Maltese

General Information - Maltese

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History

The Maltese is the most ancient of the European toy breeds, and among the oldest of all breeds. Though the Maltese's hallmark is its long, silky, dazzling white hair, early Maltese came in colours other than white. This ancient dog was described by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus as belonging to the Melita breed, an archaic name for Malta. It was developed in Italy with the addition of Miniature Spaniel and Poodle blood. It was thought that these lively little dogs were first brought to England by Crusaders returning home from the Mediterranean. The breed became particularly popular with women, who often carried them in their sleeves and even to their beds. The dog was not only popular with women though. Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, prized his Maltese Issa enough to commission a portrait of her and even have poetry written about her. Today, the glamorous Maltese is an adored pet and sought-after show dog.

Temperament

The Maltese is a gentle and sweet breed, but may be reserved with strangers. This breed does not accept rough-housing and as a result may not tolerate small children or other pets.

Upkeep

The exercise requirements of the Maltese are easily met with indoor games, a romp in the yard or a short walk on leash. Despite its coat, the Maltese is not an outdoor dog. The coat needs combing every one or two days; show coats may be wrapped for protection. The white coat may be difficult to keep clean in some areas. Pets may be clipped for easier care, but then an essential trait of the breed is lost.

Maltese

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Maltese

Characteristics: Sweet tempered and very intelligent.

General Appearance: Should be smart, lively and alert. The action must be free, without extended weaving.

Head and Skull: From stop to centre of skull (centre between forepart of ears) and stop to tip of nose should be equally balanced. Stop should be defined. Nose should be pure black.

Eyes: Oval, not bulging, dark brown, black eye:rims.

Ears: Should be long and well feathered and hanging close to the side of the head, the hair to be mingled with the coat at the shoulders.

Mouth: Level or scissor bite with teeth even.

Neck: Of medium length: set on well sloped shoulders.

Forequarters: Legs should be short and straight. Shoulders well sloped.

Body: Should be in every way well balanced and essentially short and cobby with good rib spring and the back should be straight from the tip of the shoulders to the tail.

Hindquarters: Legs should be short and nicely angulated.

Feet: Should be round and the pads of the feet should be black.

Tail: Should be well arched over the back and feathered.

Coat: Should be good length, but not impeding action, of silky texture, not in any way woolly and should be straight. It should not be crimped and there should be no woolly undercoat.

Colour: Pure white, but slight lemon markings should not penalise.

Size: Not over 25.5 cms (10 inches) from ground to top of shoulder.

Faults: Bad mouth, over or undershot; gay tail; curly or woolly coat; brown nose; pink eye rims; unsound in any way.

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.