Hi,
I am going to look at a 9-month-old Maltese as a companion to my 9-month-old Bella, also a Maltese. The male has been neutered, and has a microchip implant. The owner also carries pet insurance as do I. So she seems responsible
The woman is selling the male because she says she is traveling a lot more now and does not like to board the dog. Now that is a good story, but being of a suspicious nature, I cannot imagine how anyone can give up any animal unless there are temperment or behavior problems.
I did ask if the male marked territory in the house and she said no. Supposedly the dog is very playful and friendly. My plan is to take Bella there this evening to see if the two hit it off.
Any other questions I should be asking in making this decision?
My dilemma is compounded by the fact that the breeder of Bella has a potentially available female, but I won't know if she is willing to sell it until Tuesday of this coming week. The female appears to be undersized as is Bella. That is the reason for the sale
This second female is even more expensive than Bella and the available male costs about half of what Bella cost.
Pros for the male are that he is close to the same age as Bella. Bella is 11 days older. He is already neutered to I would not have that worry or expense and he is a less expensive purchase.
Pros for the female are that I trust the breeder's judgement since Bella is a beautiful result of that judgement, but she is alot more expensive, and she is still very much a puppy. Also I don't know if the breeder will sell her.
I guess I am leaning toward the male, but would appreciate input on this decision.
Thank you.
Sharon
I am going to look at a 9-month-old Maltese as a companion to my 9-month-old Bella, also a Maltese. The male has been neutered, and has a microchip implant. The owner also carries pet insurance as do I. So she seems responsible
The woman is selling the male because she says she is traveling a lot more now and does not like to board the dog. Now that is a good story, but being of a suspicious nature, I cannot imagine how anyone can give up any animal unless there are temperment or behavior problems.
I did ask if the male marked territory in the house and she said no. Supposedly the dog is very playful and friendly. My plan is to take Bella there this evening to see if the two hit it off.
Any other questions I should be asking in making this decision?
My dilemma is compounded by the fact that the breeder of Bella has a potentially available female, but I won't know if she is willing to sell it until Tuesday of this coming week. The female appears to be undersized as is Bella. That is the reason for the sale
This second female is even more expensive than Bella and the available male costs about half of what Bella cost.
Pros for the male are that he is close to the same age as Bella. Bella is 11 days older. He is already neutered to I would not have that worry or expense and he is a less expensive purchase.
Pros for the female are that I trust the breeder's judgement since Bella is a beautiful result of that judgement, but she is alot more expensive, and she is still very much a puppy. Also I don't know if the breeder will sell her.
I guess I am leaning toward the male, but would appreciate input on this decision.
Thank you.
Sharon