When we purchased our 1st maltese, Belle, my mom's friend gave her to us at 9 weeks.  When we purchased our little boy, Briton, the breeder told us they were 6 1/2 weeks.  When we got there to pick him up she said they were actually 5 1/2 weeks.  They were already weened though.  We had him checked out by a vet and they said he was in perfect health and he has continued to stay that way.  Briton took up with Belle and they bonded...I don't think they would have if he was older.  Now when I look back on it it scares me to think he was so little.  If I had it to do all over again I think I would have asked her to hold him with a deposit until he was at least 9 weeks.  But he is a wonderful spunky little 9 week old with a great little personality.  If you don't already have another Maltese I think it would be hard to get them adjusted.  Briton copies everything Belle does and follows her everywhere.

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: I'm fixing to get a Maltese puppy. This one lady is in the AKC and says they are ready at about 7 wks. But I've heard to never get them before  3 months. And then again on other website they talk about getting them at 6 wks. How old do they need to be for the puppies sake? thanks