Factors that Can Help You Choose the Right Maltese Terrier Puppy
Standing in front of a litter of Maltese Terrier puppies is not an easy thing -the tiny dogs are way too cute! You will probably find yourself thinking that there is no way you can choose just one of the dogs in the litter. You will certainly have to buy two or three! Choosing the right Maltese Terrier puppy will hopefully be a lot easier with these tips.
Inspect the Maltese Terrier’s Head
The first thing to inspect when choosing a Maltese Terrier puppy from a litter is the head of each dog. The heads should appear slightly rounded. Each ear lies close to the puppy’s head, and is feathered. Maltese Terrier puppies should have dark eyes, preferably brown, and oval shaped. The eyes should stand out brightly from the white fur on the face. They should look intelligent.
The nose should be completely black and in proportion to the muzzle of the Maltese Terrier puppy. Any freckling on the nose is not preferred. The mouth should contain straight, white teeth in a scissor bite. The top teeth should lie slightly overlapping the bottom teeth.
Checking the Dog’s Body
The next thing to check on your Maltese Terrier pup is the dog’s body. Even though the body is short, it should appear balanced. The dog should have a level back. The paws on the dog should be straight, not turned either direction. The dog should have black pads on its paws, without any freckling. The legs should be short, with angular back legs and completely straight front legs. The Maltese Terrier puppy has a tail that curves over its back.
Watching Your Puppy in Action
One of the best ways to choose the right Maltese Terrier pup is to watch them in action. Find a puppy that is active, alert, and moves easily without any limping or other problems. Keep in mind that they will stumble because they are babies, but a quality dog will not favor any leg.
Inspecting the Coat
A Maltese Terrier is known for its snow white coat. The hair should never have any curl or crimp to it. There should be no coloring on the coat, but brown patches on the skin are acceptable.
Take a Look at the Parents
If possible, your inspection should include looking at the parents of your puppy. See the temperament of both the mother and the father. Temperament problems in a Maltese Terrier are rare, so if you see an issue with either parent, you need to think twice about the dog. Also, seeing the parents will give you a good insight as to the size your puppy will grow to be.
Once you have chosen the right type of Maltese Terrier for you, you need to decide if you want a male or female Maltese Terrier puppy before you finally get to take it home!
