[saltymalty]

Wow, what wonderful insight both Charmy Poo and Lucy Lou have offered. (And it's kind of fun saying their names three times each really fast too...ok, I'll stop being silly.)

 

[Furbaby's Mommie]

I checked Divine's site today and the puppy is gone! Wonder who got her??

 

[HappyB]

Originally posted by saltymalty@Oct 15 2005, 07:04 PM
Wow, what wonderful insight both Charmy Poo and Lucy Lou have offered. (And it's kind of fun saying their names three times each really fast too...ok, I'll stop being silly.)
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Thanks for the compliment, and for seeing the other side of the story.

I'm not surprised that the Divine pup is gone. My friend sells her pet pups of superior quality from her waiting list, or almost as soon as they are born.

I've only sold one female, who was too small for show. I sold her into a pet home within 24 hours from the time I decided I was going to do so, and I got almost the same amount as Divine got for theirs. I had three people inquiring about her within that 24 hours. I do sell my male pups a lot cheaper because I don't have the time to keep more of them in coat to see if they will go into a show home. I'm sure other breeders do this too, and it's a good way to get a superior dog at a bargain sometimes.

One of the things that people should look at is people who buy champions from other breeders only for use as a stud. Sometime, these males are sold because they do not produce what the original owner wanted from them. I know of one now that produces really bad dogs, yet the breeder continues to use him. I know of another champion that is going to be sold, although his pedigree is almost solid champions, because he produces dogs that are out of the standard. And on that same note, I know of one of the top dogs from last year that has a son who is now 17 lbs.
I guess what I'm trying to say here is that it's more than just pedigree. It's how the people who have these dogs work with them to produce quality dogs. I'm still learning, and I'll tell you I spend more time on this than I did getting my PhD. I think I'm at the "freshman" level right now in dogs.

 

[mmo]

Lucy Lou and Charmypoo: I have to say THANKS a bunch for sharing your knowledge.

 

[msmagnolia]

Just a comment about the prices at Divine. They are charging the same price for a female that they were charging August, 2004. I talked with them when I was searching for Sadie. They are very close to my home, and it would have been very convenient. Their price was my upper limit, but it would have saved me travel expenses and motel rooms when I went to get Sadie, so I could have justified it. They did not have any females at that time and I continued to look. As it turned out I would not have gotten Sassy if I'd paid top price for a puppy so I'm satisfied that I got both my girls, though I still paid quite a bit for each of them.

When the time comes and I look for another puppy I would not hesitate to check with Divine again, nor would I hesitate to talk with Sadie and Sassy's breeder. Guess it would just depend on the timing and litters available.

 

[sassy's mommy]

I hope no one misunderstood what I meant by saying it was a little pricy for "pet" quality. The photo showed her to be a gorgeous pup for sure. But according to Angie she did not look quiet like the photo (she said she had some tear stains.) Which again do not get me wrong, that does not make her any less quality, just would not look as perfect as the photo. When most people are looking for a pet they don't necessarily want to buy the kennel name to be happy with their pet. Yes, pet shops are also overpriced, especially considering you are buying puppymill quality. However, I think that most kennels charge whatever the market will bear in their area. I haven't priced pups since I got Sassy, so I really do not know the going rate. Heck, I might have to pay that much for Sassy at today's prices, who knows.

I do know however, I would stand her on a table beside their best and not be ashamed.

 

[miko's mommy]

Wow, lots of responses since I was last here. I have to say I do see both sides of the issue. Just as Cindysilver said, I am not a wealthy person -- actually I am rather a poor student at the moment but that doesn't mean that I can't provide the best of care for my pup. We did fix his luxating patellas at the best surgeon in town for quiet a high price, and regularly have him see a vet for ANY issues that may come up. To be honest though, I would have to really, really, really think hard about paying quite that much for a pet quality maltese. For one thing, you really don't know just how much of a "pet" quality this dog will be. Will she/he end up at 12 lbs with curly coat and long snout? Its possible, since after all the dog is pet quality. And that could happen from the best breeder. Its also possible that this puppy could still have health issues. I do wander if maybe its better to rescue then?? Someday in the far, far future I may want to breed and show (after I have skin kids and they are grown and all) and at that point I would want to pay that much but for a show quality dog.

Faye, as always, I enjoy reading your posts

!!!!!

 

[sherylmint]

She is beautiful but 2 is my limit, plus my samoyed,pot belly pigs and cats.

 

[Tavish]

When I first began looking for my furbaby, I was a bit surprised at the cost of the smaller breeds. At the time, $2000 blew my mind a little bit. However, the more research I did, the more familiar I became with puppy mills and unscruplous breeders who breed for money, not for the love of the dogs themselves. There are so many websites out there, such as divapup.com, where it is not unusual to find a male selling for $4000 and a female for $5000, and they give little to no information about the pup on the site other than the parents' weight and the expected size. As I began to research the best Maltese lines, and Nicholas Cutillo's book, The Complete Maltese, was very helpful, the prices of Maltese failed to surprise me. Almost a year later when I found Tavish, his $3000 price tag didn't even phase me. I was more concerned with his health and his wellbeing. I could have purchased him on a show contract, but he would have cost even more money. I discussed this possibility with my breeder, but as there was no one she knew of, or that I knew of, in my area to mentor me, I decided to forego the showing and have Tav neutered. She did mention that if I was unable to get him his championship myself, that I could send him to a handler and have them do it, but the thought of having Tavish live somewhere else made me so sad... I couldn't live without him! I think a Divine at the time was $2000 for a male, (I was dead set on getting a boy), which would have saved me some money, but as soon as I saw Tavish I knew he was the one. There were no doubts at all. My year of research left me much more knowledgeable about the world of breeders, both good and bad, and for Tav and I it certainly turned out for the best.

 

[mpd]

Originally posted by Frosty's Mom@Oct 15 2005, 08:11 PM
I checked Divine's site today and the puppy is gone!  Wonder who got her??

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You got her? Congratulations. I hope she turns out to be super healthy for you! Really, if the high price tag guarantees a super healthy Maltese... then it is worth it. Let us know how she progresses.

 

[Deanna]

Originally posted by okw@Oct 15 2005, 08:37 PM
To be honest though, I would have to really, really, really think hard about paying quite that much for a pet quality maltese. For one thing, you really don't know just how much of a "pet" quality this dog will be.  Will she/he end up at 12 lbs with curly coat and long snout?  Its possible, since after all the dog is pet quality.  And that could happen from the best breeder.  Its also possible that this puppy could still have health issues. I do wander if maybe its better to rescue then??
Faye, as always, I enjoy reading your posts

  !!!!!
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This is one of the many many reasons I went with a rescue! I wanted a maltese that looked like a maltese. I have known several people who got one as a puppy and they grew up to have all the "wrong" features. Not that I would love my pet any less for the way he looks, but I love the look of a Maltese.

I am a huge believer in rescue. I have actually never had a pet that wasn't a rescue--- there are so many lovely animals out there that need homes. It took a year of searching to find my baby.

I hope everyone will consider a rescue!!

 

[Furbaby's Mommie]

Originally posted by mpd+Oct 22 2005, 01:24 AM-->

<!--QuoteBegin-Frosty's Mom

@Oct 15 2005, 08:11 PM
I checked Divine's site today and the puppy is gone!  Wonder who got her??

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You got her? Congratulations. I hope she turns out to be super healthy for you! Really, if the high price tag guarantees a super healthy Maltese... then it is worth it. Let us know how she progresses.
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:excl: WHO did get her, was the question....?? Not me! I wish it was!

 

[dolcevita]

I got Dolce from Divine Maltese in May (so this is a different dog), and I couldn't be happier with her. She is beautiful and has such a special personality. Yes, she was pricey, but I felt it was worth it for my peace of mind. I was so worried about being tricked into a puppy mill pup that I was willing to pay more for a dog from a well-known breeder. Also, when I compared her price to the $6,000 + that a friend of mine paid for a high def. tv, she seemed cheap! Dolce is worth way more than a tv to me. It's not just the breeding, it's the health care and socialization that she got before she came to me. She was the only pup in her litter and she was delivered by C-section, so I doubt that Divine Maltese made much money on her, if any. She may not be any "better" than a dog that cost less, but I felt it was less of a gamble. That being said, there is no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to a living creature.

 

[mpd]

Originally posted by dolcevita@Oct 24 2005, 11:09 AM
I got Dolce from Divine Maltese in May (so this is a different dog), and I couldn't be happier with her.  She is beautiful and has such a special personality.  Yes, she was pricey, but I felt it was worth it for my peace of mind.  I was so worried about being tricked into a puppy mill pup that I was willing to pay more for a dog from a well-known breeder.  Also, when I compared her price to the $6,000 + that a friend of mine paid for a high def. tv, she seemed cheap!  Dolce is worth way more than a tv to me.  It's not just the breeding, it's the health care and socialization that she got before she came to me.  She was the only pup in her litter and she was delivered by C-section, so I doubt that Divine Maltese made much money on her, if any.  She may not be any "better" than a dog that cost less, but I felt it was less of a gamble.  That being said, there is no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to a living creature.
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A pet is a pet. Priceless no matter where it came from.

Signed,
My AKC is a bichon with straight hair.
My CKC, possible puppy mill, is 5 lbs all maltese! Both healthy so I am blessed!

 

[lacey]

Originally posted by CharmyPoo@Oct 15 2005, 01:29 PM
After all my vet bills this year, my boyfriend and I always joke that we could have gotten a few more puppies from the top breeders.  I think I am now immune to the sticker shock of the high prices.  It seems normal to me.

I remember when I first started looking at Maltese (6-7 years ago).  Divine and Rhapsody's Maltese prices were much lower.  $400-$600 for a male pet puppy and $600-$800 for a female pet puppy.  Then 3-4 years ago, it went up to $1000-$1500 for a male pet puppy and $1500-$2000 for a female pet.  This is when I got Nibbler from Tonia.  Last year, I saw the prices jump to $2500 to $3000 for a female puppy.  That is the upper limit I would pay for a show quality Maltese.

I don't doubt that these high prices are justified because of their large showing expenses.  But I can imagine the shock of the price for a pet owners.  Yes, pet store prices are outrageous but most will look in the newspaper and see a much lower price.  I am not saying support backyard breeders or puppy mills but that is just the truth.

At the end of the day, you have to shop around for a breeder you like and that you can build a relationship.  Prices often become more flexible if you know the breeder.  If you know someone, they will be more willing to setup different payment plans with you.  That's the same with friends.
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I paid $650 for Daisy and we're paying $525 for Toby. The lady we get them from is a wonderful lady. She loves all her puppies and treats them all like they are babies. She loves for people to come back and bring the puppies so she can see them when they've grown up. I found her after my friend told me where she got her Maltese. She has the cutest puppies. I wish I could have a houseful one day!

 

[Carole]

Originally posted by dolcevita@Oct 24 2005, 07:09 AM
I got Dolce from Divine Maltese in May (so this is a different dog), and I couldn't be happier with her.  She is beautiful and has such a special personality.  Yes, she was pricey, but I felt it was worth it for my peace of mind.  I was so worried about being tricked into a puppy mill pup that I was willing to pay more for a dog from a well-known breeder.  Also, when I compared her price to the $6,000 + that a friend of mine paid for a high def. tv, she seemed cheap!  Dolce is worth way more than a tv to me.  It's not just the breeding, it's the health care and socialization that she got before she came to me.  She was the only pup in her litter and she was delivered by C-section, so I doubt that Divine Maltese made much money on her, if any.  She may not be any "better" than a dog that cost less, but I felt it was less of a gamble.  That being said, there is no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to a living creature.
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I agree. For me $16 month x 15 years isn't all that much to pay for all the love, joy, and entertainment Bella gives each day.

I think all of us have to find our own comfort zone when purchasing our fur angels. It does not make any of us wrong or right ....just individuals with different comfort zones.

Truly there are no guarantees when it comes to living creatures.... but there are ways to better the odds. As for me....I will always look for a breeder that is well respected in the Maltese community. I will always choose an older Maltese puppy. It is much easier to see what a Maltese will turn out to be when evaluating it at six months than it is at 12 weeks. So I will always be one that waits for the "older" puppy... or retired dam... from the kennel I choose.

Dolcevita....Bella was a singleton also.

~carole~

 

[dolcevita]

Dolcevita....Bella was a singleton also.[/B]

Another only child! Dolce loves to be the center of attention, and I think it's because she never had to share.

By the way, Bella is beautiful!

 

[msmagnolia]

Originally posted by Carole@Nov 9 2005, 12:07 AM
I agree. For me $16 month x 15 years isn't all that much to pay for all the love, joy, and entertainment Bella gives each day. 

  I think all of us have to find our own comfort zone when purchasing our fur angels.  It does not make any of us wrong or right ....just individuals with different comfort zones. 

Truly there are no guarantees when it comes to living creatures.... but there are ways to better the odds.  As for me....I will always look for a breeder that is well respected in the Maltese community.  I will always choose an older Maltese puppy. It is much easier to see what a Maltese will turn out to be when evaluating it at six months than it is at 12 weeks.  So I  will always be one that waits for the "older" puppy... or retired dam... from the kennel I choose.

Dolcevita....Bella was a singleton also. 

~carole~
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I agree with your statements, except that we never looked for a retired dam. I know several people who have gone that route and have been very satisfied. My girls are littermates but we got Sadie at 14 weeks and Sassy at just under 6 months. I really think that the slightly older puppy was easier to deal with. Sadie was fine, but the Sassy ate better, used the pad without incident, etc. Since she had clearly been socialized with both humans and dogs, getting her at 6 months was not a problem but probably a bonus for us.

 

[Carole]

Yes, Dolcevita, I think being a singleton makes them used to not sharing right off the bat. :new_Eyecrazy: I think about getting a playmate for Bella, but am not so sure how Bella would take to it.

She wants to play sooooooooo much and I feel guilty when I have to stop playing with her and actually do my chores. :new_Eyecrazy: If I spend some time on the computer she is pretty good and sleeps by my feet, but lets me know if I have played to long on the computer and it is time for Bella time. Your baby is pretty, too. I pretty much have Angie's Maltese memorized....who is the dam and sire? Post more pictures when you can. I LOVE looking at all the wonderful Maltese at SM.

Msmagnolia, I think some people would miss the 3-6 month time....but not me.

Bella was sooooooooo easy to train and pretty much slowed down with all the hyperness time. I LOVED getting an older puppy for those reasons alone and we had no trouble at all bonding. I really don't think pups are calm enough to train until around 5-6 months. Anyway....let the breeder deal with the crazy time.

Sadie, Sassy, Jolie are dolls. I love when their pictures come up in a thread.

 

[dolcevita]

Carole, Dolce's Sire is CH Laureal's Divine Design and her Dam is Divine's Li'l Bit O'Phantasy.