Welcome Stone Kennels Our Kennel Dog Treats About us Sire and Dams Past Puppies Puppy Photos About Bichon Bichon pups About Maltese Maltese puppies Mixed Breeds Malti-chon 1 Reserve puppy Purchase Contract Payment Options Shipping Holistic Care Tips



 

Trademark Traits

:

  • Small
  • Long, silky coat
  • Loyal and trusting
  • Polite
  • Lively and active
  • Gentle

Some Ideal Human Companions

:

  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Families with older children
  • Kings and queens

What They’re Like to Live With

:
Beloved companions to princes and princesses for well over 2,000 years, Maltese know how to behave: They are gentle, loving, obedient and well-mannered creatures that love attention and affection and know how to return to favor. However, Maltese have a fearless energy that makes them slightly more of a handful than your typical, docile lapdog. They love to run around in the yard, play chase and hop around in mud puddles. But, when playtime is over, they are superb cuddlers.

Maltese are perfect for city-dwellers. They are quiet, gentle, polite and happy with daily 20-30 minute walks. In fact, some Maltese even prefer small spaces (and small yards) to large ones. Great with children, especially older ones, Maltese are confident around other dogs without being overconfident—their fearlessness tends to make them self-assured rather than defensive.

Things You Should Know

:
Though a Maltese looks like a pet that needs pampering, they are actually quite sturdy and secure. Besides, too much pampering could make them irritable. Give them lots of love and attention and they will always respond in kind.

Maltese get along famously with children, but make sure children respect their space and play with them properly. Known for their good manners, Maltese demand a certain amount of respect and good treatment.

As you can tell by looking at them, Maltese need daily grooming. Their coat is silky and very soft, so brush with care. They do not shed too much, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Also remember to clean their eyes, ears and beards regularly.

Maltese can live as long as 18 years. Generally healthy, they can suffer from dental problems. Dog toys and biscuits that promote dental health can help keep their teeth strong and clean.

Maltese History

:
One of the world’s oldest breeds, Maltese have been beloved companions for nearly 3,000 years. Roman poets wrote about them and Greeks had special tombs built for them. For centuries they have pranced around palaces, frolicked in royal gardens and strolled through stately homes. Maltese made their American debut in Westminster’s first show in 1877. One year later the AKC registered the breed. To this day, they remain a popular show dog and pet.

The Look of the Maltese

:
Maltese are toy-sized dogs covered in long, silky white (or cream-colored) hair. They have medium-sized heads with rounded skulls, hanging ears, tapered muzzles and dark noses and eyes. Maltese carry their heads high on their long necks, and their plumed tails carry over their backs. This gives them a distinguished, aristocratic look. Since their hair hangs so low and their gait is so smooth, Maltese seem to float across the floor.

Maltese Breed Standard

Toy Group

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.