580 BRITISH DOGS 



surprised to see how many entries came forward. We have so long 

 associated Maltese with pure white only, that it will take some time, 

 as it did in the cases of Poodles and Pomeranians, for the public to 

 appreciate any other shades. Light brown, fawn, and even black 

 though as yet the last named has not been shown here have 

 already been produced ; while many whites with more or less spots 

 and markings have appeared in the classes for "Other than White." 

 It is not unlikely, as these increase in number and variety, and 

 something like order in classification is evolved, that the Maltese 

 classes will be of much more importance in the schedules of the 

 future than they have hitherto been. 



It is well within the memory of living exhibitors when there was 

 but one class and colour associated with the Pomeranians, now one 

 of the most popular breeds of Toy dogs, and with a very extensive 

 range of classes for colour, size, and sex. The same, too, may be 

 said of the Poodles, which began with one class for Whites, and 

 now are divided into Corded, Curly, and Toys, with any number 

 of sub-divisions for colour, size, and sex. 



Probably old Maltese fanciers will still keep to the orthodox 

 White, but the writer can testify from ocular demonstration that 

 very beautiful and typical specimens can be, and are being, produced 

 in the ranks of " Other than White." Though owning to a preference 

 for the self-colours, he sees no reason why there should not be a 

 future for those with markings, where the other points of excellence 

 are preserved. 



The following are the points of the Maltese as laid down by the 

 Maltese Club : 



I. WHITE 



Head. Should be much like that of a Drop-eared Skye Terrier in miniature, 

 but rather shorter and thicker in muzzle ; not mean nor snipy. 



Ears. Moderately long, set on rather low, and covered with long silky hair, 

 mingling with that on neck and shoulders. 



Eyes. Very dark and piercing, bright, and alert in expression. 



A/ose. Pure black and shiny. 



Shotilders. Sloping, and not too wide. 



Back. Short and cobby, rather than lanky in shape. 



Legs. Rather short than long, with fine bone, well feathered throughout. 

 Legginess is to be avoided. Feet small, and covered with hair. 



Tail. Short, well feathered, particularly towards the end, and gracefully 

 carried over the back, its end resting on the hindquarters and side. 



Coat. Long, straight, and silky, free from woolliness or curl ; when in form 

 it should nearly reach the ground at sides ; very profuse on neck, shoulders, and 

 chest. 



Colour. Should be pure white all over, without shade or tint. 



Weight. Not to exceed I2lb., the smaller the better, other points being 

 correct. 



General Appearance. That of a bright, sprightly, active dog, of very taking 

 character. 



