I've volunteered in humane societies and shelters and have seen quite a few maltese come in. Mostly because people don't realise how much work they are when it comes to upkeep and grooming. And just because someone spends a lot of money on a dog doesn't mean that they're going to take good care of it.

I just think we need to concentrate on finding homes for the pups in teh shelters before we add even more to the population. More dogs get put to sleep at shelters because there just isn't any room for them. I happen to find my mutt when she was on her last legs there. It was pretty much her last day, if she hadn't been adopted that day, she was scheduled to get put down the next morning. I just fail to understand those who insist on breeding when there is already an over-population in the shelters. Breeding doesn't really benefit anyone except those getting paid. I know this may seem like a relatively narrow minded POV, but I've been working with animals since I was 15 and I've seen it all. I don't think I'll ever be in favour of breeding/studding if you aren't already established and if there isn't a REALLY good reason to do it. But, hell.. that's just me.