Instructions
Lift the dog's tail to view the anus. You may have to move the hair out of the way, even if it is shorter. The anus is visible directly under the tail, where the tail connects to the body.
Look just below the anus, toward the tummy, for the vulva. The vulva of a female Maltese is close to the anus and looks slightly puffy or fatty.
Gently turn the dog over, supporting its back and neck fully, if you didn't find the vulva, or weren't sure. Look near the center of the belly for the presence of a penis. The penis is located just below the umbilicus, or belly button, which is very visible in a newborn puppy. You may see a scrotal sac closer to the back legs, if the male dog has not been neutered.
How to Identify a Female Maltese
Originally from the island of Malta, the Maltese is a small dog with white, continuously growing hair. The hair is soft and silky and can make it difficult to identify the sex of the dog. The small size of the dog can also complicate matters, but if you know what you're looking for, and where to look, you can easily identify a female Maltese. It may be helpful to have an assistant to prevent the dog's squirming.