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.
