[Ladysmom]

You seem determined to buy your puppy from a backyard breeder in spite of all the great advice you've been given. Some people just have to learn firsthand how risky getting a puppy from a backyard breeder can be.

Cathy shared her tragic story of her beautiful Elly. When she was ready for another Maltese after Elly died, she got Mercedes from a show breeder.

One of our older members told her heartbreaking story of her Massimo who came from a backyard breeder.

http://spoiledmaltese.com/forum/56-breeders/86154-did-i-purchase-my-puppy-byb.html#post1444352

When Carrie was ready for her next Maltese, she got her from a show breeder.

Here is a good comparison between backyard breeders and responsible breeders:

Backyard Breeder vs Reputable Breeder

I assume you want a Maltese because you fell in love with the way they look. If you get a Maltese from a backyard breeder you may be very surprised how far from the standard he grows up to be.

Maltese Show Dog Versus Maltese Pet.....What is the difference?

 

[Cosy]

Sorry, I'm confused - I've been advised on this site to never buy a Maltese puppy without having the bile test performed... unless all of these people are buying puppies older than 6 months...? There are vets here who will perform the test on puppies at 12-16 wks of age.

Noted about the conflict of interest; I can always find another vet or ask the breeder to do it for me and provide me with the results.

We're all cut from a different mold with different tolerances, and I'm not disagreeing with anything the others are saying - just pointing out the whole "OMG if you don't buy your puppy from a championship show breeder for $2000, your puppy is doomed and you support puppy mills" attitude that's overzealous at times in this community MAY not always be correct.

I'm somewhere in between...puppy mills and neglected dogs = a big no-no. Hobby breeders? I don't mind as long as the pups are healthy, the dogs are well loved and taken care of. Not everyone is a saint, selling puppies at a loss for the betterment of the breed... doesn't mean they're horrible people, selling horrible dogs. Capitalism brings out the worst in some people, for sure, but it's not always a bad thing.

This community is opting for the show breeders after much studying and research as well as stories from those who made mistakes before them. We also have plenty of people on here who went the other way (BYB or pet shop) and LEARNED....thus not doing it again. The difference in show breeders is they study pedigrees and do their level best to breed the proper dogs to one another to produce genetically healthy dogs as well as being as close to the standard as possible. THIS is what you are paying 2-3K for. Any breeder can have a clean home and raise the pups in the kitchen. That doesn't mean for one minute they "get it". They, most likely will not know most of the dogs in their pedigrees. I like the breeders who know five gens and even farther back. That means they've done their homework, talked to other breeders and acquired as much info on those lines to know if it is a good match/blend for their dogs. It is WORTH the price. I want a dog that is going to live a long healthy life. I want one that adheres closely to the standard. I want one with the personality traits of that breed and I want one I am NOT apt to spend a fortune in vet bills. If you would rather go with a byb or a pet shop, try rescue first. Those dogs have been cared for and evaluated for proper homes and will cost you very little initially.

 

[muffinman]

I meant no offense to anyone, and it seems as if I've touched a nerve with some people by suggesting that not all dogs from non-showing breeders are bad - it's just a reflection of my nature; I'm one to believe the world isn't black and white... I'm in the tax accounting profession so my world revolves around operating in the "gray" areas

Nor am I determined to go out and buy the first puppy I see.. just came in here to get educated but also QUESTION what I'm told... again, not in my nature to take all advice blindly. I do like it here and believe everyone here has the absolute best of intentions; I apologize if I rubbed anyone the wrong way. I'd also appreciate it if I wasn't pigeon-holed as a puppy mill supporter or someone who doesn't care; haven't actually committed to or done anything yet

Thanks all

UPDATE: Called the local hobby breeder, didn't like the answers I heard based on my questions and some of the questions you guys suggested I ask, so no longer considering that puppy.

Will email Tina to see if we'd be a good fit for her puppies.

Will be reaching out to other show breeders and continue looking through Petfinder and local shelters for rescue pups as well.

 

[Snowbody]

Muffinman - I hope you realize that people are very passionate here about healthy Matlese and that's where all the advice comes from. I am happy you are sticking around here to learn. I applaud that you adopted your other dog.:aktion033: I know that AMA on the west coast had a lot of puppies a few months ago but they may all be gone by now.
Personally I didn't have a lot of money but was able to get my Tyler from a breeder who shows constantly and he happened to have been at a reduced rate - below $2000 - because he had a medical issue that I needed to take care of - undescended testicles. He's a beauty, a great temperament and I think much of that comes from how he was raised. His half sister is on the show circuit right now. :wub: But most important, we went to the vet yesterday and got a GREAT report. He's in terrific shape. Now a dog can have health issues from anyone but I wanted to stack the deck in my favor by going to the right place first. My neighbor bought a Havenese who is adorable but from a BYB. I talked until I was blue in the face about a reputable breeder but this BYB sold her a bill of goods (and a pup). She's shocked that the pup now has an extreme underbite. Something I saw immediately, but her "breeder" was explaining it away and saying it wasn't an underbite. Her dog's adorable but the bite is so far off that I can't imagine she won't have issues. And she paid plenty of money for the pup and paid plenty to a dog orthodontist as well to check her out.
So what I'm saying is, you will do what you will do. We have many members here who got their Maltese from other than reputable breeders and they're all welcome. We would just rather see a dog adopted from a shelter or rescue organization or bought from a reputable breeder than see heartbreak down the line and the perpetuation of dogs ending up in risk of being put to sleep. BYB's will dump dogs that they can't sell. Buyer beware and I hope you stay around once you have your new fluff. This is a great place to learn.

 

[muffinman]

Muffinman - I hope you realize that people are very passionate here about healthy Matlese and that's where all the advice comes from. I am happy you are sticking around here to learn. I applaud that you adopted your other dog.:aktion033: I know that AMA on the west coast had a lot of puppies a few months ago but they may all be gone by now.
Personally I didn't have a lot of money but was able to get my Tyler from a breeder who shows constantly and he happened to have been at a reduced rate - below $2000 - because he had a medical issue that I needed to take care of - undescended testicles. He's a beauty, a great temperament and I think much of that comes from how he was raised. His half sister is on the show circuit right now. :wub: But most important, we went to the vet yesterday and got a GREAT report. He's in terrific shape. Now a dog can have health issues from anyone but I wanted to stack the deck in my favor by going to the right place first. My neighbor bought a Havenese who is adorable but from a BYB. I talked until I was blue in the face about a reputable breeder but this BYB sold her a bill of goods (and a pup). She's shocked that the pup now has an extreme underbite. Something I saw immediately, but her "breeder" was explaining it away and saying it wasn't an underbite. Her dog's adorable but the bite is so far off that I can't imagine she won't have issues. And she paid plenty of money for the pup and paid plenty to a dog orthodontist as well to check her out.
So what I'm saying is, you will do what you will do. We have many members here who got their Maltese from other than reputable breeders and they're all welcome. We would just rather see a dog adopted from a shelter or rescue organization or bought from a reputable breeder than see heartbreak down the line and the perpetuation of dogs ending up in risk of being put to sleep. BYB's will dump dogs that they can't sell. Buyer beware and I hope you stay around once you have your new fluff. This is a great place to learn.

Thanks for sharing your neighbor's experience - we've had good luck with adoptions... had a cat we adopted from our local humane society as well until we had to give her away (my kid brother developed allergic reactions to her). Luckily, our neighbor a block down was a huge cat lover and gladly adopted her.. worked out since we were able to visit often. His allergic reactions to fur is another reason we are considering Maltese and Yorkies (not just based on their looks, as another member suggested).

Since I've started this thread, I've walked away from non-showing online breeders completely, and have walked away from a local hobby breeder based on the questions I've been advised to ask... I'm not the best listener, but I try

 

[Ladysmom]

Thanks for sharing your neighbor's experience - we've had good luck with adoptions... had a cat we adopted from our local humane society as well until we had to give her away (my kid brother developed allergic reactions to her). Luckily, our neighbor a block down was a huge cat lover and gladly adopted her.. worked out since we were able to visit often. His allergic reactions to fur is another reason we are considering Maltese and Yorkies (not just based on their looks, as another member suggested).

Since I've started this thread, I've walked away from non-showing online breeders completely, and have walked away from a local hobby breeder based on the questions I've been advised to ask... I'm not the best listener, but I try

What area of the country are you in? Maybe we could steer you towards a rescue since you obviously believe in adopting pets.

Petfinder isn't the best place to look for rescues as most younger pets are adopted before they are even posted on Petfinder. The best thing to do is find a rescue (either local or a national rescue like Northcentral Maltese who has fosters all over the country), put in an application and get approved. Then when the perfect Maltese for your family comes in, you will be notified.

I wanted to add that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Maltese and Yorkies have hair, not fur, and no undercoat so they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, but it does happen.

You mentioned a kid brother. If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? You sound very mature!

 

[aprilb]

My first Maltese came from a nice lady who live in a nice house. She was a BYB. I spent thousands of dollars (and no, I am not exaggerating) on the genetic problems he inherited although he seemed very healthy, at first. He had severe food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and later developed pancreatitis. He spent a week in the hospital hooked up to an IV, and almost died. Then he developed liver disease. I had to have him put down because of his pain and suffering at the age of 10. It's a miracle he made it to that age but most of his life he was sick and got worse as he got older. Would you want that for your Maltese? Yes I spent a "pretty penny" for my two girls who came from a show breeder, and it was worth it. :SM Rocks!: Hope you'll stay with us!:blush:

 

[muffinman]

Ladysmom - He's now 21, a member of the US Air Force and is enrolled in medical school.. so yeah, no longer a child but he'll always be a "kid brother" to me. I'm 24 and very immature, but thanks for the kind words

..and thanks for the rescue leads, maybe I'll give them a call and see if they have any more dogs available in the WA area. Hopefully, they'll overlook the fact that I'm not 25 just yet.

 

[elly]

I met Tina in Atlanta she is very nice. She has beautiful dogs.

 

[Starsmom]

I meant no offense to anyone, and it seems as if I've touched a nerve with some people by suggesting that not all dogs from non-showing breeders are bad - it's just a reflection of my nature; I'm one to believe the world isn't black and white... I'm in the tax accounting profession so my world revolves around operating in the "gray" areas

Nor am I determined to go out and buy the first puppy I see.. just came in here to get educated but also QUESTION what I'm told... again, not in my nature to take all advice blindly. I do like it here and believe everyone here has the absolute best of intentions; I apologize if I rubbed anyone the wrong way. I'd also appreciate it if I wasn't pigeon-holed as a puppy mill supporter or someone who doesn't care; haven't actually committed to or done anything yet

Thanks all

UPDATE: Called the local hobby breeder, didn't like the answers I heard based on my questions and some of the questions you guys suggested I ask, so no longer considering that puppy.

:aktion033::aktion033::aktion033::aktion033::aktion033::aktion033::aktion033::aktion033:

Will email Tina to see if we'd be a good fit for her puppies.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Will be reaching out to other show breeders and continue looking through Petfinder and local shelters for rescue pups as well.

Keep in mind the shelters will have the dogs spayed/neutered and up to date on shots, but that is by no means fully vetted which is what you get when you adopt from one of the two aforementioned Maltese Rescues.

Thanks for sharing your neighbor's experience - we've had good luck with adoptions... had a cat we adopted from our local humane society as well until we had to give her away (my kid brother developed allergic reactions to her). Luckily, our neighbor a block down was a huge cat lover and gladly adopted her.. worked out since we were able to visit often. His allergic reactions to fur is another reason we are considering Maltese and Yorkies (not just based on their looks, as another member suggested).

Since I've started this thread, I've walked away from non-showing online breeders completely, and have walked away from a local hobby breeder based on the questions I've been advised to ask... I'm not the best listener, but I try

And you haven't left us either!

Ladysmom - He's now 21, a member of the US Air Force and is enrolled in medical school.. so yeah, no longer a child but he'll always be a "kid brother" to me. I'm 24 and very immature, but thanks for the kind words

..and thanks for the rescue leads, maybe I'll give them a call and see if they have any more dogs available in the WA area. Hopefully, they'll overlook the fact that I'm not 25 just yet.

Here's a paragraph form the Northcentral Maltese Rescue site:

We now have 60 dogs in our rescue, only 20 of which are listed on our Available Dogs page. New dogs

are coming in all the time. If you are interested in adopting, please call Mary Palmer at 262-633-9371 to learn about the dogs not listed.

From speaking with Edie Gobie - American Maltese Assoc. Rescue, I know they have more dogs in rescue, and could use more foster homes so they could take in more rescues. Could you foster?

Maybe one of these fluffs can be yours! :yes: Keep us posted as to your "finds".

 

[lisaj1354]

I got Pepper from a rescue based in GA. They transported him from his foster mom in Mass to me in NJ.

I wasn't looking for a Maltese, but now I have one and I've never been happier.

He is a sweet, loving little guy who has some issues (white shaker syndrome) plus he's afraid of the rain and the dark. But to the best of my knowledge (and that of my vet), he's healthy, happy and should live a good long time.

Good luck in your search.

 

[whitefurbabys]

Long time lurker, first time poster - wonderful community here.

Has anyone ever dealt with Koenen Kennels?

Home Page

Good feedback from past customers, responsive owner, USDA, breeding for 15 years and relatively few puppies available for sale

Concerning is the number of breeds (~3) available for sale, but offset by the fact that there isn't a million dogs being put up. Also, no address listed on website.

Would appreciate any input!

UPDATE: Based on the input here, I've chosen NOT to purchase from Koenen Kennels but please reserve judgement for yourself - I am not here solicit badmouthing of anyone at Koenen Kennels and I believe in the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. If they ARE a puppy mill, shame on them, but my personal impression of the kennel owner was that she was kind and caring.

Either way, I'm going to follow the recommendaitons here and seek out a reputable (show) breeder or rescue dogs. Do your own due diligence.

I have delt with Keonen Kennels Many Many times! They are fantastic and I wouldn't go any place else. My dog(s) are beautiful, friendly, and healthy. I live in NH and pay the extra because they are so worth it!