Pet Stores fill shelters!
Buy from an AKC breeder.
They are there for you for the life of the dog!
Two secrets for getting the puppy you want:
1. Patience! Patience! Patience!
2. Ask Lots of Questions!
Some Questions to ask:
1. Ask to see the pedigree of the parents.
If the person says they are a "show" breeder there should be championship titles within the first three generations of the pedigree.
If they don't claim to be show breeders, ask to see pictures of where the parents live or ask to visit. You need to make sure they are not a puppy mill!
2. Ask about what health testing has been done on the puppies and the parents.
Most show breeders have done bile acid testing on the parents or some of their breeding stock and maybe even the puppies. Ask if they have had the hearts, patellas, or eye checks OFA'd. The puppies should all have been to the vet for a general health check after birth and received some vacciations.
The breeder may not have done all these tests, but they should be familiar with them and be able to dicuss why they chose not to test.
3. Stay AWAY from anyone who advertises TEA-CUP, MICRO etc. It is really just a scam to get more money out of you!! Maltese breed standards call for the maltese to be under 7 lbs. For AKC conformation events, the ideal size is 4-6 lbs and many breeders don't like to keep small females for breeding because it is diffcult for them to give birth. So, it's best to find a responible breeder who's "style" of dog you like, and just explain that you want a smaller maltese and that you are willing to wait. This is very very important! The smaller the maltese the more issues with health and feeding arise, and it is very important that you have a knowledgble breeder that can help you through obstacles as they may arise. Such increased risks include open fontanels, liver shunts, hypoglycemia, heart problems and digestive problems, leg breaks etc.
Also, beware of scammers who claim the puppy is really tiny, but they are actually just deceiving you about it's age or it may have been born pre-mature and just looks smaller but will eventually grow to an average size.
4. A RESPONIBLE breeder will ALWAYS take the puppy back if you can no longer care for it or keep it no matter what is wrong whether it be the dog or changes in your life circumstances!! You should NEVER have to bring an AKC dog to a shelter! Even if you feel that you could not afford to send the dog back to the breeder because they are across the country, PLEASE still get in contact with them. Many breeders have handlers who travel extensively across the country as well as network with other breeders across the country. Also, the National Breed Clubs have rescue organizations that can also provide assistance. No Responible AKC breeder wants their puppies to end up in shelters.
5. A Responible AKC breeder will require that you spay/neuter all pet puppies. No ifs, ands or buts. They are willing to help people to get into showing and breeding. But, you must buy a show quality dog and this is a whole subject that books are written about! Hehe!