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Maltese
Breed
Maltese Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of
long, silky, white hair. He is gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager
and sprightly in action, and, despite his size, possessed of the vigor
needed for the satisfactory companion.
Head
Of medium length and in proportion to the size of the dog. The skull
is slightly rounded on top, the stop moderate. The drop ears
are rather low set and heavily feathered with long hair that hangs close
to the head. Eyes are set not too far apart; they are
very dark and round, their black rims enhancing the gentle yet alert
expression. The muzzle is of medium length, fine and
tapered but not snipy. The nose is black. The teeth
meet in an even, edge-to-edge bite, or in a scissors bite.
Neck
Sufficient length of neck is desirable as
promoting a high carriage of the head.
Body
Compact, the height from the withers to the ground equaling the length
from the withers to the root of the tail. Shoulder blades are sloping,
the elbows well knit and held close to the body. The back is level in
topline, the ribs well sprung. The chest is fairly deep, the loins taut,
strong, and just slightly tucked up underneath.
Tail
A long-haired plume carried gracefully over the back, its tip lying to
the side over the quarter.
Legs and Feet
Legs are fine-boned and nicely feathered. Forelegs are straight, their
pastern joints well knit and devoid of appreciable bend. Hind legs are
strong and moderately angulated at stifles and hocks. The feet are small
and round, with toe pads black. Scraggly hairs on the feet may be
trimmed to give a neater appearance.
Coat and Color
The coat is single, that is, without undercoat. It hangs long, flat, and
silky over the sides of the body almost, if not quite, to the ground.
The long head-hair may be tied up in a topknot or it may be left
hanging. Any suggestion of kinkiness, curliness, or woolly texture is
objectionable. Color, pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is
permissible, but not desirable.
Size
Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Overall
quality is to be favored over size.
Gait
The Maltese moves with a jaunty, smooth, flowing gait. Viewed from the
side, he gives an impression of rapid movement, size considered. In the
stride, the forelegs reach straight and free from the shoulders, with
elbows close. Hind legs to move in a straight line. Cowhocks or any
suggestion of hind leg toeing in or out are faults.
Temperament
For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to be without fear. His
trust and affectionate responsiveness are very appealing. He is among
the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, yet he is lively and playful
as well as vigorous.
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