GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: Not to exceed 25.5cm (l0”).
Colour: Pure white with slight lemon marking permissible. Black nose, eyerims and pads.
Coat: Long, silky and straight with the top knot tied up in bows. 
Gait: Free, straight with no weaving or crossing of front or hind legs. With their proud carriage, when seen in the showring these smart toy dogs have coats that are reminiscent of white flowing gowns. The well defined stop and dark brown oval eyes are placed mid way in the head. The pendant ears are covered with long hair. The fore legs must be straight and the hindquarter assembly should be well angulated. The short compact body ends with a tail that is carried over the back and finishes in a long plume.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
These little dogs thrive on family life and for over 2,000 years have been bred to be ornamental. Always smart, lively and incredibly sweet, they are by no means sissy dogs. Not being a one person dog, they will accept and give love equally to all members of the household. They enjoy exercise and can be taken for walks by the elderly, however they are not always suitable as pets with young children. With a coat like human hair and no undercoat, daily brushing and frequent bathing is advisable to keep their coat white.
HISTORY
Once known as the dog of Melita, the Latin name for Malta, it is believed that this breed was in existence and highly valued as far back as 3500 BC. Later during the lst century AD, they were known as ‘The Roman Ladies’ Dogs’ and much celebrated by poets and in paintings. Dr. Caius (1570) discussed their virtues and described how women carried them in their bosoms, arms, and took them into their beds. For centuries, this breed has been protected, spoilt and fed the tastiest morsels of food. They are described as one of the oldest of the European breeds and during the time of Henry VIII they became an immediate favourite of the English Court.