Maltese

Question
I currently have a Labrador who is the best behaved dog I've ever seen. She is one of the lights of my world and I feel like life is pretty much perfect for her. I decided about a year ago though (she's 3 now) that I'd like to add a Bulldog to my family at some point. 2 months ago I got on a waiting list for a reputable AKC breeder for a bully pup. My pup should be ready (if the breeding took) towards the end of March. I'll know in about 2 weeks.

Meanwhile I have a friend who is moving out of the country, her husband was just assigned a job overseas with the military. She just bought a Maltese pup 2 weeks ago and she cannot take it back. She has offered to give it to me free. I think the little dog is just awesome but it's only 8 weeks old and has plenty of potty training ahead of it. I'd love to take it but I am not sure that a Lab, Maltese and Bulldog combo would work. I've always thought of the Lab - Bulldog mix being a pretty good one. Although Bulldogs are short their pretty stalky and can handle their own I'm sure, just as a lab could. I wouldn't worry much about either getting hurt. However, I worry that a Maltese would be too delicate to be in a house with a comical Bully. My Lab doesn't worry me as she is very laid back and not the least bit hyper like some Labs. I've also heard that Bulldogs like to be the center of attention and shouldn't be in houses with more than one other dog but I wonder how much truth there is to that as I've heard of many people having 3 Bulldogs and they got along just fine...
So that's my worry. I worry that a Maltese wouldn't fit into the picture really well.

Also, I do have 3 small children. My oldest is 5, my youngest is 1. They've been raised with my Lab as well as a couple giant tortoises and an African Grey parrot.. so they know how to treat animals but I've heard that Maltese and children don't mix. My friend doesn't have any children so it's really hard to tell.

I'd love your honest opinion. If you think it could work or if you think I'd be getting in over my head and possibly putting the Maltese at risk. Although i'd be saddened to, if it's best I can tell my friend that it's not the best idea for me to take her pup.

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Laura and Family -  I will keep this short ----  Please don't take on the Maltese.  I sure don't feel it would be a good choice for your family situation.
Sorry, I sure do love the Maltese Breed and have one of my own.
With all that you stated, it doesn't sound like a good fit, for your family.

BEST wishes and Blessings to you all!

Marie Peppers of ask the Pet Nurse


see my bulldog page:
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html