Adding to journal. We are starting to look for a Maltese puppy from local in home breeders. Great for when he/she reaches adulthood. I see it is for dogs 8 pounds and heavier - but great idea!

She has a slight deformity to one of her legs, which causes occasional pain and swelling if she stresses it too much. She was cast out to die, starving and covered with fleas. She's the best dog I've ever known, but she wasn't perfect.

Please consider adopting from a shelter or rescue. If you are dead set n a pure breed, there are breed rescues that can help you. Nearly 3 million healthy animals are killed in shelters every year for want of a home.

We are dead set on a pure breed because my husband has severe allergies and having babysat a friends dog - we want one of those little bratty clowns.


I'm not a dog newbie. I grew up with hordes (yes hordes) of beagles and a German Shepherd.

We are adding to our little family for hair and temperament - my husband would never survive a beagles adolescence and due to Ankylosing Spondylitis a Poodle (standard) is not an option.

BTW - your 'rescues' are hesitant to let folks like me adopt. See the A.S. and down the road disability and limited mobility with my eyes beginning to fail. Add to that we have a home in a town without three fenced acres. Silly for a Maltese when they aren't dogs that need to run 3 miles every day and don't like being wet.

Beagle or Shepherd - yep. Maltese? That's silly.

We are buying from the same network of private breeders in the Calabrese immigrant community. These are revered dogs in that region of Italy. They are the Labradors of Calabria.