The Maltese is a small breed of dog in the toy group, known for its silky white hair, though many owners of pet Maltese give them a short "puppy cut" for ease of grooming.The Maltese breed is descended from dogs originating in the Central Mediterranean Area. The breed name and origins are generally understood to derive from the Mediterranean island of Malta; however, the name is sometimes described with reference to the Adriatic island of Méléda, or a defunct Sicilian town called Melita.
The Maltese had been recognized as a FCI breed under the patronage of Italy in 1954, at the annual meeting in Interlaken, Switzerland. The current FCI standard is dated November 27, 1989, and the latest translation from Italian to English is dated April 6, 1998. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1888, its latest standard being from March 10, 1964.
The coat is long and silky and lacks an undercoat. The color is pure white; although cream or light lemon ears are permissible, they are not regarded as desirable. Also, a pale ivory tinge is permitted. In some standards, traces of pale orange shades are tolerated, but considered an imperfection.
Adult Maltese range from roughly 5 to 12 lb (2.3 to 5.4 kg), though breed standards, as a whole, call for weights between 4 and 7 lb (1.8 and 3.2 kg). There are variations depending on which standard is being used. Many, like the American Kennel Club, call for a weight that is ideally less than 7 lb with between 4 and 6 lb preferred.
Maltese Dog Club Directory
American Maltese Association - Club established in 1963. Breed information, contact list, and Specialty information.
Always Maltese World - Breeder with pictures, and with help articles on training. AL.- Breeder has standard, history, faq and pictures. WA. Angel-Lite Maltese - Breeder has pictures, information on tear staining and breed history. AL. Bhe-Jei Maltese - Breeder of champion Maltese. Email lists, pictures, advice on tear staining. Palo Alto, CA. Blue Hill Maltese - Breeder of champion Maltese dogs. Photos and pedigrees. FL. Chaca Maltese - Breeder has show pictures of dogs and other links of interest. Majesty Maltese - Pictures and links. Located in Colorado. Malta Angel's Maltese - Breeder has pictures. Located in CA. Mi-Dis Maltese - Breeder has photos of dogs. Located in Tn. Milove Maltese - Breeder has show pictures. SC. Sands Maltese - Breeder has show photos and info. Located in Ashland City, TN. Sandys Maltese - Breeder with pictures of dogs. OK. TaLin Maltese - Breeders/exhibitors of champion Maltese with pictures and pedigrees. Located in Brandon, FL.
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