Breeder-visit checklist — Maltese
What to ask, see, and take with you
1. Identity and rearing
- Breeder's full name and address
- Whelping date and number of litters the dam has had in the past 24 months
- If a registry breeder: kennel name and litter registration number (VDH / FCI / specialty or other club) — not required as long as all health tests are documented
- EU pet transport rules: puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and dewormed/vaccinated before handover
2. Mandatory tests for both parents
For each test, ask to see the original certificate — date, vet, result.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zahn- und Bissbewertung Gebissbescheinigung | Scherengebiss, ohne erhebliche Zahnfehler | ☐ | ☐ |
| Patellar Luxation (PL) Physisch | Grad 1 oder besser | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Recommended tests
Relevant in addition depending on line or specialty club.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleft palate Physisch | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Dental abnormalities | Keine erheblichen Fehlbildungen | ☐ | ☐ |
| Congenital blindness Physisch | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cryptorchidism Physisch | Clear / Negative | ☐ | ☐ |
| Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (PDA) Ultraschall | Clear / Negative | ☐ | ☐ |
| Congenital deafness (CHSD) Physisch | BILATERAL_HEARING | ☐ | ☐ |
| Epilepsy (IE) Physisch | no epilepsy | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hydrocephalus Roentgen | Clear / Negative | ☐ | ☐ |
| Shaker dog syndrome (GTS) Roentgen | Clear / Negative | ☐ | ☐ |
| Portosystemic hepatic encephalopathy (PSS) | Clear / Negative | ☐ | ☐ |
4. Husbandry and rearing
- Puppies raised with the family / in the home (not in a kennel)
- Socialization plan: which stimuli before handover? (children, car, vacuum, other dogs)
- Deworming and vaccination protocol (min. 2× deworming, 1× core vaccine before handover)
- EU pet passport and microchip present
- Written sales contract with take-back clause