As stated in the AKC (American Kennel Club) book of standards:
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 roundedon 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 snippy. 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 plumed 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 modereately 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 apprearance.
Coat and Color--The coat is single, that is, with 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 left hanging. Color, pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissible.
Size--Weight to 7 lbs, with 4-6 preferred. Overall quality is 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. Hing legs to move in a straight line. Cowhocks or any suggestion of hind legs 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 all all little dogs, yet he is lively and playful as well as vigourous.
What does standard even mean? It is a kind of "blueprint" for what a Maltese should look like. The standard was written by a group of Maltese breeders and then it was approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The standard ensures that none of the important features that make up the Maltese will be lost to future generations. A puppy does not have to meet every standard to make a great companion.
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