Q: Am I being a responsible buyer if I buy these tiny breeds? A: If you reward these irresponsible breeders by giving them your money. You are encouraging them to keep producing tiny, sickly, short-lived creatures. No, be responsible buyer and stick to Maltese who will mature at 4 pounds and up, who have the best chance of living a normal healthy life. In this way, breeders will be motivated to produce these sizes.