I am praying that this is not the case with my Teddy, who after I did research on the breeder and what I thought was good advise about the USDA number, and if a breeder did not have one then they were not a puppy mill and going to the location to check them out found out later after being on this site that Teddy is indeed from a puppy mill. I was sick when I heard the news and I am sick writing it and I am sick every single time I think about it, which is most everyday....I watch Teddy like a little hawk.
Anyway, Teddy is if not a perfect example of a Maltese...pretty darn close...he is as white as snow (everyone comments on this), he is 6.5 lbs, he is sweet and lovable and a velco furbaby, his hair is wonderful and not curly, and except for having allergy to both chicken and beef he is healthy. He is only 1 year last week and I pray that he is not a ticking time bomb because to be honest I think I would just break in two if something hurt him.
His behavior is wonderful...he learned the first day about the puppy pad and has been very consistent with that since day one (I have never heard of this before and was shocked and still am but very happy), he is wonderful with other dogs as well as all people, he does not show aggressive behavior at all, and is pretty much a momma's boy. He does not shake (although he did when the landscappers came) and he loves going everywhere with me.
I do everything in my power to assure he is getting the best diet, vet care, excercise, etc. so that he stays this way.
I hope this helps.
Susan