Beverly Weddington
The earliest known representations of Maltese dogs on artifacts found at Fayum, Egypt (600-300 B.C.), suggest that the Maltese was one of the dogs worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. Numerous pictorial representations of the Maltese occur in Greek ceramic art, such as the vases found at Vulci (about 500 B.C.), and the dog is mentioned in the writings of many Greek and Roman philosophers, and other ancient poets and historians, including: Aristotle, Timon, Callimachus, Aelian, Artimidorus, Epaminodus, Martial, Strabo, Pliny the Elder and Saint Clement of Alexandria. Notable ancient owners of Maltese include Roman Emperor Claudius and Publius, Roman governor of Malta.
The Maltese emerged untarnished from the Dark Ages and continued to be recorded as the dog prized by the upper class, aristocrats, statespersons and royalty. The Maltese was even believed to possess medicinal powers of healing--the ailing would place the dog on their stomach or chest for comfort. Because of this practice, and the dogs warm, affectionate nature and small size, which made it easy to hold in ones arms or lap, the Maltese became known as the "Comforter." The dog was particularly popular in England during Elizabethan times (the late 16th century). Two notable owners of Maltese in those times were Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.
The earliest known Maltese on record in the United States was born in 1873. He was entered at Westminster in 1879 and was also the first colored Maltese shown here. Entered as a "Maltese Skye Terrier," he was described as being white with black ears.
There was great interest in colored Maltese in the United States. Some crossbreeding was done here, as well as in England. One such recorded crossbreeding used a white Maltese and a black Pomeranian. The resultant litter produced black Maltese, identical to the white variety.
The first white Maltese exhibited was entered at the first Westminster show in 1877 as a "Maltese Lion Dog." The first Maltese to be registered in the American Kennel Club's Stud Book were two bitches in 1888. They were: "Snips" - Origin unknown, and "Topsy"-an import
From 1900 through 1910, there were numerous Poodle kennels throughout America involved in Maltese. Crossbreeding between these two breeds was frequent and it is likely that the Maltese was used to lock in the small size, color, and pigmentation. White Toy Poodles were among the first acclaimed in the show ring. Some of the undesirable results of those crossbreedings have lingered to this day. The Toy Poodle has difficulty with "round" eye instead of the almond shaped eyes called for in their standard. On the Maltese side of the issue, an incorrect "poodle-like" coat texture can be found in some Maltese.
In 1901, two more bitches were entered into the American Kennel Club Stud Book. In 1902, six Maltese were entered. It was not until the 1950's that 50 Maltese had been entered in the stud books. In 1950 the Maltese breed ranked 76th among the all breed registrations for that year. Since the 1950's the Maltese has grown in popularity
Toy Group
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 rounded on 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 snipy.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 plume 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 moderately 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 appearance.
Coat and Color
The coat is single, that is, without 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 it may be left hanging. Any suggestion of kinkiness, curliness, or woolly texture is objectionable. Color, pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissible, but not desirable.
Size
Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Overall quality is to be 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. Hind legs to move in a straight line. Cowhocks or any suggestion of hind leg 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 of all little dogs, yet he is lively and playful as well as vigorous.
Approved March 10, 1964
The tiny Maltese, weighing in at less than 7 pounds, is a vision of beauty-almost too gorgeous to be real. Who would have suspected that under its beautiful, flowing, white tresses, and cute-as-a-button black eyes and nose, lurks the body and spirit of a much larger dog?
No fragile lap ornament, the Maltese is a sturdy, compact, gracefully muscular dog-albeit a small one. The Maltese is more than happy to recline on a lap, but the Maltese is just as thrilled to romp and play, often displaying its quick intelligence and devilish sense of humor.
Not a timed wallflower, either, the Maltese announces invasions of its territory with a spirited barking. Once introduced, however, this friendly, gentle soul can charm the mailbag off a postman. In fact the Maltese can be so fearless and trusting that owners must be ready to defuse potentially dangerous situations, such as hard play with a much bigger dog or rough handling from children.
Properly introduced, the Maltese can participate in all the big-dog activities, such has competing in obedience, free style dancing to music and hiking trails (for short distances). The Maltese will also challenge agility obstacles with as much spirit and determination, if not the same speed, as the big dogs. Watching the Maltese long locks fly behind this tiny whirlwind as it charges up an A-frame, trying to gain the momentum to scamper over the top, is an unforgettable and heart-lifting sight
The American Kennel Club was established in 1884 to promote the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs. It is the largest not-for-profit purebred dog registry in the nation.
The AKC approves and maintains the official records of over 15,000 sanctioned and licensed events each year.
The AKC has approximately 500 member clubs and over 4,000 affiliated clubs. These clubs are more than show-giving entities. They are public service, educational organizations whose activities benefit their entire community. Some AKC club activities include public education through presentations at schools, fairs, libraries, shelters, hospitals, rescue leagues, scouts and 4-H; training classes; and health clinics.
AKC registration means a dog, its parents, and its ancestors are purebred. It does not indicate health or quality. Dogs registered with the AKC can have their offspring registered and compete in AKC events.
The World of Dog Shows
Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows are one of many types of AKC dog events in which AKC-registered dogs can compete. These events, which draw over three million entries annually, include dog shows and tests of instinct and trainability, such as obedience trials, Canine Good Citizen tests, field trials, agility trials, lure coursing, rally, hunting tests, herding trials, tracking tests, coonhound and earthdog events.
Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged.
Types of Conformation Dog Shows
There are three types of conformation dog shows:
All-breed shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the AKC. All-breed shows are the type often shown on television
Specialty shows are restricted to dogs of a specific breed or to varieties of one breed. For example, the Bulldog Club of America Specialty is for Bulldogs only, but the Poodle Club of America's specialty show includes the three varieties of the Poodle - Standard, Miniature and Toy.
Group shows are limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven groups. For example, the Potomac Hound Group show features only breeds belonging to the Hound group.
Which Dogs May Participate
To be eligible to compete, a dog must:
* be individually registered with the American Kennel Club
Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation classes at a dog show, because the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock.
The Role of the Judge
Judges examine the dogs, then give awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog described in the breed's official standard.
The standard describes the characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was bred. These standards include specifications for structure, temperament and movement.
The official written standard for each breed is maintained by the breed's national club and is included in the The Complete Dog Book published by the AKC.
The judges are experts on the breeds they are judging. They examine ("go over") each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed's standard. They view each dog in profile for overall balance, and watch each dog gait ("move") to see how all of those features fit together in action.
How a Dog Show Works
Each dog presented to a judge is exhibited ("handled") by its owner, breeder or a hired professional. The role of a handler is similar to that of a jockey who rides a horse around the track and, hopefully, into the winner's circle.
Most dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing for points toward their AKC championships. It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points) awarded by at least three different judges, to become an American Kennel Club "Champion of Record."
The number of championship points awarded at a show depends on the number of males ("dogs") and females ("bitches") of the breed actually in competition. The larger the entry, the greater the number of points a male or a female can win. The maximum number of points awarded to a dog at any show is 5 points.
Males and females compete separately within their respective breeds, in seven regular classes. The following classes are offered, and are divided by sex:
Puppy - For dogs between six and twelve months of age, that are not yet champions (optional class).
Twelve-To-Eighteen Months - For dogs twelve to eighteen months of age, that are not yet champions (optional class).
Novice - For dogs six months of age and over, which have not, prior to the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championship (optional class).
Amateur-Owner-Handler – For dogs that are at least six months of age that are not champions. Dogs must be handled in the class by the registered owner of the dog and is limited to exhibitors who have not, at any point in time, been a professional dog handler, AKC approved conformation judge, or employed as an assistant to a professional handler (effective January 1, 2009) (optional class).
Bred By Exhibitor - For dogs that are exhibited by their owner and breeder, that are not yet champions (optional class).
American-Bred - For dogs born in the United States from a mating which took place in the United States, that are not yet champions (mandatory class).
Open - For any dog of the breed, at least 6 months of age (mandatory class).
After these classes are judged, all the dogs that won first place in a class compete again to see who is the best of the winning dogs. Males and females are judged separately. Only the best male (Winners Dog) and the best female (Winners Bitch) receive championship points. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then compete with the champions for the Best of Breed award. At the end of the Best of Breed Competition, three awards are usually given:
Best of Breed - the dog judged as the best in its breed category.
Best of Winners - the dog judged as the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
Best of Opposite Sex - the best dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner.
The Road to Best in Show
Dog shows are a process of elimination, with one dog being named Best in Show at the end of the show.
Only the Best of Breed winners advance to compete in the Group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications. The seven groups are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first-place winner advances to the Best In Show competition.
The Seven Groups in All-Breed Shows
Sporting - These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels.
Hounds - These breeds were bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. These breeds include such dogs as Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds.
Working - These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property and perform search and rescue services. Among the breeds in this group are the Akita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard.
Terrier - This group includes breeds such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats.
Toy - These dogs were bred to be household companions. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.
Non-Sporting - This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian, Bichon Frise and Poodle. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.
Herding - These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock. The Briard, Collie, German Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group.
Finally, the seven group winners are brought into the ring where they compete for Best In Show, the highest award at a dog show.
Ribbons
Each dog that receives an award is given a ribbon by the judge. The color of the ribbon indicates the type of award the dog has won.
Blue - awarded for first place in any regular class. Also awarded to the winner of each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
Red - awarded for second place in each class. Also awarded for second place in each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
Yellow - awarded for third place in each class. Also awarded for third place in each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
White - awarded for fourth place in each class. Also awarded for fourth place of each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
Purple - awarded to the winners of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch classes. Since these are the classes in which championship points are earned, these ribbons are highly coveted.
Purple and White - awarded to the Reserve Winners; that is, the runners-up to the winner of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch classes.
Blue and White - awarded to the dog that wins Best of Winners; that is, the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch winners.
Purple and Gold - awarded to the dog judged "Best of Breed" in each breed competition. This is highly coveted because it allows advancement to the Group competition.
Red and White - awarded to the Best of Opposite Sex. This means the best dog of the breed that is the opposite sex of the Best of Breed winner.
Red, White and Blue - only one of these is awarded, at the end of each show. It is given to the ultimate award winner, the Best In Show.
How Do I Get Started Showing My Dog?
The best place to start is by joining a local kennel club, whether an all-breed kennel club or a breed-specific specialty club. A listing of clubs by state can be found on our Club Search page or through our customer service department by calling (919) 233-9767.
Local clubs will have information on training classes for the show ring, and for obedience and agility classes. Even if the show ring is not your ultimate goal, the relationship that training forms between you and your dog will be very rewarding to you both. Local clubs also have "Matches" where you and your dog can test your skill in the ring.
Handling your dog is an exceptional and enjoyable experience. From the grooming table to the show ring, you and your dog will develop a bond. While training classes offer the best hands-on way to practice for the show ring, attending shows and observing your breed is also a great way to gain understanding of what judges and other competitors do.
If you do not wish to handle your dog yourself, or have a friend or family member do it, you may contact a professional handler who charges a fee for showing your dog.
You're on your way! You are entering a sport that will bring many hours of enjoyment and education to every member of your family. You will make many friends in the sport, and will enjoy your dog and your new hobby for many years to come.
Junior Showmanship
The AKC offers children 9 to 18 years of age the opportunity to compete with others their own age at various AKC events. Juniors competing in conformation events are judged on how they present their dogs.
Tips for the First-Time Exhibitor
* Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC.
Tips for the First-Time Spectator
* If the grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and talk with professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog looking his best.
Dog Show Terms
Angulation - Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.
Baiting - Using liver or some treat to get the dog's attention and have him look alert.
Bench Show - A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned benches when not being shown in competition, so they can be viewed and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.
Exhibitor - A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the appropriate class.
Fancier - A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Gait - The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of structure and condition.
Groom - To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dog's coat neat.
Handler - A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who works the dog at a field trial or other performance event.
Heel - A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Match Show - A usually informal dog show at which no championship points are awarded.
Miscellaneous Class - Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.
Pedigree - The written record of a dog's family tree of three or more generations.
Points - Credits earned toward a championship.
Soundness - Mental and physical well-being.
Stacking - Posing the dog's legs and body to create a pleasing picture.
|
The Maltese descends from one of the most ancient dog breeds to be found in recorded history. It has been estimated that the breed originated around 6,000 B.C., or 8,000 years ago. Although the ancient Greeks and Romans believed the dog originated on the Island of Malta--they called the breed the Melitaie Dog, Melitaie being the ancient name for Malta--there is really no evidence that proves the dog was indigenous to the Island, but rather that the Maltese is descended from a Spitz-type dog bred by the peoples of the area which is now south central Europe. The breed was eventually distributed as an exotic article of trade from the ancient island trading center of Malta, hence the name, and from there migrated by caravans to the farthest reaches of the civilized world, including: the Middle East, Tibet, China, the Philippines, and Japan.
Beginning around the mid 1800's and into the early 1900's there was great debate among the noted dog writers and dog authorities concerning the question of "which dog family the Maltese belonged". A large group, especially the dog fanciers of England, felt that the Maltese belonged in the Terrier family due to their terrier-like temperament. As with the English terrier breeds, the Maltese of the period was an excellent ratter and exhibited great fearlessness, despite his small size. Others disagreed and felt that the Maltese, because of his body and coat type, were spaniel in nature. Ultimately, in the early 1900's, it was concluded that the "Maltese dog" was neither terrier or spaniel. Rather, he should correctly be referred to as the "Maltese dog".
From 1902 to 1913 The Kennel Club offered classes for Maltese dogs, other than white. The first entry made under this classification was made in 1908 and the last was made in 1913. The colored Maltese differed from the white variety. The English standard for the Maltese called for the white variety not to exceed 12 pounds. The colored variety could not exceed 8 1/2 pounds. All colors were admissible into the colored classes. The white variety were required to be pure white. Besides the size difference, there were other variations between the two varieties. The colored coats were coarser textured than the white coats. The head of the colored Maltese tended to be shorter muzzled and broader skulled than those of the white Maltese.
