Maltese Guide

The Maltese Breed Standard, Explained

A breed standard is the written picture of the ideal dog, and the Maltese breed standard is one of the shortest and clearest in the toy group. It was written by the breed's national parent club, the American Maltese Association, and is approved and published by the American Kennel Club. Judges use it in the ring, and breeders use it as a goal.

This guide walks through the AKC standard section by section in everyday words, then explains what it means for a family looking at a pet. Reading it will also help you look at Maltese puppies for sale with a more informed eye.

What is the AKC Maltese breed standard?

The standard is a description, not a rulebook for owners. It lays out the ideal head, body, coat, movement and temperament, and it tells judges which faults to weigh most heavily. In a conformation show, each dog is judged against this written ideal, and the dog that comes closest to it wins.

For a buyer, the standard is useful because it describes what a well-made Maltese looks like. It does not guarantee a good pet or a healthy dog, and it says nothing about health testing, which is a separate subject covered in the guide to Maltese health problems.

What does the standard say about general appearance?

It describes a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. The dog should be lively and alert, with a jaunty, graceful carriage. The overall impression is of a neat, balanced little dog that moves with ease, never a dog that looks coarse or heavy.

The standard also says the dog should be gentle and fearless, a pairing of delicacy and spirit that explains much of the breed's charm.

Notice what is missing. There is no call for an extreme look, a flat face, a tiny size or a dramatic shape. The Maltese of the standard is a moderate dog, built to run, play and live for many years, and that moderation is worth remembering when you read marketing that praises the smallest or fluffiest example.

How big should a Maltese be under the standard?

The weight ideal is under seven pounds, with four to six preferred, and overall quality is to be favored over size. That last phrase is key: a well-built dog a little outside the range can be favored over a perfectly sized dog with poor structure.

The body is compact, with the length from the shoulder to the base of the tail about equal to the height from the withers to the ground. For the full picture of how much real Maltese weigh, with ranges by age, see the guide to how big a Maltese gets.

What should the head, eyes and nose look like?

The head is of medium length in proportion to the body. The skull is slightly rounded on top, with a moderate stop, which is the angle where the forehead meets the muzzle. The muzzle is medium in length, fine and tapered, but never snipey, the word for a muzzle that is pointed and weak.

The nose is black, large and round.
The eyes are dark brown and round, not too far apart, and surrounded by dark rims. A soft, intelligent expression is part of the look.
The teeth meet in a scissors bite, with the upper incisors closing just over the lowers.

The dark nose, eye rims and eyes stand out strongly against the white coat, which is why judges and breeders speak of "three black points". Clear, dry eyes are also important for comfort, and the guide on Maltese tear stains shows how that connects to daily care.

What do the ears, neck and body look like?

The ears are drop ears, set low and hanging close to the head, with heavy feathering. The neck is well arched and carried proudly, and it is long enough to make the head look elegant.

The body is compact with a level topline and a deep, well-sprung rib cage. The back should be straight from the shoulders to the tail. The tail is set high and carried in a gentle arch over the back, with the tip lying to one side. A Maltese that carries its tail low or tight to the hind end is lacking something the standard asks for.

Judges also look at proportion as a whole. Parts that are individually fine can still add up to a dog that looks leggy, long in the back or heavy in the shoulder. The standard wants everything to fit together, so that no single feature draws the eye away from the overall picture of balance.

What should the legs and feet be like?

The forelegs are straight, with elbows close to the body. The hindquarters are strong and well angulated, which means the joints bend at the right angles to give power and flexibility. That structure helps a Maltese move well, and good rear construction also relates to the knee health discussed in the health guide.

The feet are small and round, with black pads. Hair on the feet is a feature of the coat, and in pet homes it is kept trimmed so that the dog does not slip on smooth floors and the pads stay clean.

Straight, strong legs also affect everyday comfort. Dogs with weak or twisted legs may tire early, and in a toy breed the stifle, or knee, deserves a close look, since kneecaps that slip out of place are a known issue in Maltese.

What coat and color does the standard require?

The coat is single, with no undercoat. It is straight, flat, long and silky, falling nearly to the ground in a show dog. The standard says any tendency to curl is a fault.

The color is pure white. Light tan or lemon is allowed on the ears, but it is not desirable. A cream or tan dog is still a Maltese, but it would not do well in the show ring. Pet coats are often clipped short, which has no effect on the dog's value as a companion. The Maltese grooming guide explains how both lengths are kept.

How should a Maltese move?

The standard calls for a gait that is free, quick and jaunty, with smooth, flowing action. Seen from the front and behind, the legs move in straight lines, with no weaving, crossing or flinging out. From the side, there is good reach in front and drive behind, and the topline stays level.

Gait matters beyond looks. A dog that skips, hops or holds a hind leg up during a trot may have a knee problem, so a smooth, effortless stride is a sign of sound structure.

What temperament does the standard describe?

The standard describes a dog that is gentle-mannered, affectionate, eminently sociable, lively and playful, and trusting. Shyness and aggression are not part of the picture. More about how that plays out at home, including barking and time alone, is in the Maltese temperament guide.

Does the standard matter if you only want a pet?

It matters in a practical way. A dog bred to the standard tends to have a sound build, a good bite, dark pigment and a stable temperament, all of which make for an easier life. But a pet does not need to be show quality to be a wonderful companion. A slightly heavier or cream-eared Maltese can be every bit as loving.

The choice between pet and show quality is about whether you plan to compete. If you do, the Maltese show puppies page explains how prospects are handled. If you are looking for a companion, nothing in the standard prevents you from loving the dog you choose.

Quick Answers

Who writes the Maltese breed standard?

The American Maltese Association, the breed's national parent club, writes the standard, and the American Kennel Club approves and publishes it. Other countries have their own versions with small differences.

Can a Maltese be cream or tan?

The standard asks for pure white, with light tan or lemon tolerated only on the ears. Cream or tan coloring does not change the dog's temperament or health.

Is a Maltese with a curly coat purebred?

It can be. The standard treats curl as a fault, but a curl or wave on its own does not mean the dog is a mix. A veterinarian or breeder can discuss the pedigree and registration papers.

What is a scissors bite?

It means the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones slightly, like the blades of scissors. It is the bite the standard calls for and suits the dog best for chewing.

Does the breed standard include health requirements?

No. The standard describes appearance, movement and temperament only. Health testing is separate, and any breeder should be able to explain which tests were done on the parents.