Since a couple of you have asked, I thought I would write an update on life with Baxter.
Elizabeth, I'm not much of a dog person either, but as far as dogs go, Baxter has been pretty easy.
I can't speak for all malteses because Baxter is the first Maltese we have ever had, but here are some pros and cons.
PROS
*He's small (although he's still a puppy, he's held steady for several weeks at just barely over 6 lbs).
*He doesn't shed much. We used to have a dog whose hair would fly all over the place when he so much as rolled over from one side to the other. Not Baxter. Really, his hair only comes out when he's brushed.
*Since he's so small, he doesn't eat much.
*He likes to play. He loves to fetch, and loves to be chased.
*However, he likes to rest a lot, too. He plays really hard for a few minutes then takes a long nap.
*He's pretty smart. He stops bad behavior as soon as he's told not to do it. He doesn't scratch, chew on things other than his toys, bark, or whine when he's in his crate.
*He's cute! I mean, really, his little face is just precious!
CONS
*He's still not completely potty trained. He sleeps in his crate at night and hasn't had an accident in a long time. However, occasionally he will potty in the house if he's not being watched carefully.
*Because he's SO WHITE he gets dirty easily. He'll go out and play with dirt in the flowerbed and be filthy.
*His breed requires regular grooming. His fur gets matted and tangled fairly easily. I brush him at least every other day, but try to brush him everyday. He gets groomed about every 3 weeks. (Note--I don't think we'd have to groom him as often if we got his hair cut shorter, but I like the way it looks right now. It makes him still look like a puppy.)
*This isn't necessarily a con, but definitely something to keep in mind if you're thinking of a maltese. They LOVE to be with people and don't really like to be by themselves. So, if you don't think you'll have a lot of time to spend fussing over your dog, you might want to not get a maltese.
*Even though your child has begged you for years to get a dog and promises that they'll feed it, brush it, take care of it, etc--they won't. Trust me. If you (the mom) are not ready to get a dog, then don't--because YOU, momma, will be the dog's sole care-taker!
7 comments:
Just precious! I am still not ready to take on that commitment but we may have to look into a maltese next time.
What a cutie! Of course I'm a dog person and have a "thing" for white dogs since getting my Lola. Have you discovered the blue shampoo for white dogs? It makes them the color of cookie monster while, but once it washes out they are bright white.
Thanks, Courtney! I also talked to the owner of the store who keeps his Maltese at his shop. He told me lots of great things about his dog.
Malteses have the two most important attributes of a dog to me: no shedding, no doggy smell. But I am a little concerned with the "maybe hard to potty train" comment on every doggy website!
We aren't quite ready for the responsibility of having a dog, but maybe by the end of summer. Keep me updated....one "non doggy dog owner" to another "non doggy potential dog owner"! ;)
I am not really a dog person, but Baxter sure is cute. Caroline wants a dog so bad, but Ann is totally against it. Maybe they need a "Baxter."
What a cutie! You can see his adorable personality in his face! One thing is for sure--he loves the Edwards family unconditionally! Does he miss me?
I love him! He is so adorable! Yea, Kylie doesn't help with Daisy either.
Get that cookie monster shampoo!!:)
He is cute- Caroline would love him. I have a feeling my day will come to get a dog. Caroline wants one really badly.
Post a Comment