· The Maltese is known as "ye ancient dogge of Malta," which for more than 28 centuries has been an aristocrat of the canine world.
The first Maltese exhibited in the United States was white and listed as a Maltese Lion Dog at Westminster's first show in 1877.
The American Kennel Club accepted the Maltese for registration in 1888.
So you want to own a Maltese?
The coat requires daily brushing to keep its elegant appearance.
Despite his size the Maltese is without fear. The Maltese is a good choice for people who live in small apartments because of his size, but for the same reason it is not a good candidate for those with small children, unless the owner can provide constant supervision.
BREED 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 the 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 snipy.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 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.
TAIL
A long-haired plume carried gracefully over the back, its tip lying 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 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.
SIZE
Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds 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 line. Cowhocks or any suggestion of hind leg toeing in or out are faults.
TEMPERAMENT
For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to 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.
QUOTES ABOUT CANINES
1. One reason a dog is such a comfort when you are downcast is that he doesn't ask to know why.
2. A dog can express more with his tail in minutes, than his owner can express with his tongue in hours.
3. When a dog wags his tail and barks at the same time, how do you know which end to believe?
4. A dog's bark may be worse than his bite, but everyone prefers his bark
5. We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.
6. Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate.
7. The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue
8. Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.
9. I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl--the toilet.
10. The dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
11. If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.
12. Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail.
13. He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
14. No heaven can heaven be, if my dog's not there to welcome me.
15. Dogs feel strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear.
A DOG'S POINT OF VIEW
Ever wonder what goes on inside your dog’s head? Here are a few guesses!
HOW TO BE HAPPY
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Pure ecstasy is fresh air and the wind in your face.
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
• Take naps and stretch before rising.
• Run, romp and play daily.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy, dance round and round and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you’re scolded, run right back and make friends.
• Bond with your pack.
• Feel no shame about the natural fact that when you gotta go, you gotta go.
FRIENDS FOR LIFE
“The dog was created specifically for children,” according to Henry Ward Beecher, and certainly there is something particularly beautiful and sweet about the relationship between kids and dogs. Growing up with a canine companion can teach children that responsible care-giving is well worth the effort for the love and loyalty they receive in return. A faithful pet can instill in a child a sense of trust and security that will carry over into human relationship. Dogs make great playmates, protectors and pillows-and they’re always available to listen and sympathize when parents, teachers, friends and siblings just don’t understand.
The right dog with the right child can be a match made in heaven-but it won’t happen with every kid or any dog. Creating a good relationship takes understanding, communication and realistic expectations. Your child will need guidance to create a lasting, rewarding bond with the family dog.