AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB MALTESE STANDARD
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Did you know?
The Maltese is known as "ye ancient dogge of Malta," which for more
than 28 centuries has been an aristocrat of the canine world.
The first Maltese exhibited in the United States was white and listed
as a Maltese Lion Dog at Westminster's first show in 1877.
The American Kennel Club accepted the Maltese for registration in
1888.
So you want to own a Maltese?
The coat requires daily brushing to keep its elegant appearance.
Despite his size the Maltese is without fear. The Maltese is a good
choice for people who live in small apartments because of his size,
but for the same reason it is not a good candidate for those with
small children, unless the owner can provide constant supervision.
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.
Approved March 10, 1964
Sheila & Michael Riley
P.O. Box 625
Valley Springs, CA 95252
MaltaAngel@comcast.net
209-772-8772
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