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The Maltese is a toy dog characterized by a mantle of long, silky, white hair. It is gentle-mannered, affectionate, eager, and sprightly in action, possessing the vigor needed for a satisfactory companion despite its small size.
The head of a Maltese is of medium length and proportionate to the size of the dog. It features a slightly rounded skull, a moderate stop, low-set drop ears that are heavily feathered, dark round eyes with black rims, and a medium-length, fine, tapered muzzle.
A sufficient length of neck is desirable in Maltese dogs as it promotes a high carriage of the head, contributing to the overall elegance and appearance of the breed.
The body of a Maltese should be compact, with the height from the withers to the ground equaling the length from the withers to the root of the tail. The back should be level, the ribs well sprung, and the chest fairly deep.
The tail of a Maltese is a long-haired plume that is carried gracefully over the back, with its tip lying to the side over the quarter.
Maltese dogs should have fine-boned, nicely feathered legs. The forelegs must be straight with well-knit pastern joints, while the hind legs should be strong and moderately angulated. The feet are small, round, and have black toe pads.
The Maltese has a single coat, meaning it lacks an undercoat. The coat hangs long, flat, and silky, with a pure white color. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissible but not desirable.
The preferred weight for a Maltese is between 4 to 6 pounds, with a maximum weight of under 7 pounds. Overall quality is prioritized over size.
The Maltese moves with a jaunty, smooth, flowing gait. Viewed from the side, it gives an impression of rapid movement, with forelegs reaching straight and free from the shoulders and hind legs moving in a straight line.
Despite its small size, the Maltese is known for being fearless, trustful, and affectionate. It is among the gentlest mannered of small dogs, yet remains lively, playful, and vigorous.
Faults in the hind legs of a Maltese include cowhocks or any suggestion of hind leg toeing in or out, which can affect the dog's movement and overall appearance.
The official standard of the Maltese was approved on March 10, 1964.
Grooming a Maltese involves maintaining the long, silky coat, which may require regular brushing to prevent tangles. Scraggly hairs on the feet may be trimmed for a neater appearance.
The Maltese is considered a good companion dog due to its affectionate nature, gentle temperament, and lively personality, making it a delightful presence in a household.
The ears of a Maltese are drop ears that are rather low set and heavily feathered with long hair that hangs close to the head, contributing to the breed's overall appearance.
The Maltese's long, silky coat enhances its elegance and charm, giving it a distinctive appearance that is both appealing and characteristic of the breed.
The Maltese should have a scissors bite, where the teeth meet in an even, edge-to-edge manner, which is important for the dog's overall dental health and conformation.
Common health considerations for Maltese dogs include dental issues due to their small mouths, potential eye problems, and the need for regular grooming to maintain coat health.
The small size of the Maltese influences its behavior by making it more adaptable to indoor living, but it also requires socialization and training to ensure it does not develop small dog syndrome.
Socialization is crucial for a Maltese to develop a well-rounded temperament, helping it to interact positively with other dogs, people, and various environments.
The Maltese coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, including daily brushing and occasional baths to keep the coat clean and healthy.
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