They stand between 8 and 10 inches tall and weigh between 9 and 14 pounds. Medium-sized dogs stop growing at around 12 months, and large-breed dogs stop growing around 12 to 18 months. They are ancient dogs with gumdrop noses and dark eyes. Small and medium puppy breeds grow up pretty quickly. Maltese dogs typically weigh between three and eight pounds.
Does Maltese hair stop growing? (explained for beginners) (2023) It has been determined that simply altering the diet of your Maltese can increase their overall life expectancy by up to two years or more. A big part of consistency in Maltese puppy potty training is identifying times when your Maltese puppy will always need to go out (or stay in and use a puppy pad). Depending on the situation, the cost of a vet visit can quickly add up to thousands of dollars, but less than 20% of pet parents said they would be able to cover a $5,000 veterinary expense out-of-pocket. So the majority of guys will reach their final height and stop growing when they are around 20 years old. For example, they have increased mobility as their muscles begin to mature. So this gives you a great idea of all the changes your Maltese puppy has to go through in just the first three months of life. They are famous for their small size, adaptability, and stunning, floor-length coat. Look for matted hair under the ears and behind the ears of your Maltese dog. If your pup is at a healthy weight, you should have no problem feeling their ribs. The balanced diet always helps the Maltese pups to grow their hair faster. By 12 weeks of age, it is finally time for the still-little Maltese puppy to head to its new forever home. To own a Maltese dog,the average cost is about $1000 to $3000 annually. Larger dogs would require more food, more exercise, and better training.
Post #5 When Will My Maltipoo Stop Growing However, even with proper prevention and wellness care, most dogs will likely need veterinary treatment for illness or injury at some point during their life. But each Maltese puppy grows at its own pace; this depends on various factors like nutrition, genetics, and activity level. Over time, and certainly by the age of one-year-old, with careful management of food and water, your Maltese should be able to make it through the night without a bathroom break. In the case of medium-sized or miniature Maltipoos, they will stop growing by 11 to 13 months of age. Popularity: Growing. Having a general understanding of their predicted growth rate is critical for determining when they deviate from the path. Use a soft brush just in case they move quickly as you do not want to poke them in the eye with a pin brush. If youre the lucky pet parent to one of these sometimes stubborn but often charming showstoppers, you can use our Maltese weight chart to follow your puppys growth and development. Social Development: These pups reach adolescence at 4-5 months, sexual maturity at about eight months, and full mental maturity by 14 months. Male Maltese are typically larger than female Maltese, however, they can reach a weight of 4 to 7 pounds in adulthood. Large breed dogs include the Great Dane, Siberian Husky, and Saint Bernard. A man's shoulders will also broaden and boys start . Here is the weight chart of a Maltese:Birth3.5 oz4 oz4.5 oz4.75 oz5 oz5.5 oz6 oz6.5 oz1 week5.56.57899.510.25112 weeks79101112.513.514.5163 weeks91113141617.518.54 weeks1113151719212345 weeks13151719.522242696 weeks1517.52022242730327 weeks1719.52224.5273033358 weeks1921.52427293336399 weeks202326293235394210 weeks222628313438414511 weeks242731343740454912 weeks263033374145495313 weeks283236404449535714 weeks303439434752566015 weeks323741465156616516 weeks343944495459657017 weeks364146515762677218 weeks374348546065717619 weeks394450566267727720 weeks414652586470768121 weeks424854606672788422 weeks434956626874808523 weeks445057647076828824 weeks455158657178849025 weeks465259667279869326 weeks4753606773808794Final Adult Weight3.35 lbs4 lbs4.5 lbs5 lbs5.5 lbs6 lbs6.5 lbs7 lbsMaltese Weight Chartif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'dogsforest_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',360,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dogsforest_com-banner-1-0'); Puppies of the Maltese breed are born deaf, toothless, and blind. Purchasing a dog is not a decision that should be made lightly. Keeping in mind that the rate at which Maltese puppies grow can be staggeringly different depending on the pup, and puppies of all sizes can vary when young but reach the same adult weight, below is a chart to show the typical growth that is expected. At three weeks old, a Maltese puppy will start to move about more and explore its immediate surroundings. Performance & security by Cloudflare. You also want to feel around for the hip contours. By the time they reach eight months, Maltese dogs stop growing and achieve their maximum adult size of 8-10 inches in height and not more than 7 pounds. Maltipoos of smaller breeds, such as the small or toy variety, should stop growing around 9 to 11 months. A dog will get stressed when it is in a new environment or learning something new. And if a Maltese puppy is consistently on the higher end of the growth scale, he is more than likely going to be on the higher end of the standard, at just under 7 lbs., and in some cases a bit larger. Sometimes the colors on darker puppies will lighten as the pups grow. When feeding your Maltese pup, avoid fillers, artificial additives, generic meat sources, and by-products, as these can prove harmful to your dog. (All You Need to Know), Can Puppies Eat Peaches? Though it is rare, a single puppy will be born every so often, or a larger litter of 10 can be born, too. Regular grooming of hair makes your Maltese look good and healthy. Your breeder will be able to tell you what they have been using and how to dose it so you can continue doing this after your puppy comes home.
Maltese Chihuahua Mix - Malchi Breed Traits and Care - The Happy Puppy Site Thus, this would allow them sufficient time to mature fully before spaying or neutering.
At What Age Do Shih Tzus Stop Growing? | Dog Care - Daily Puppy She is big enough to play with our kids and other pets, and small enough to carry easily and sit on your lap. Some Maltese dogs will have a somewhat larger bone structure, so a pound or so over that 7 lb. If your Maltipoo's parents are a Toy Poodle and a Maltese, your puppy should be fully grown at 6-10 months. By the 7-week mark, the pup will be fully weaned and eating solid food. If your family, Read More Are Maltese Aggressive Dogs: Discover the Maltese PersonalityContinue, The Maltese dog rarely weighs more than seven pounds when fully grown. Lapponian Herder Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart), Japanese Spitz Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart), Irish Terrier Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart), Bullmastiff Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart), Pomsky Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart), Brittany Spaniel Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Growth Stages, Mal-Shi Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart), Maltipoo Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart), Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy for Small, Medium, and Large Breeds, Cute No Stuffing Duck with Soft Squeaker, Fun for Indoor Puppies and Senior Pups, Plush No Mess Chew and Play - Yellow, Hisim Interactive Dog Toy Ball with Remote Control, LED Lights, Made of Natural Rubber, Wicked Ball, Jumping Activation Ball, Automatic Rolling Ball Toys for Medium/Large Dog (Yellow), Multipet Gumby Plush Filled Dog Toy, Green, 9 inch (Pack of 1), Blue Buffalo Health Bars Natural Crunchy Dog Treats Biscuits, Apple & Yogurt 16-oz Bag, Amazon Brand - Wag Dog Treats Chicken and Waffle Bites 6oz, Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Dog Treats, Beef, 40 Ounce, Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo For Dogs - Odor Eliminating Dog Shampoo For Smelly Dogs & Puppies With Arm & Hammer Baking Soda -- Kiwi Blossom Scent, 20 Fl Oz, Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs Oatmeal Formula with Coconut Lime Verbena & Pet Friendly Formula, 24 Oz - Model 820004A, Burt's Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Dog Shampoo | With Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey | Moisturizing & Nourishing, Cruelty Free, Sulfate & Paraben Free, pH Balanced for Dogs - Made in USA, 16 Oz. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale. This is a sensitive stage because theycannot regulate their body temperature. Puppy Growth Chart. Being overweight can result in a variety of health problems for Maltese dogs, particularly in their joints, as they are small-boned and will be carrying an excessive amount of weight. Most of the growth will happen in the first 6 months after birth. After that time, the growth typically speeds up noticeably, and the puppy finishes most of its growth by 10 to 12 months. On the other side, underfeeding the dog might result in underweight and stunted growth. Can Maltese dogs drink milk? They are also beneficial in terms of security, as they are attentive and will bark at intruders. There are some common factors that can affect how fast a puppy grows, as well as some less common but possible health conditions. They have a unique hair texture with a single layer of undercoat. Maltese may continue to put on weight until they are ten to twelve months - but this differs between dogs and usually comes in the form of muscle. But just like most other mammals, dogs eventually reach their mature size and stop getting bigger. Neutering, in particular, has been demonstrated to have a detrimental effect on a male dogs growth.
Maltese Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart) This can mean setting your alarm and waking up during the night when your puppy first comes home. In either case, they may face specific risks to their overall health status. Morkie: This is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. If a Maltese pregnancy exceeds 10 weeks, there should be grounds for concern. A Malteses show-stopping coat conceals a tiny frame that contributes to their fluid and smooth walk. Most Maltese puppies will reach maturity between the ages of six and eight months. Tear and face staining should occur between four and five months of age for your puppy. Also classified as toy-sized, both male and female Malshis have an average height of 10 inches (25 cm) and a weight of 6 to 8 pounds (3 to 4 kg)..
Malshi Size - Malshi Dog Certain congenital disorders, such as hepatic shunts and patent ductus arteriosus, are fatal. You can trim around the anus by using an electric trimmer to keep it short. The regular trimming sessions will make the hair grow faster and also avoids any sorts of tangling situation. Because you can refer to the growth chart within this article to get a better idea of the adult size of your Maltese. It is not uncommon for two 3-month-old Maltese puppiesto have different weights(for example, 2.5 lbs. However, it is better if you dont go for the long trimming sessions in the first six months. This is a natural tendency inherited from the . It weighs between 15 and 22 pounds and stands between 9 and 15 inches tall. A well maintained, proper nutritional diet makes sure that your Maltese becomes healthier. Dr. Walker says that small breed dogs typically start growing rapidly at 4-6 months and reach their full size between 10-12 months. However, you may find some as cheap as $600 and some as expensive as $3,000. And before we explain just how much he sheds, you need to understand his coat. It can be easier to train a Maltese puppy to take a few steps over to a puppy pad than to run all the way to the door, make an alert to be let out and then go. Have you ever wondered if Maltese hair stops growing after a certain period and gets into a deep dilemma whether you should groom your Maltese hair? The 28 milk teeth will begin to fall out, and 42 adult teeth will replace them. How much food should a Maltese dog eat a day? during the time of the ancient Phoenicians. They will usually be fully grown when they reach twelve months old and continue to grow until they are eighteen months old. Purchasing a dog is not a choice that should be made without proper consideration. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances! They mostly have a single-layer coat where the hair mostly grows like human hair. Maltese puppies are typically born weighing around 4 ounces and gain weight steadily each day as they acquire strength and develop. It should be a cause for concern if a Maltese pregnancyis prolonged after 10 weeks. Breeders are often your best bet when it comes to purchasing a Maltese puppy. With this condition, they cant make enough of the thyroid hormone. Most importantly, you need to take your Maltese to expert groomers for a better haircut. Also, the issue is having him stay still while you record his weight. Because the Maltese is a toy dog breed, these dogs tend to grow up quite quickly, as you will notice. They are given below: Usually, you can start to cut your Maltese hair in between 4 to 5 months. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.
The Maltese Shih Tzu (Malshi): Best Dog Ever! - PetHelpful Around week 8, the milk teeth begin to emerge. Maltese puppies stop growing about the age of 8 months. Weight: 4 - 12 lbs. Newborn puppies should gain each day. Consult with your veterinarian if your puppy is significantly ahead or behind these figures or if you have other concerns about their growth. What Is The Average Weight For A Maltese? For instance, theyare much more mobileas their muscles start to develop. Maltese puppies dont shed their hair very often, but they do lose their puppy coat in between 4 to 6 months. Owners need to allow the puppies to have this time with their mothers so that they may properly develop. Females tend to live a little longer than the males. DNA tests are also helpful because they can pinpoint the precise genealogy of your dog so that you can be aware of any mixing in his ancestry. After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact in the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. Shih Tzu starts teething and growing adult teeth - 12 weeks of age onwards. Copyright 2022.
Maltese Growth Chart | Maltese Weight & Size Chart However, it can also happen as a result of trauma or an injury. However, they continue to add on weight until between 10-12 months old, which comes in muscles. Maltese hair grows so fast that if you dont trim their hair properly, then their hair will grow to the length of touching the floor. You can expect most Maltese puppies to weigh between 47 to 87 ounces at six months old. Routine veterinary care can help you prevent and minimize the impact of some genetic diseases on your pup. There are low-quality foods that will not offer enough nutrients as they will be full of fillers that have little or no nutrients needed by a growing puppy. The Maltese is a special dog, and so are their coats. Normally, the average breeds of dogs would start to shed their puppy coat at four months, but some breeds can start shedding their coat in between 12 to 14 weeks. Maltese dogs may range from 3 to 8 lbs. An adult Maltese can weigh between 2 to 7 pounds for both males and females. They stand between 4 and 8 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 13 pounds. In comparison, an adult Maltese dog may weigh anywhere from four to seven pounds. Copyright 2022 LittleHappyPaw | About Us | Privacy Policy. Maltese dogs dont have fur like all other average breeds of dog. This boosts their bone density, strengthens their muscles, and promotes joint mobility, all of which help them maintain a healthy weight. Pro Tip: Download this new puppy checklist for must-know tips on puppy-proofing your home, setting up a vaccine schedule, bonding with your dog, and more. Additional troubleshooting information here. The Maltese pup is more prone to hypothyroidism than other dog breeds. Therefore, you should always consult with the vet regarding the hair problems of your Maltese.
Maltipoo Size Guide, Chart, and Calculator: How Big Do Maltipoos Get? Women stop growing at 14 to 18 years of age, and men stop growing at about 18 to 21 years of age. How Big Do Maltipoos Grow? The most ideal time to have your Maltese dog neutered or spayed is when they have reached 18 months old. In most cases, this is no cause for serious alarm. Your dog will thrive if you feed him appropriately for his size. You will want to keep emergency honey or Caro syrup (or whatever your breeder recommends) so you can give your Maltese puppy some quick nourishment if the need arises. (Read This First! One more unusual thing about choosing such a tiny dog breed is that the Maltese can fall prey to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your Maltese dog would have reached his full size by his first birthday. Patellar luxation is another condition that can plague a small dog breed like the Maltese. In the case of medium-sized or miniature Maltipoos, they will stop growing by 11 to 13 months of age. Size: How big do Malshi dogs get? Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). These dogs were first documented on the equally tiny Mediterranean island of Malta in what is now Greece.
At What Age Do Dogs Stop Growing? | PetMD By the age of 10 weeks old, a Maltese puppy may weigh up to a pound and a half and have a full set of puppy teeth.
When Do Men Stop Growing and What to Do to Grow Taller To begin, you should be able to weigh your Maltese at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. Here are the most common times when a Maltese puppy must relieve themselves: For general purposes, plan to let your Maltese puppy relieve themselves every two hours if not sooner. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. Can Puppies Eat Oatmeal? The growth curve will tail off quickly after about 6 months. Stronger bones and a fitter body will add weight to your puppy while keeping him healthy. It is completely fine to shave your Maltese completely because shaving doesnt affect any of your dogs hair growth process in the future. My name is Robert James, and I am the founder of Fluffy Dog Breeds. At this time, you will find that your Maltese puppy has undergone many changes. Firstly you should know that you have come to the right place. Maltese do require routine maintenance. Small and toy breed dogs tend to stop growing around 6-8 months of age. Medium dogs often keep growing for a few more months, but at a slower rate. Having a Maltese growth chart will itbe able to help you track their development as they grow. As a toy dog breed, they reach their final weight and height much quicker than many dogs. These genetic factors control the growth rate and other important factors that add to their development. Maltese is a toy dog breed that grows to be less than seven pounds as an adult. They achieve their final weight and height considerably faster than other dog breeds because they are a toy dog breed.
Puppy Development Stages with Growth Charts and Week by Week Guide The majority of Maltese dogs reach puberty during this period. But, when do Maltipoos stop growing? Okay, so the Maltese doesn't shed a lot, but he sheds a little.
Foods, Fruits & Vegetables What Can & Cant Maltese Eat?
Do Malteses Shed? - The Truth About Maltese Shedding For the 3 remaining months of 6 to 9 months old, there may be small adjustments in weight, height, or both.
At what age do Maltese stop growing? - Answers This can lead to shedding. Maltese also follows the same time frame that a normal breed would follow, but there can be exceptions. You need to be very careful during these trimming sessions because a slight mistake can cause injury to your Maltese. Large breeds of pups tend to grow at a slower rate because the growth plates in their bones close later. They are most well-known for their long, silky white coat that hangs to the ground. Also, Maltese dogs are highly prone to skin diseases which makes their hair thin. It is critical to keep an eye on what and when your Maltese eats. Morkie coats can vary in color, from black, brown, white, or a mix of these colors. You can take away the water dish a couple of hours before bedtime to try to extend that first period of nighttime rest by an hour or two. It all started with growing up with a German Shepherd Lord and an English Cocker Spaniel Bady. While he is a puppy, feeding him twice daily is appropriate; as he matures, you can adjust his feeding plan. Most puppies willcontinue to mature until about nine months old, but they can also grow through the one-year mark. If your puppy appears to be suffering from some sort of discomfort and symptoms do not ease up after a couple of days, are affecting his appetite, or his condition appears to worsen, you'll want to bring your Maltese to the veterinarian for a full examination. They can reach 15, 16, and even 17 years old, withfemales living a bit longer than males. Having a Maltese growth chart will it be able to help you track their development as they grow. However, if your Maltese is overweight, you wont be able to feel their ribs because the excess fat is thicker padding. Using a fortified supplement like Nutrical can help maintain blood sugar levels between meals.
Maltipoo Weight & Growth Chart - Updated 2023 - Labradoodle Home As a toy dog breed, the Havanese reach their adult size relatively quickly, compared to large breeds that require 18 to 24 months to finish filling out. As we already mentioned, a Maltese over 7 to 8 pounds will be considered overweight because they are such a small dog breed. Some Maltese dogs live much longer lives, even though this is the normal age of death.
Quick Answer: How Often To Feed Maltese Dogs - BikeHike Research has shown that neutering, in particular, can negatively affect the growth of a male dog. As a breed, the Maltese are prone to a variety of genetically inheritable diseases. But you must remember that every dog is different, and your Maltese could be weighing in at a higher or lower weight, depending on other factors we cover in this article. He has a single coat, rather than a double coat. Always make sure that there is enough omega fat in your dogs diet because it reduces the chance of skin problems. As purebred dogs, Maltese are more susceptible to genetic diseases. Join 2,438,795+ insured dogs and cats across the US. When will your puppy stop growing and when is a dog fully grown? Cocker Spaniel Growth Chart (Weight & Size Chart) When Do Cocker Spaniels Stop Growing? As beloved family members, our Maltese are precious to us, and they deserve the best. Many of the health problems a Maltese experiences is largely due to genetics, while others are more environmental. It is quite likely your puppy just couldnt hold it. The next stage of dental development is the teething phase. Finally, Malteses are unique dogs who require a great deal of attention, particularly as they mature. Maltipom: This hybrid is created when a Pomeranian and a Maltese are crossed. They cause stunting of growth in dogs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), The Maltese stand at around 7 to 9 inches when they become full-grown adults. If you are feeling hesitant to book the next trimming session for your Maltese, thinking about the hair will grow back or not. Some people treat tear staining with hydrogen peroxide, but it is always advised to visit your vet. Maltese Puppies Grow More Slowly Than Other Breeds, Learn About the Stages of Maltese Puppy Growth, The Special Challenge of Maltese Hypoglycemia, Bichon Frise Maltese Mix: Meet the Meltingly Cute Maltichon Dog, Are Maltese Aggressive Dogs: Discover the Maltese Personality, How Many Puppies Do Maltese Have in a Litter: Interesting Facts About Maltese Maternity, Are Maltese Hunting Dogs: the Surprisingly Fierce History of This Tiny Pup, Maltese Jack Russell Terrier Mix: Meet the Playful Intelligent Dog, Are Maltese Good With Other Dogs: What to Know Before Adding a Maltese to Your Canine Family. New puppy buyers should expect a 2 pound difference in either direction from the estimated adult size, excluding those expected to be 3 lbs. When your Maltese puppy has a potty accident in the house, it is not useful to scold them. (Explained).
Morkie Puppies Facts and Videos | LoveToKnow Pets How do I make sure my Maltese is healthy? Avoid panic! or so), the end goal is well within sight; however, the road to reach it will be unique for every puppy. It is an ancient practice that often results in the creation of a whole new purebred dog breed. Adriana has been around dogs since she was a little kid. Your Maltese dog will have healthy, strong muscles when he is allowed to exercise regularly. As the dog owner of a Maltese puppy, you may go in with the expectation that you have a small puppy. Due to the Malteses small size, the costs are actually lower than those of a much larger dog. American Kennel Club Official Maltese Breed Standards.
Maltipoo (Poodle Mix With Maltese) Ultimate Breed Guide Their weight will likely have doubled from their birth weight, and they will be more interested in moving and playing. If he is, he may be a mixed breed or severely overweight. Most of the growing will be done in the first 6 months. But puppyhood can be a fragile time, and it is important to know what to expect. Maltese dogs are usually friendly and affectionate to their owners and even strangers, but there are few reported cases of biting behavior in Maltese. As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement and they have no calories! Today, the Maltichon, Read More Bichon Frise Maltese Mix: Meet the Meltingly Cute Maltichon DogContinue, To see a Maltese dog is often to fall in love. Leave it in the fur until the cornstarch dries the area. Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate. Keep in mind that a Maltese usually reaches adulthood between the ages of 12 to 15 months. Four to six pounds is considered the ideal weight for a Maltese, especially for pet shows.
What age do boys stop growing? - Medical News Today Initially bred on the Mediterranean island of Malta (hence the name), the breed was a luxury commodity sold alongside silks, gemstones, and spices to wealthy women around the world. It is when the kneecap slips out and becomes dislocated. At what age is a Havanese fully grown? It is entirely possible for two 3-month-old Maltese puppies to be at. In the world of purebred dog breeding, there are five major size categories: giant, large, medium, small, and toy. Dogs with heart valve disease will have a heart murmur. You can make the hair grow faster by maintaining a proper diet and taking care of their hair. If feasible, create a well-planned schedule to ensure that the appropriate amount of food is served at the appropriate time. A feisty, stubborn, and intensely loyal protector, the Shorkie is best suited for adult-only homes or those with experienced older children.
When Does My Puppy Finish Growing? How Long Do Puppies Grow? Because these dogs are so little, even as adults, the changes are less visible but just as significant. It is important to remember that with an end goal of just 3 to 6 or 7 pounds, there is not that much growing to do. This manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time. Because of lack of enough thyroid hormone production, Maltese dogs suffer from thinning hair, which eventually leads to hair loss. Both sexes are quite similar in weight and cease developing around the age of 12 to 15 months. They can wiggle and crawl close to their mother, but their strength and coordination are insufficient for walking at the moment. For people new to the Maltese breed, it is hard to imagine how small such a tiny dog could be when they are first born! Check your DNS Settings.
Are Maltese Good With Other Dogs: What to Know Before Adding a Maltese Maltese Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know This is why it is really important to implement the right treatment for the skin conditions of your Maltese. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) So that is a really small puppy! in which case this is usually the minimum.
Does Maltese Hair Stop Growing? (Explained for Beginners) - LittleHappyPaw