since they might get scared and drop her. My breeder also recommend to have a special corner for her so that could be her hideaway. Don't let her roam around the house or she will mark and potty will be harder.

So excited, can't wait to see pictures of your new addition. Oh and wait on the dresses, they outgrow them so fast :D

[judyush]

Thankyou ladies for all the suggestions and advice. Taking it all on board. :)

[Punky]

Welcome to MT! Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about your new pup!:mtwelcome: