How To Find A Reputable Breeder 1. Reputable breeders do not advertise in newspapers. 2. Anyone who raises more than two breeds of dogs is probably NOT who you want to buy a puppy from. It is hard enough to produce nice quality puppies of one breed, and more than two breeds make it nearly impossible to do any of them properly. 3. Anyone who will allow you to take a puppy home at under 12 weeks of age is simply wanting to "unload" the puppy before it costs them very much in time and money. Toy breed puppies are not ready to leave their home at under 12 weeks, and are vulnerable to conditions that you may not be equipped to take care of that could lead to serious health problems. 4. A reputable breeder will NOT use the terms "teacup" "toy" "mini", or "champion bloodline" when describing their dogs. None of these terms exist in the Maltese. There is no teacup, toy, or mini Maltese. A dog can be a Champion, but a bloodline cannot. Don't be fooled by someone trying to mislead you. 5. The puppy you buy should be registered with The American Kennel Club. DO NOT purchase a puppy that is registered with any other kennel club. The AKC is the official dog regstry in the USA Other registries actually issue "papers" for mixed breed dogs !!!! The AKC also inspects the records and housing conditions at places that breed AKC registered dogs. Other registries do not. Don't be misled !! All registries are NOT the same. 6. A reputable breeder will ask questions about you, your spouse, children, and any pets you have, and many other questions before they agree to sell you a puppy, They are interested in knowing about you so that they can decide if you seem truely dedicated and able to properly care for a puppy, and whether or not they have a puppy that will have a personality that will fit into your family. Just as all people are not the same, all dogs are not the same. 7. Reputable breeders usually have deposits on the puppies they will sell as pets long before they are 12 weeks old. Do not expect to find puppies "ready to go" when you call. Usually you will place a deposit on a puppy when it is a few weeks old. The breeder should be willing to send you pictures of the puppy as it grows and discuss it's size and personality with you as it develops. Remember that purchasing a puppy is not unlike adopting a child. Your puppy should be a member of your family for 12-18 years, so it will be well worth waiting for the "right" one. Please also read the page "The RIGHT Puppy". 8. Reputable breeders do NOT meet people in parking lots, airports, or anywhere else except the breeder's home. Anyone who wants to avoid you being able to see where the puppy was raised has a good reason to avoid this, and I promise it will not be something you would be happy with if you could see it. 9. A reputable breeder will have a written contract that you will both sign. It will include the following : ...a) You will be required to spay/neuter the puppy at the appropriate age. ...b) You have the right to have the puppy examined by a vet of your choice within a few days of purchase. You have the right to return the puppy for a full refund if the puppy is ill at that time.You should not sign a contract that only requires the breeder to substitute another puppy for the sick one. ...c) If at any time you cannot keep your puppy, the breeders should want you to return it to them, or let them help you find it a good home.