This is the first time i'm buying a dog. I found a tea cup maltese puppy for $700 and i contacted that person and they said if i want it i'd have to send them a cashiers check for the full amount and including shipping cost. That person lives on the east coast and i live on the west coast. How am i suppose to make this work because i don't want to be walking into a trap and lose my mone? What other ways can i make it work for the both of us to get what we want and be sure that everything is legitimate. I want my purchase to be as secure as possible. Someone PLEASE help me figure this out. Any suggestions will help and if anyone can help.

Hi,
What I would suggest is getting the breeder to draw up a contract stating that this particular pup will be shipped to you with all necessary registration papers as soon as he/she receives your cashier's check.Have a set time limit for the pup to be shipped to you or the breeder has to give you a full refund.Make sure that the contract is signed and notarized on their part and also when you sign it, get it notarized.Keep one copy for you and send the other back to the breeder.Get the notarized contract in your hand before sending the check.That way if they should go back on their word ( which I have personally never had a problem with) you have proof in the contract.I hope this helps.

Thank you! This is the best suggestion I've heard. i really appreciate your time in telling me this.

Did you ask for references? I bought a puppy and the breeders offered me names and numbers of people who had purchased pups from them before. I also agreed to be listed as a reference and had someone call me to see how it worked out with shipping quality, etc. A good breeder will have references for you to check. A contract is a great idea, but it won't do you any good if the person isn't a legitimate breeder.

Just wanted to let you know there is no actual teacup maltese, there are breeders breeding teacup sized dogs but usually they have horrible health problems. I know of two very tiny maltese and both of them have serious problems and are less than 5 years old, one isn't expected to live much longer. I just thought you should be aware of the long term cost of veterinary care for a unhealthy downsized dog, and the heartbreak if it happens to your pet.Even if your lucky enough to get one with no major health problems, they usually wind up without any teeth by the time they are 5 or so and their temperments tend to be unstable. You would be much better off getting a normal sized maltese from a reputable breeder.

I second what concerned said. If you would like any help finding a maltese, I would be more than happy to help! The main thing you need to make sure they do is the proper health testings on their breeding dogs. I'm not sure what the health problems of Malteses are, but you could find out on the breed club website. In the long run, it could cost you thousands of dollars and unmeasurable heartach.

Sorry to bug you again about the teacup thing, but I came across this article today.
----------------------------------------------

To say that teacup breeds -- products of the most extreme inbreeding -- have no health defects other than life-threatening hypoglycemia during puppyhood is wrong and callous.

First, their special orthopedic, reproductive, respiratory and hydration challenges are well-documented.

Second, it is shocking to hear hypoglycemia, which leads to seizures, coma and death, discussed so dismissively as the only drawback to owning a teacup.

If we are to breed animals specifically for their lovability, then surely we have a responsibility to show them the respect for their welfare that this relationship implies.

We should breed less for looks and portability and more for the ability to live happy, healthy lives. I love dogs and I hate to see our desire for these tiniest of status symbols dwarf our regard for their health and well-being.

PATRICIA KHULY, VMD

South Miami

Another thing to consider is going the rescue route.

IMHO if you have $700 to initially spend on purchasing a pup it would be more benificial to adopt from a breed rescue and donate the balance to them so they are able to work with other dumped animals that come to them.

If things go well, in the first year you'll have spent well over $1,000 for the pup.

I live in Missouri and we get purebreeds in my small shelter on a continuous basis. Yes, small purebreeds, and the adoption fee is $50.

TO START THERE IS NOT SUCH THING AS A

quote:

---

---

"TEA CUP" ANYTHING, STAY AWAY FROM THIS BREEDER, THEY ARE ALREADY LYING TO YOU
This is the first time i'm buying a dog. I found a tea cup maltese puppy for $700 and i contacted that person and they said if i want it i'd have to send them a cashiers check for the full amount and including shipping cost. That person lives on the east coast and i live on the west coast. How am i suppose to make this work because i don't want to be walking into a trap and lose my mone? What other ways can i make it work for the both of us to get what we want and be sure that everything is legitimate. I want my purchase to be as secure as possible. Someone PLEASE help me figure this out. Any suggestions will help and if anyone can help.[/QUOTE]