The Maltese 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 is 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.
The 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 top line, the ribs well sprung. The chest is fairly deep, the loins taut, strong and just slightly tucked up underneath.
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.
Tail:
A long-haired plume carried gracefully over the back, it’s tip lying to the side over the quarter.
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 wholly 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 move in a straight line. Cow hocks or any suggestion of hind legs toeing in or out are faults.
Temperament:
For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems without fear. His trust and affectionate responsiveness are very appealing. He is among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, yet is is lively and playful as well as vigorous.