The Maltese. 321 



The general form, shape, and character of the 

 Maltese dog may be obtained from the illustration 

 preceding this chapter. In weight he should be not 

 more than from, say, ylb., and about 5lb. is preferable ; 

 colour, all white, with long silky hair, quite unlike 

 that on any other dog, more of the consistency and 

 appearance of " spun glass " than of anything else ; 

 it must be straight, quite free from curl, and the 

 length of hair on a perfectly coated specimen will 

 certainly not be less than seven inches. The nose 

 and eyes must be black. There is usually a redness 

 of the hair under the eyes made so from the eyes 

 watering ; the less of this the better, but I am afraid 

 it cannot wholly be avoided. The tail ought to be 

 carried turned or doubled into the coat of the back, 

 and not gaily erect like the rags at the end of a 

 mopstick. The ears should be small and dropping, 

 well clad with hair, and scarcely discernible on a 

 good coated specimen. In disposition the dog 

 should be sprightly ; the mouth must be level 

 and the teeth white. It is very seldom we 

 now see a dog of this variety with a nose perfectly 

 black, but if obtained it is most desirable ; ears 

 with pale fawn marks covering the whole or part, 

 are likewise much too common, and should form 

 a severe handicap to the dog bearing such a 

 defect. 



Y 



