How to Breed Maltese Dogs

The Maltese dog makes a great pet. This dog breed is small in size but is very loving and loyal to its owners. Breeding a Maltese requires work as well as veterinarian care, but the adorable puppies are worth it. It is recommended to wait until a female Maltese is at 1 1/2 years old before breeding her.

1. Take the female Maltese to the vet. Before attempting to breed a Maltese, the female should have a full health checkup by a licensed veterinarian. This should include bringing her up-to-date on all vaccinations as well as a physical examination and a screening for genetic disorders.


2. Find a stud. Look for a male stud Maltese that displays the traits and temperament that are desirable for the breed. A stud fee will apply. This may be a cash payment or giving the stud's owners the rights to the pick of the litter.


3. Gather important paperwork. The owners of the stud will want to see the registration papers of the female Maltese before mating, and the registration papers of the parents will be needed in order to register the puppies.


4. Bring the female Maltese to the Maltese stud. This should be done while she is in heat. While in each other's company, the dogs will mate.


5. Watch for signs of pregnancy. A female Maltese's nipples will grow, her stomach will swell, and she may gain between one to five pounds.


6. Have the female Maltese checked by a veterinarian during pregnancy. Develop a birth plan with the vet. The small size of the Maltese makes giving birth difficult and many female Maltese dogs need a cesarean section, especially for the first pregnancy.


7. Watch for signs of labor. The gestational period of a Maltese is 63-65 days. When birth is imminent, the amniotic fluid will break. If the Maltese cries and pushes for more than three hours, take her to the vet as she may need a cesarean section.


8. If the Maltese births the puppies naturally, she will clean them and they will start to nurse. If a cesarean section is needed, the puppies will need to be removed from their sacs manually and placed on the mother's nipples to feed.


9. Place the mother dog with her puppies in a warm area. Feed the mother extra food and give her water.


10. After four to six weeks, begin weaning the puppies from their mother. Complete weaning will occur by eight to ten weeks, and the puppies will begin eating kibble.


11. At 10 weeks old, the puppies will be ready to go to their new homes.