Tiny Maltese

[CathyHug]

Hi everyone. I would like some input from those of you who have a really small Yorkie. I have a Morkie named Lucy and she is about ten pounds.

A friend of a friend has a 4 1/2 pound Maltese that she can no longer care for due to monetary issues and a new baby. The Maltese, Peanut is 2 years old. She needs the money, and wants $300 for her. She is purebred with papers, not spayed. I definitely plan to spay her if I keep her.

I have her with me tonight just to see how she and Lucy get along. Everything is great...they have been playing together all night. Peanut also pays no attention to my cat and has been going out to do her business without a problem. She is so darn cute and I think Lucy will appreciate the company while I'm at work all day.

I guess this small little dog scares me in some ways. Do these really small dogs have any health problems in relation to their size? Is it really any more difficult to keep two dogs? Will it help Lucy to have another dog in the house to keep her from getting lonely? Sorry for all the questions, but Lucy is really my first and only dog! Thanks for any and all input.

[lillymae]

I have a 3.4 lb yorkie & honestly she's the healthiest sturdiest yorkie I have ever had, not to mention he!! on wheels.

[hobbette]

My dogs aren't that small Yumi is the little one at 5.4lbs and she's still growing. I think most small dog breeds are prone to hypoglycemia and collapsing trachea. I think both are more likely in the smaller dogs of those breeds, thats not to say she will have issues with either, just that her chances might be a little higher than your larger dog. That said 4.5lbs is within the standard range for yorkies (4-7lbs)and I think maltese too, and I wouldn't think that her size by it's self would cause problems. I think really it depends more on her breeder, than her size, what kind of trouble you might run into. If I were you I would find out what I could about the breeder. It might give you a better idea what to expect health wise.

As for 2 dogs if she's already fairly well trained I would say 2 isn't much more trouble than one. Roughly twice as expensive, but not much harder. Mine eat together practice their tricks together, and exorcise together, so it's not a lot more work. If neither dog were very well trained it would be a huge pain trying to keep tabs on both at the same time, otherwise shouldn't be too bad.

[ritapatt]

It sounds nice to have the oppurtunity to "try out" the new dog first- that alone seems worth it. Also that Peanut is already trained- hard to do when you work. Ziva is a much better dog because of Abby, she was starting to get funny little habits- I think because of boredom...

[Micah my love]

I have a few under 5 lbs and they are very healthy, I am sure that your baby loves the company of this new little one IMHO i believe two together makes happier babies....good luck in your choice

[arnolda30]

The smallest size dogs we've had are our puppies now - they are about 4 1/2 lbs. They will likely get just a little bigger. Our sweet 17 yr. old was almost 6 lbs. and lived a long healthy life. I think I'd be more concerned w/ the breeder and health history of their dogs vs. just size. I can say you have to be more careful as the little ones can get stepped on easier, when underfoot.
My biggest adjustment is the vet bills. Double the exam fee, double the vaccines, etc. Also, double the food.
But, the upside is double the fun! My only regret when I got our first dog was that we could only afford one. We absolutely love having two pups. I don't worry about them when we leave them here together. They are actually quite protective of each other and great playmates. We adore them and they truly complete our family.
Good luck!

[CathyHug]

Thanks everyone! We had a good night together...everyone slept til 7am then when out and did their business, no accidents.

I sleep with my dog in my bed, and Peanut is too small to jump up and down. She slept by my head all night and did really well.

I wasn't planning on another dog, but now I'm seriously considering keeping her. My youngest daughter is moving out in January and I will be by myself with Lucy. I work all day plus I have an internet jewelry business that takes up quite a bit of my time most evenings. Lucy gets impatient when I'm making jewelry at night and I'm hoping Peanut will be good company for her. Peanut seems healthy enough despite her small size. I will talk to her owner about the breeder. Thank you so much for all your advice. I will post a picture of my new baby soon

[gracielove]

I used to have what would be considered a small Maltese. She was a wonderful pet. They are the sweetest little dogs. Mine was a real snuggle bug and was always with me. She was my shadow much like Gracie is now.

The Maltese has been a rather small breed for centuries so it is not like they have endured as many changes as some small breeds have. I have not kept up on what kind of issues they can have. Any dog that has poor breeding in it's background has a potential to have problems. You might want to get her vet records.

I think there is a Maltese forum out there that you could get more info from.

[gracielove]

Honestly, to find a trained adult dog that is housebroken and gets along with your dog is an unusual find. I would grab her up!

[Verbena]

Originally Posted by CathyHug

Thanks everyone! We had a good night together...everyone slept til 7am then when out and did their business, no accidents.

I sleep with my dog in my bed, and Peanut is too small to jump up and down. She slept by my head all night and did really well.

I wasn't planning on another dog, but now I'm seriously considering keeping her. My youngest daughter is moving out in January and I will be by myself with Lucy. I work all day plus I have an internet jewelry business that takes up quite a bit of my time most evenings. Lucy gets impatient when I'm making jewelry at night and I'm hoping Peanut will be good company for her. Peanut seems healthy enough despite her small size. I will talk to her owner about the breeder. Thank you so much for all your advice. I will post a picture of my new baby soon

I think you have your answer lol good luck

Originally Posted by gracielove

Honestly, to find a trained adult dog that is housebroken and gets along with your dog is an unusual find. I would grab her up!

I so agree!! And your pup would have a playmate. 2 are much better then one lol

[CathyHug]

I am convinced...

Here's a photo of them. Peanut's haircut is crazy, lol. Looks like she got caught in a paper shredder.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by gracielove

Honestly, to find a trained adult dog that is housebroken and gets along with your dog is an unusual find. I would grab her up!

Eveveryhing she said! If your pup gets along with the newcomer and most suprisingly is ok with having the Maltese in your bed, I say go for it!! Remember there are no guarantees in life. The only health guarantee you can have is from the breeder. Even that is a a very educated guesstimate based on the family history of the pup.

[Yorkiemom1]

If it was me, I would snatch her up! Just being small does not mean unhealthy! It is the BAD BREEDING/CROSSING BAD PEDIGREES that creates the majority of health issues....if you have a small dog, there are precautions that must be taken in order to keep that tiny, safe....but if the breeding behind that baby is a healthy combination, you wont have health issues just because she is small! CONGRATULATIONS on your new little family member! You will be a perfect mommie for her, Lucy will have a playmate to distract her while you are busy, and Peanut will enjoy a home where she is safe and can be adequately provided for....and wont be snatched up by someone with a "get rich quick scheme by breeding little white dogs" in mind!!!!!

Originally Posted by CathyHug

Thanks everyone! We had a good night together...everyone slept til 7am then when out and did their business, no accidents.

I sleep with my dog in my bed, and Peanut is too small to jump up and down. She slept by my head all night and did really well.

I wasn't planning on another dog, but now I'm seriously considering keeping her. My youngest daughter is moving out in January and I will be by myself with Lucy. I work all day plus I have an internet jewelry business that takes up quite a bit of my time most evenings. Lucy gets impatient when I'm making jewelry at night and I'm hoping Peanut will be good company for her. Peanut seems healthy enough despite her small size. I will talk to her owner about the breeder. Thank you so much for all your advice. I will post a picture of my new baby soon

[sganow]

I sure would get her if I were you. It sounds like they get along and that she is doing well in your home with you and your other pets. We have 4 dogs and they DO keep each other company and make good playmates for each other. My maltese is 3-4 lbs smaller than my yorkies, and I also have an 85 lb yellow lab. I have no problems whatsoever with them. I have heard that maltese are very sturdy and that their small size is deceiving. That seems to be the case with mine. Good luck with your decision... I have a feeling you'll be getting her permanently!

[CouversMom]

It sounds like you snagged a gem At 4 pounds, she's small... But I'm sure she will be great with your 10-lber. Have you made up your mind yet? We added a second dog about 2 years ago and I wouldn't go back. My two are perfect for each other and love the companionship.