What do people think of Maltese dogs?
I am considering getting a Maltese puppy or a similar cross. Does anyone have any experience with this breed? What are they like? Does anyone know of any nice crosses that are similar? How much did they cost etc? Plus what names did you give them? 
Thank you for your help xx
The Maltese is a very nice breed, usually friendly. Some issues are grooming (unless it is a pet because it can be kept in a puppy cut in that case), being babied so that they develop "Small Dog Syndrome", and overbreeding by backyard breeders and puppymills (resulting in health and temperament issues). Don’t get a "designer breed" mutt. If you saw a mutt like that 10 years ago, you wouldn’t breed it on purpose, pay more money for it, or put if on a pedestal would you? You have to find a serious breeder that shows their dogs because they usually know what they are doing. Make sure you can meet the parents (that are champion pointed by the AKC), see the pedigree, have registration, see the OFA certified xrays, see the results of health testing, see where the dogs are kept, can ask the breeder anything, and know that the breeder will choose which pup is best for you (since they have been with the dog since day 1 and know which personality goes with which pup for which family situation). DO NOT go to a pet store or some random backyard breeding neighbor who happened to let their dogs breed, even if you want "just a pet." If it is a really nicely bred dog with all of the requirements, a pet quality dog should be no less than $800, but it depends on the breeder. DO NOT go to the places advertising "teacup" or "mini" or "toy" or "luxury" or "imperial" Maltese puppies, the dog should be bred to the AKC standard and not have to use puppymill terms. The name depends on the personality of the dog, really.
Maltese are beautiful little dogs, as long as they are left as they are. Mixing them with other breeds ruins them. There is another breed called a Bichon Frise that is also similar to Maltese, but a different hair cut.
References :
The Maltese is a very nice breed, usually friendly. Some issues are grooming (unless it is a pet because it can be kept in a puppy cut in that case), being babied so that they develop "Small Dog Syndrome", and overbreeding by backyard breeders and puppymills (resulting in health and temperament issues). Don’t get a "designer breed" mutt. If you saw a mutt like that 10 years ago, you wouldn’t breed it on purpose, pay more money for it, or put if on a pedestal would you? You have to find a serious breeder that shows their dogs because they usually know what they are doing. Make sure you can meet the parents (that are champion pointed by the AKC), see the pedigree, have registration, see the OFA certified xrays, see the results of health testing, see where the dogs are kept, can ask the breeder anything, and know that the breeder will choose which pup is best for you (since they have been with the dog since day 1 and know which personality goes with which pup for which family situation). DO NOT go to a pet store or some random backyard breeding neighbor who happened to let their dogs breed, even if you want "just a pet." If it is a really nicely bred dog with all of the requirements, a pet quality dog should be no less than $800, but it depends on the breeder. DO NOT go to the places advertising "teacup" or "mini" or "toy" or "luxury" or "imperial" Maltese puppies, the dog should be bred to the AKC standard and not have to use puppymill terms. The name depends on the personality of the dog, really.
References :
I handle conformation show dogs, work with breeders, and volunteer at a dog shelter
I grew up with a family 100% maltese from when I was 7. I am 23 now, and he died a year ago. When he was born he was 2 lbs. and most of his life around 6 lbs. We would give him puppy cuts in the summer but mainly kept his hair that long silky fur groomed. I would consider shrinking the tear ducts so the eyes do not run. Thats the only regret my mom has, they can be a lot of up keep if they stain. Otherwise, the personality of these dogs are the most sweetest breeds out there! He was so lucky to have my mom at home, she would hold him in her arms like a baby and he would just be in heaven…he really did not mind the 3 other cats we had, and had a toy sized poodle to play with. God I miss him, he lived until around 15, died from normal old age complications…my mom would get another one in a second! Definitely consider wherever you get one based on the previous comments….no pet stores or cheap breeders! good luck
References :
Owner of a late maltese, poodle, and maine coon cat.
Current owner of 2 himalayan and 2 persian cats