Camelot Maltese Mission Statement

After much research and study I am developing a breeding program, rooted in the desire to produce the "perfect Maltese". The field of genetic breeding is a real challenge. Variation of polygenes, heredity, genetic ratios by traits and the difficult process of selection, are all elements to consider, in developing a breeding program. Closed stud breeding has many advantages, but requires a superior maltese dog. Ch.Excalibur has become the keystone of Camelot Maltese.    His progeny, so far, has reflected strong genetic characteristic of the desired Maltese dog  traits. Ice white silk coat, perfect bite, dead level top line, great movement, large black marble eyes, black velvet pigment and a dense square body. Rare traits found in combination, are silk coats and dense bodies. This will always be a consideration in the selection process as these Maltese bitches free whelp and enjoy an overall good health condition. The trait of black velvet pigment seems to be the combination of several polygenes as they effect both skin texture and color. Currently we are using 2 Maltese studs. Ch.Excalibur and 1 of his sons.

These Maltese dogs have been chosen because they inherited the best traits, dominantly, from both their sire and dam . The Maltese bitches have been chosen from bloodlines which exhibit desirable dominate traits. These breedings will be carefully selected and the progeny, which have dominate traits of desire, will be retained for further Maltese breeding. This process will "fix" those characteristics which are most desirable. The book, "Genetics for Dog Breeders" by Roy Robinson, has been very informative, while being well written and formatted logically. He explains the merits and faults of various breeding programs. Inbreeding, line breeding and closed stud breeding all have merit when used wisely.

Breed for the 'Perfect Maltese'.    Study and learn the genetic history of our Maltese. Apply the best breeding program for this line. Be willing to get the best and the worst, which comes with good breeding practices. Cull (pet out not kill) the worst and retain the best for breeding. Treat every dog as if it were our only pet. House train, socialize and pamper each dog individually. Give them the run of the house. Teach them to love and trust people. If the day comes when they must go another care giver, be sure they have learned how to be a pampered pet; well mannered and responsive to people Insure that each pup sold is placed in a loving home Interview perspective owners (both pet and show). Be willing to say no when it is just not right for the dog. Always put the dogs welfare first.   Spare no expense or inconvenience. No matter the cost, (time, emotions or money) provide the best medical care, quality time and genuine love and kindness. Improve the breed.   Be supportive of other breeders. Be active in clubs and organizations that benefit Maltese.   Be willing to share good information and dogs with competitive breeders. Defer to God's will over our own to insure the serenity of Camelot. Our Prayer, Dear God, You created our Maltese, they do not know our faults. To them we are heros and saviors. We pray that you will give us the strength and wisdom to be all that they think we are. Amen Follow the puppy to the New Litters by clicking on the pup.   To Maltese Dog Main Page.   Your comments and questions are welcome,  or call  June   561-333-6605.

A Maltese breeder of show and pet pups.	A Maltese view from under the sea.	The Maltese pups are all in their cribs.	Blue Birds & Maltese & flowers.	A tribute to those Maltese dogs who were loved and lost.	Maltese fill the woods and the castle.
Maltese sculptures in the most adorable poses.	The Maltese fountain of youth. Playful pups splash.	A message from a Maltese breeder, from outer space.	The curtain opens on Maltese Show Bizz.	Animated true story about a little Maltese girl's fight to live.	Presentation of  Maltese dogs.

The AKC Standard for the Maltese Dog Breed.

General Appearance

The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. The Maltese dog is gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and, despite his size, possessed of the vigor needed for the satisfactory companion.

Head

The maltese dog is 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. The maltese dog's 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 snippy. 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 of the Maltese dog.

Body

Compact, the height oof the Maltese dog from the withers to the ground equaling the length from the withers to the root of the tail. The Maltese dog's 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 Maltese dog's chest is fairly deep, the loins taut, strong, and just slightly tucked up underneath.

Tail

The Maltese dog has 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 of the Maltese dog. 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 the Maltese dog a neater appearance.

Coat and Color

The Maltese dog 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 of the Maltese dog 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 in the Maltese dog.

Size

The Maltese dog weighs under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Overall quality is to be favored over the size of the Maltese.

Gait

The Maltese dog 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 in the Maltese dog.

Temperament

For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to be without fear. His trust and affectionate responsiveness are very appealing. Maltese are among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, yet he is lively and playful as well as vigorous.

• The coat requires daily brushing to keep its elegant appearance.
• Despite his size the Maltese is without fear. The Maltese is a good choice for people who live in small apartments because of his size, but for the same reason it is not a good candidate for those with small children, unless the owner can provide constant supervision.