Spaying/Neutering or Breeding

Neutering
   Neutering is the surgical procedure done
on male dogs, which includes the removal
of both testicales.  This procedure prevents reproduction.  Neutering also helps to calm aggression and decreases a dog's wanderlust.
It also is very effective in reducing a dog's inclination to "mark territory".  It also helps to reduce the chance of testicular cancer and prostatitis.

Spaying
Spaying is the surgical procedure that prevents dog pregnancies.  Spaying can be done anytime after the female dog is six months old.  Spaying is effective in
reducing the chances of mammary tumors and uterine  and ovarian cancer.  Spaying a dog can also limit the visit of unwanted
male dogs, while yours is in heat.

Sould you spay or neuter your dog?
1.  A spayed or neutered dog  cannot be shown in dog shows that are sanctioned by the AKC.
2.  Spaying/neutering is a possitive contribution towards reducing the number of abandoned and unwated animals.
3.  Toy dogs can have a hard time giving birth.  There is the chance your dog or/and the puppies could die during the birth.
4.  Are you sure that you have a home for these adorable puppies.
5.  Having several litters of puppies can make your dog unhealthy.
6.  Spaying and neutering your dog helps to prevent  canine cancers.

Making the decision to breed your dog
You should never breed a dog until she is  at least 18 months
old.  After careful consideration you have decided to breed your dog, then you need to contact the breeder of your dog and ask
them if they know of any hereditary problems that could be
passed down to a puppy.  Now you are ready to find the right male.  Make sure that the male is at least 1 year old and much
better if  18 months old.  Make sure the dog is current on his vaccinations, free of parasites, tested clear of canine brucellosis,  and is good health.

Heat Cycle
  Females will begin having a heat cycle between
the age of 7 and 9 months. A normally healthy female comes into heat every  six or seven
months.  The cycle lasts for about 21 days.  The
dog will spot blood.  The dog may be moody.]
During this time you will need to keep a close eye
on your dog to make sure that she does  not get around an unwanted male dog.

Pregnancy
  If pregnancy begins, you can expect
puppies in about nine weeks.  Gestation is listed as 63 days.  One of the first signs is a swelling or puffiness of the mammary glands and, in 5 to 6 weeks, you will notice a hugh enlargement of the nipples.   You will also notice a progressive interest and appetite for food.
   During  the entire  9 weeks it is very important
to  give your dog daily exercise and  proper nutrition.  It is important that muscles in the dog's legs and abdomen maintain the strength to help her in delivery.  Feed your dog a  higher protein food  during her pregnancy and especially during the last
4 weeks.   As the puppies continue to develop, the dog might prefer smaller, more frequent meals.

Breeding your female Maltese
   Male interest can be noted anytime during a female dog's cycle,
but increases as each day goes by and may peak about the 10th day.
  In most cases the female dog will not except the male dog until
around the 9th day. But this is not always true.   Best breeding time is during the 10th day and the 13th day.
   It is reccommended not to feed either dogs a few hours prior to the mating.
   Choose an open area with a rubber mat or carpet for the dogs to stand on. 
   Repeat the breeding in 2 days.  A third time might be desired.  You will count the 63 days that it takes for the pregnancy to be completed from the first day of mating.

Getting ready for birth
   About halfway through the pregnancy it is recommended that you begin preparing the place where you want your dog to give birth.  Provide a comfortable and somewhat secluded space for her bed.  It should be in a
place that is easily accessible for care and cleaning.   Show it to her often, have her lay down there, even sleep there, if she does not seem to resent it.

The birth of the puppies
   The first sign of labor is usually the  breaking of her water bag, but before that,  her appetite will dwindle to  the point of refusing to eat.  She may disappear to a quiet place for delivery.  Her instincts are  taking charge. 
You may even notice early retractions, she will stand or lay perfectly still
and appear to be stretching or grunting.
   Put a heating pad in her bed and turn it on to 85 to 90 degrees.  Place a
towel over the pad.  The first puppy could arrive any time, but other
births can be ten minutes to an hour or even more apart.
   If all goes well, puppies enter this world encased in a membranous sac
called the placenta.  They are unable to breath on their own.  The sac must
be removed immediately at birth.  The dog will tear the sac away and
consume it.  If she fails to tear away the sac, you must intervene within the first minute.  Lift the puppy and hold it with a towel in one hand while you pinch the sac under the puppy's chin, at the neck, with your thumb and forefinger.  Tear it away, pulling it out and up over the head, then down the back.  Afterward return the puppy immediately to the mother.  She will examine and lick the puppy to clean it and to stimulate it's respiration, instinctively severing the umbilical cord with her teeth.  The puppy will then find it's way to the nipple and begin to feed.

Our Menu
Home
Tafi
Mollee
Awards
Our Cool Links
Webrings
Maltese Friends
Our Animal Friends
The First Maltese
Characteristics of Maltese
Housebreaking Your Maltese
Grooming Your Maltese
Topknots
Choosing A Vet
Common Illness
Keeping your Maltese Happy
AKC Standard
Email Us

Care of newborn puppies.
   The newborn puppy is unable to control it's body temperature because it
is born at the same temperature as it's mother.  Keep the room temperature
at 85 degrees.  If newborns get chilled, it increases the chance of infections.
   The mother dog will know how to care for her young, and it is highly reccomended that you let her instinct take over.  She will want to be left
alone for the first few days.  She will not want  anyone picking up the
puppies for several days. (even the ones she loves and trusts.)  It is best to
leave the puppies alone until  they have their eyes open.  After that you are
in for a whole lot  of fun and loving.  Do not separate the puppies from their mother or their siblings until 8 to 10 weeks old.