I have been breeding Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers, on a small scale since I graduated from University in 1970. However, it was not until 1987 that I decided that I would be in this interesting hobby for the long term and became registered with the Canadian Kennel Club.

Dogs were always a part of our families as both my husbands grandfather and my grandfather were Veterinarians. My first love was teaching school and the second one was my bouncy little dogs.

I became fascinated with both of these breeds after attending several dog shows. I took this chance to talk to breeders about the temperment, care, personalilty etc. of these breeds. After three years of not being able to decide which breed I would like to have my husband finally made the decision for me and bought a pair of Maltese and a pair of Yorkshire Terriers. To this day I can not honestly say that I like one breed more than the other. They are both similar in that they have the same size and weight requirements and that they do not shed. However, the personalities are quite different, but both are charming in their own way. The Yorkshire Terrier is a more active, spirted dog than the Maltese which I find to be more sweet and angelic.

Many people do not believe that these small dogs should go to homes with children, but a family where respect for living creatures is well entrenched in their value system, will have no problem caring for these dogs. Big dogs tend to jump up on children and often scare them and they learn to dislike dogs in general, or avoid them when possible. Parents are the ones to make sure their children respect the puppy. They also remain the decision makers regarding feeding, play time, safety, grooming and the training of the puppy. In general, if you can raise children you can raise a puppy as a puppy is just like a new baby...delicate and demanding! If you haven't got children these little, loveable creatures can fill a void that no other animal can. They seem to help make a family feel complete, plus it just is great to come home to a little one that appreciates and loves you so much. I, personally can not imagine not living with dogs, as they fill so many gaps in our lives and relationships.

I recommend to all of my clients that if at all possible take the puppy to obedience class as both will learn a great deal.