Hi everyone! This is my first post. I lost my first and only dog in December of 2018-a sweet 12 yr old Maltese girl I'd had since puppy hood. I didn't think we'd be ready to get another for a good year, but I was smitten by a little boy Maltese on a rescue site about 3 months ago. He was 2 yrs old and seemed very placid and loving for the first 2 weeks. Then, his negative traits surfaced. He turned out to have a very aggressive side including lunging and full puncture bites without provocation. He was a dangerous dog in an adorable package. We had him assessed by a trainer and behaviorist and they agreed that intense behavioral training might help, but "he'd never be a completely trustworthy dog and a huge liability." With grandchildren in our not too distant future, we decided to return him to the rescue where it looks like he might be in permanent foster care. This broke our hearts as we wanted to give him a good life, but couldn't live in fear of him sending a family member or stranger to the hospital. It was particularly difficult surrendering him especially after losing our girl just 8 months ago.
I'm a little gun shy of rescuing again and decided I'll probably go with a puppy or young adult from a reputable breeder next time. I love Maltese but am thinking that perhaps getting a similar breed that looks a little different might be less painful than getting another Maltese. I've come upon the Havanese and think this breed is what I'm looking for .....a little sturdier than a Maltese, non shedding and happy temperament. Any thoughts on how these 2 breeds compare?
I'm in Ct but see there are a couple of breeders in RI-one has a great website but a few bad reviews (red flag) and the other ( Quickstep), which seems reputable. Can anyone recommend any other good breeders in the Northeast?
Also, I had no preference as to gender, but after experiencing both sexes, I've discovered that walking a male means lots of stops along the way to mark; at least that was the case with the little guy I rescued. Is is possible to get in walks at a good pace without stopping at every leaf, pole, mailbox etc enroute with a maledog? Aside from this concern, it really doesn't matter if I get a male or female.
I'd appreciate some thought on this from current Havanese owners. Thanks so much!
I'm a little gun shy of rescuing again and decided I'll probably go with a puppy or young adult from a reputable breeder next time. I love Maltese but am thinking that perhaps getting a similar breed that looks a little different might be less painful than getting another Maltese. I've come upon the Havanese and think this breed is what I'm looking for .....a little sturdier than a Maltese, non shedding and happy temperament. Any thoughts on how these 2 breeds compare?
I'm in Ct but see there are a couple of breeders in RI-one has a great website but a few bad reviews (red flag) and the other ( Quickstep), which seems reputable. Can anyone recommend any other good breeders in the Northeast?
Also, I had no preference as to gender, but after experiencing both sexes, I've discovered that walking a male means lots of stops along the way to mark; at least that was the case with the little guy I rescued. Is is possible to get in walks at a good pace without stopping at every leaf, pole, mailbox etc enroute with a maledog? Aside from this concern, it really doesn't matter if I get a male or female.
I'd appreciate some thought on this from current Havanese owners. Thanks so much!