Some News About My Maltese Search

[Kristy]

I contacted an AMA breeder who is within lengthy driving distance of me and finally got the type of response I was looking for. She has beautiful pups and was very pleasant in her e-mail. The only problem is that her price is through the roof and I just can't bring myself to spend that much on a dog right now. I know good dogs cost a lot, but I didn't think it was going to be this much

I am feeling a little discouraged.

[fasteddie]

Does she have show-quality Maltese? Or is the going price for a Maltese just thath high around Chicago? Keep your hopes up, you'll find one soon enough! :)

[Mystify79]

For what it's worth.. I really think you get what you pay for. You may be paying a premium right now but if you think about the long term, a pup that is very expensive now probably won't be hit with all the genetic problems that a bargain priced backyard special might have. Tuffy was a from a backyard breeder.. they were very nice people but they don't know what they are doing. He was cheap, only $500 but I have spent almost that amount on vet bills. He's not super sickly but we've had some issues. My sister (I love Palbert) also got her Malt from the same breeder and he had to have a very expensive knee surgery because he had luxating patella. I paid a pretty penny for my Yorkie Pixie and I feel she was worth every cent. She's got a great personality, healthy as a horse and has fantastic structure. I've noticed that great Maltese are not only hard to find but also very expensive.. but I think it's totally worth it. Of course, this is all just my own opinion. :o You might want to pm Lexi's Mom on SM.. she just got a new Malt puppy and she might be able to help you with the names of a few breeders. Good luck on your decision! :)

[Kristy]

Let me start out by prefacing this with... I paid $475 for my Yorkie, Stewie. I got him from a local hobby breeder. He is much more than I ever could have dreamed about in a dog. The breeder definitely gave me a break because he liked me and he saw how much Stewie liked me.

The Maltese breeder with whom I have corresponded with is about 8 hours away via car. I am not expecting to get a "deal" on a female Maltese - especially not from an AMA breeder. I just didnt expect to pay more than 6 times the price that I paid for Stewie -- it just doesn't seem worth it. The dog I would get from her is pet quality and will be an estimated 5.5lbs full grown. She keeps the show quality ones for herself or sells them on a show contract.

I know I can get a female Biewer Yorkshire Terrier for a similar price with breeding rights (not that I would ever breed).

My mind is set on getting a female. I love Stewie and his personality, but really want a girl so I can do the whole girl thing with girlie clothes and a girlie personality, so getting a male is not an option.

FastEddie - to answer your question, I could go to a local breeder here and get a female Maltese for $900 or so; I just don't know if that's the route I want to take.

Anyway, any more insight would be helpful. Thanks for listening!

[Chloeandj]

Unfortunately 3000 is the price in most areas for a dog from such as this kind of breeder. It is sad that only a very few with a large pocket book can enjoy these dogs. If you absolutely can not afford this price, I personally feel that you can find a good hobby breeder that can be a good fit too if you look hard enough, wait long enough and ask all the right questions. Prices for these pups are usually half. Your choice has to be one you are comfortable with. Good luck Kristy!

[Chloeandj]

Kristy, have you considered a retired female? I know that is not ideal but breeding females get rehomed from professional breeders when they reach a certain age or didn't produce as the owner would have liked. I had one breeder I contacted through the AMA that still wanted to charge me 3000 for a 2 year old but I don't think they all do that. Might be a consideration. They usually need lots of extra attention and pampering.

[Kristy]

Kristy, have you considered a retired female? I know that is not ideal but breeding females get rehomed from professional breeders when they reach a certain age or didn't produce as the owner would have liked. I had one breeder I contacted through the AMA that still wanted to charge me 3000 for a 2 year old but I don't think they all do that. Might be a consideration. They usually need lots of extra attention and pampering.

No. I 100% do not agree with rehoming dogs after a breeder has had their way with them showing and breeding. I think its deplorable. I've seen AMA breeders offer female for the price of a spay on their sites, which I think is fair, but I do think that if they can breed and show a dog for years, they should keep it in the home it has always known. It makes me very sad that the dog's feelings are not considered first and foremost. JMO

oh, and by the way, $3000 for a 2 year old is kind of ridiculous if you ask me.

I'm going to contact a few more breeders and see if they will even talk to me.

[Chloeandj]

I agree with you, poor babies!! Especially a malt or yorkie, they get so attached to their owners! Makes me very sad for them...

Have you checked out breeders.net (you can search your own area) and also Northcentral Maltese Rescue?

This is based only on my experience, but I don't think you will find an AMA listed breeder charging less than 2500. Atleast that was my experience here in California and that was for a male.

[luvmypupster]

Maltese cost more than yorkies and female malts are hard to come by and usually run 2000-3000 or more depending on the line. Divine Maltese has a pet quality female listed on his site..she really adorable.

[fasteddie]

Wow, and I thought Yorkies were expensive! Are Maltese one of the most expensive breeds overall?

[luvmypupster]

I'm not really sure why they run more but they do. Buying a female pet quality from a show breeder will run into some big bucks.

[Sassy's Mommy]

Kristy,
Are you willing to travel to pick up a furbaby? If so I know someone in south Alabama who breeds Maltese. She is particular about who she homes her babies with and will not ship. I think she currently has a little boy who may still be available.

I knew this lady years ago, although she is a friend of my mom. I did not know she was a Maltese breeder when I got my Sassy. I sent her an email a couple of days ago and told her of this site. Her name is Cathy and she usually uses the screenname CLMaltese. I'm guessing she is on YT because she referred me to that website.

[Kristy]

Kristy,
Are you willing to travel to pick up a furbaby? If so I know someone in south Alabama who breeds Maltese. She is particular about who she homes her babies with and will not ship. I think she currently has a little boy who may still be available.

I knew this lady years ago, although she is a friend of my mom. I did not know she was a Maltese breeder when I got my Sassy. I sent her an email a couple of days ago and told her of this site. Her name is Cathy and she usually uses the screenname CLMaltese. I'm guessing she is on YT because she referred me to that website.

Hi Pat. I am willing to travel, but I think Southern Alabama might be a bit too far. I am not against traveling, but I want to see if there's someone nearer to me who has exactly what I'm looking for first. I definitely want a girl though. Thanks for the heads up though! :)

[Sassy's Mommy]

Hi Pat. I am willing to travel, but I think Southern Alabama might be a bit too far. I am not against traveling, but I want to see if there's someone nearer to me who has exactly what I'm looking for first. I definitely want a girl though. Thanks for the heads up though! :)

If you change your mind the breeder I was referring to is now a member of this forum, CLMaltese...Cathy Lambert.

[clmaltese]

Hi,
Thanks for recommending me Pat!
..
I think you really should consider someone as close to you as you can find. That way you can visit the home and see how it is being raised and the parents. That is very important too. You will have a chance to bond with it also as it is growing. I don't ship my babies that is just one of the reasons. I really like to have my new owners visit so they can see me and I can see them also. You want your baby to come from a clean caring home. Don't rule out an older one. I have rescued several and believe me, most are so willing to return the love to you. They are very smart and do learn their house manners, it just takes some a little time a care depending on their circumstances. You can give me a call or email anytime. I will help anyway I can. I tell everyone that when they call me, I try and give good information so they can get a good baby no matter where they get the baby.
Good luck and God bless in your Search.
Cathy

[Sassy's Mommy]

You are welcome Cathy.

[CharmyPoo]

Hi Kristy,
I am new to the forum. Did you ever get your Maltese yet?

If you have been emailing around, you probably got prices in the $1500-$3000 for a pet quality female Maltese. Most of the breeders who show are charging that price. Some backyard breeders and puppymillers are too!

Maltese is one of the most expensive breeds around but I am sure everyone can agree that our babies are worth every cent.

Where are you located? Feel free to PM me and I can recommend some breeders to you.

[kelkiss5]

Hi Kristy,
I am new to the forum. Did you ever get your Maltese yet?

If you have been emailing around, you probably got prices in the $1500-$3000 for a pet quality female Maltese. Most of the breeders who show are charging that price. Some backyard breeders and puppymillers are too!

Maltese is one of the most expensive breeds around but I am sure everyone can agree that our babies are worth every cent.

Where are you located? Feel free to PM me and I can recommend some breeders to you.
I agree

[I Found Nemo]

I agree

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know this is a really old post from 2005.. Hope your search is coming to an end..
Andrea:)