Mini Maltese

There is a lot of controversy when breeds like the Maltese are called mini.  Mini Maltese dogs are a fallacy; they do not really exist as a true breed.  The Maltese breed does exist and by definition the dogs are already a small toy breed.  The Maltese as a breed is between 6 to 9 pounds, but there are dogs born smaller.

Preferred Maltese pups are usually around the 7 pound to 4 pound mark.  Breeders have taken unusually small dogs and have bred them together to have a false mini Maltese breed the dubbed teacup.  There are many of these so called teacup dogs; however they are not legitimately a true breed.

Trouble In Breeding

When breeders do imagine a small breed like a mini Maltese or a teacup Maltese, many parts of the dog’s life suffers.  The mini Maltese pups are usually sickly and surviving to adulthood their genetics are not of good standards as of the use of inbreeding and other deficiencies that come with making a sordid breed.  The Maltese as a breed is a great dog.  It is strong and resilient and great as a companion.

The breed is classed as a toy breed already, due to its already small size.  Unlike the poodle breed which has three different sizes, the AKC (American Kennel Club) recognizes the Maltese breed to have only one.  If you do come across one that is unusually small that was born of two great proven Maltese parents then it was just a chance of nature.  These small true Maltese dogs are sometimes referred to asmini Maltese but not as a separate class of breed, just mini for the class they are in.

Rarity, Brings Popularity And Value

When a dog as beautiful and as socially popular as the mini Maltese and the Maltese breed itself is, starts becoming just a bit smaller and cuter, many people see it and decide they want it too.  This supply and demand cycle starts and shade tree breeders take the opportunity to cash in on the trend.

There are legitimate breeders who just have a small sire and a small bitch, leading to small offspring in a regular Maltese breed.  Some of these breeders do advertise mini Maltese pups, but they are registered as Maltese and they have a registered pedigree and history for you to see and investigate.

Snapshot History Of The Maltese Breed

The Maltese is one of the oldest of the breeds of dogs.  The breed is believed to be descended from the Central Mediterranean.  However there are many theories as to its origin even Asia is thought to be its starting point.  Nevertheless, they are related to the Bichon Frise and the Poodle.  They are lap dogs and companion dogs.  They thrive on human attention and need lots of love.  They shed very little.  Typically the breed has long white hair sometimes ivory in color.  Most breeders and owners trim the coat short for cleanliness and maintenance.  The Maltese are a great dog for anyone who needs a constant lap warming friend.

Buying

If you are in the market for a mini Maltese, do not encourage bad breeding practices and buy from shade tree backyard breeders whom breed down to achieve a poorly bred small dog.  Purchase a pure Maltese dog from a reputable breeder and just search for one that time and time again has litters of smaller sized dogs.

You will enjoy good health and longevity from a well bred Maltese from good lines than you will from a mini Maltese or teacup Maltese that has been bred down for the sake of novelty.  Good lines prevent poor genes from taking hold and produces great puppies.

A typical price to pay from a reputable breeder selling regular Maltese pups is between $700 and $1200.  There is such a difference between the price mainly because of sires and awards.  If the price seems over inflated and the breeder seems to be emphasizing the teacup name or the mini Maltese name then it is possible the dogs are not what they appear to be.  Especially if not accompanied by correct paperwork, or if the breeder seems too eager to part with the pups.

In the end you will enjoy many good years with your Maltese puppy that will grow to be a sweet little dog.  If you were the purchaser of a so called mini Maltese, the dog can remain in good health and may live many great years, just remember to make regular veterinarian visits and take good care of your tiny dog.