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
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