How to Evaluate the Head Shape of a Maltese Show Dog

Have you ever wondered how a dog-show judge can tell a winning Maltese from a room full of lookalike dogs? They don't compare the dogs to each other, but to an imaginary, ideal Maltese the breed association has described. With a hairy dog like a Maltese, you need to poke your hands under the hair in order to feel the bone structure. Even if you are not a show judge, it's helpful to know what a good Maltese's head should be like when you're picking a puppy or selecting a dog for breeding. This information can also help shelter workers identify Maltese from among the dogs they have up for adoption.

Things You'll Need

Copy of ideal Maltese breed standard

Instructions

Heads Up
- 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.
- 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.
- 3
  Look at the eyes. They should be dark and round in shape. They should not appear too big for the head.
- 4
  Put your hands on the dog. Pet the top of his head. You should feel a smooth, rounded skull top.
- 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.
- 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.