Maltese — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Maltese — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The breed arose around the central Mediterranean and is grouped by the FCI with bichons and related companions (Group 9, Section 1).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The AKC asks for under 7 pounds, favouring 4 to 6; the FCI gives 21–25 cm for males and 20–23 cm for females, weighing 3–4 kg.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat is a single layer (no undercoat) that hangs long, flat and silky almost to the floor.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The accepted ground colour is pure white; a faint tan or lemon cast on the ears is tolerated but not sought.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The temperament is lively, affectionate, calm and trusting.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Severe faults include heights outside 19–26 cm for males and 18–25 cm for females; disqualifying faults cover aggression or shyness, a roman nose, undershot mouth, wall eye, loss of nose or eyelid pigment, a missing or shortened tail, a frizzy coat, and any colour other than white (pale ivory apart).