Lorraine, I think that's absolutely wonderful!! There should be more breeders like you that are doing things the right way. My maltese was just as you described. She was 7 months old when we got her, and she had no trouble bonding with us at all. We bonded instantly, and she's a wonderful addition to our family
After going what we have gone through, I would rather buy a puppy at 6, 9, even 12 months old from a breeder like you.