Maltese
The Maltese is distinguished from all other breeds
of dogs as the only dog with a long, silky white coat. The coat
should have the feel of a finely textured silk fabric, somewhat
"cool" to the touch.
The Maltese should be gentle manner, but still lively
and vigorous. While they may enjoy sitting quietly by their owner's
side they still love a romp and play time. There should be no suggestion
of terrier-type aggressiveness. The Maltese is a devoted companion
to his master but at the same time should not be shy of strangers.
General Appearance
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 topline, the ribs
well sprung. The chest is fairly deep, the loins taut, strong, and
just slightly tucked up underneath.
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.
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, its tip lying to the side over the quarter.
COAT: 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 woolly texture is objectionable. Color,
pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissible, but not
desirable
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