How to Evaluate the Head Shape of a Maltese Show Dog

By Rena Sherwood

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Copy of ideal Maltese breed standard

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Step 1:
Put the Maltese on a table or get down to the dog's level. If the animal wants to get into your lap, let him--as long as you still have access to his head.
Step 2:
Look at the overall impression of the head against the body. The head should not look too big or or too small for the body. The expression should be friendly and bright.
Step 3:
Look at the eyes. They should be dark and round in shape. They should not appear too big for the head.
Step 4:
Put your hands on the dog. Pet the top of his head. You should feel a smooth, rounded skull top.
Step 5:
Open the dog's mouth (unless it's already open). The teeth of the upper jaw should fit into the spaces of the lower jaw. (This is called a scissors bite.) If the teeth meet, this is OK, too. Having one jaw longer than the other is not. All of the teeth should be present, and should not be rotting or have a foul odor.
Step 6:
Look at the profile of the Maltese. She should have a black nose--no other color is allowed. The nose should be about as long as the head is wide. The nose should look pointy, like a terrier's, in a Maltese with a puppy clip. It should not be pushed in like a pug's. The ears should hang down and be rounded at the ends.

Tips & Warnings

If your vision is failing, let your hands do the "seeing" by running them over the dog's head.
Have the dog wear a muzzle if he is a biter.
Not all Maltese dogs retain their long, flowing show coat. Many are kept in a closely trimmed "puppy cut."
The more Maltese dogs you get to examine, the quicker you will learn to evaluate the head of a show Maltese.
Don't expect any Maltese to be identical to the breed standard. There is always some variation.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

Maltese puppy photo by S. Nada.

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