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
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
to snippy. 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 withes to the ground equaling the length from the withers to the root of
the tail. Solder 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.
Tail:
Along haired plume carried gracefully over the back, its tip laying 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 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 desired.
Size:
Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 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 and free from the shoulders,
with elbows close. Hind legs to move in a straight line. Cow hocks on any suggestion of hind leg
toeing in or out are faults.
Temperament:
For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems ti 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
akc.org
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
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
to snippy. 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 withes to the ground equaling the length from the withers to the root of
the tail. Solder 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.
Tail:
Along haired plume carried gracefully over the back, its tip laying 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 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 desired.
Size:
Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 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 and free from the shoulders,
with elbows close. Hind legs to move in a straight line. Cow hocks on any suggestion of hind leg
toeing in or out are faults.
Temperament:
For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems ti 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
akc.org
Maltese Standard
Site maintained by Olive Tree Maltese - Last updated 11/19/10