Choosing a puppy

A healthy, well-raised Maltese puppy looks a lot like any other adorable puppy in a photo. The difference shows up in the paperwork, the parents, and the answers you get when you ask questions. Here is what actually separates a good puppy from a risky one.

• Health testing on both parents

  Ask for proof of a patella (kneecap) check, a liver-shunt bile-acid test, a heart evaluation, and an eye exam on the mother and father. All four are common concerns in this toy breed. A reputable breeder will hand these over without hesitation.
• Age at homecoming, 8 to 12 weeks

  Maltese benefit from extra time with their mother and littermates, and their small size means an extra few weeks of growth matters more than in larger breeds. Puppies leaving before 8 weeks are more prone to behavior and immune issues later.
• AKC registration

  A registered litter means the pedigree is on record and the breeding dogs meet a registry's standards. Ask to see the litter registration or the individual puppy's pedigree paperwork.
• A written health guarantee

  This should cover genetic conditions for a defined period, typically one to five years, and spell out what happens if a covered issue shows up. Read it before you pay a deposit, not after.
• A puppy raised in the home

  Puppies raised underfoot in a family living room, exposed to normal household noise and handling, socialize better than puppies raised in an isolated kennel. Ask to video call the puppy in its everyday environment.

• "Teacup" or "micro" Maltese

  There is no official teacup Maltese variety. The breed standard already tops out under 7 pounds. Breeding for extreme smallness beyond that often means health problems, including a higher risk of hypoglycemia and the liver-shunt issues this breed already needs careful screening for.
• No health testing records, or vague answers about them

  If a breeder cannot produce actual documents, patella, liver, heart, and eye results are not optional extras.
• Multiple litters always available

  A small, careful breeding program has occasional litters, not a constant rotating inventory.
• Payment only by wire transfer or gift card, no contract

  A legitimate breeder uses a written sales contract and standard payment methods.
• Refusal to let you video call or visit

  Reasonable biosecurity limits on in-person visits are normal, but a flat refusal to even video call is a warning sign.