Maltese are definitely house dogs, and although they will find a securely fenced garden a joy to play in, they prefer to be inside with their owners. If kept in a flat or a unit a daily walk on a lead is desirable.Although Maltese make very glamorous show dogs, when kept as pets they do not have to remain in full coat – the hair can be trimmed back and shaped for ease of care. Daily brushing is essential to keep all the knots and matts at bay, and the dog will enjoy a weekly bath – but remember to blow dry thoroughly. A good bristle brush, a small face comb and scissors for trimming away hair from the pads of the feet are essential tools, along with nail clippers, boracic acid and a toothbrush for cleaning stained areas around the eye.

Please take note:
Although this is classified as a toy breed, the Maltese still require normal exercise and an adequate diet to ensure they do not run to fat.

IDEAL OWNERS

Anyone that is looking for a happy live-in companion will find this an excellent choice of dog.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Maltese is the dog for you and you are aware that it needs a daily brushing to prevent matting, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Susan Ranouf	Lustafair	VIC	Contact
J. Spence	Jandara	QLD	Contact
Glenys Sorensen	Silvermist	QLD	Contact
Barbara Beeves	Ourtown	QLD	Contact
Hilary Barton	Soie	QLD	Contact
kym prendergast	pender	WA	Contact
Debra Astill	Montiki	NSW	Contact
connie gelhaar	oceda	QLD	Contact
Cathy Davies	Schneewichen	QLD	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)