Alright, let’s get right to it, are all Maltese white? You’ve probably seen them prancing around with their long, silky coats like little cloud puppies. But are there ever Maltese that aren’t white?
The short answer? Yeah, the breed standard says white. But the longer answer is a little more fun to unpack.
What The Breed Standards Say
Let’s talk official stuff first. According to both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the Maltese is supposed to be white.
Plain and simple. Any other solid color or large patches of color? Not considered standard.
Some folks in show circles are pretty strict about this. If your Maltese has noticeable coloring anywhere other than slight lemon or tan on the ears, it’s not show-ring material. Doesn’t mean it’s not adorable or loveable.
It just means it won’t be strutting its stuff at Westminster.
White has been the go-to look for ages, but that doesn’t mean other coat variations didn’t exist at some point. It’s just that breeders, especially those involved in shows, have focused on white to keep up with standards.
The Genetic Side
So, what’s the deal with the all-white thing anyway? It comes down to something called genetics.
Maltese dogs carry genes that suppress pigment, which is why their coats come out white. It’s like their bodies said, “Nah, we’re skipping the color and going full snow.”
There’s a gene called the extreme white spotting gene that’s common in this breed. It overrides other colors that might be present in the background, basically bleaching the whole coat.
Sometimes, when they’re pups, you might spot the faintest cream or lemon shading, mostly on the ears or around the paws, but a lot of that fades as they grow up.
Some owners think their pup has “color” because of lighting, dirt, or even the shampoo they use. Been there. After a muddy day in the park, even a white Maltese can look beige.
But Wait… Are There Colored Maltese?
This is where it gets juicy. While the white Maltese is the poster pup, there are dogs out there labeled “Maltese” that don’t quite fit the snowball look.
These are usually mixes or non-standard lines. Sometimes it’s a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkie (that’s a Morkie), or maybe a Maltese and a Poodle (that one’s a Maltipoo).
You’ll see tan, black, gray, or even parti-colored pups in these cases. They can still have a similar face or body shape, but the coat gives away their mixed roots.
One time at a dog cafe, this woman was holding the most precious caramel-colored floof and swore it was a pure Maltese.
A few curious dog lovers gathered and asked. She laughed and said, “Well, her mum’s a Maltese, her dad’s a rebel.” That about sums it up.
Common Misunderstandings
People often see a fluffy white dog and assume it’s a Maltese, even if it’s a Bichon, a Havanese, or even a white Shih Tzu. Not every small, white dog is a Maltese, even if they give off the same princess energy.
On the flip side, some people assume that if their pup isn’t perfectly white, it can’t be a Maltese. Not always true. Slight color on the ears or face as a puppy is normal and allowed in pet-quality dogs. It’s just not the look that wins ribbons at shows.
Sometimes genetics can throw you a curveball. A pup might come from two white Maltese parents and still have a little tan mark on her tail. Doesn’t mean she’s broken. Just means she’s special.
Grooming Can Trick The Eye
Ever noticed how lighting in your house makes your dog look whiter in one room and creamier in another? That’s not your imagination. Shampoo residue, water quality, sunlight exposure, these things can all play tricks.
Over time, a dog’s coat might yellow a bit, especially around the mouth or paws. Totally normal.
A lot of it’s from saliva or tears, especially if they’re prone to staining. Doesn’t mean the dog’s coat changed color permanently. Just needs some TLC.
Also, some groomers use bluing shampoos to keep white coats looking, well, white. Kind of like the stuff people use for brightening blonde hair. So if a Maltese looks extra bright, it might just be fresh out of a spa day.
For The Show Crowd And Breeders
If you’re into showing dogs or thinking of breeding Maltese, then yes, white is the only coat color that’ll fly. Judges are trained to look for that snow-white coat. Any spots or patches? That’s usually points off, or a straight no-go.
Breeders aiming for standard always work to keep that solid white look. But pet homes don’t always care about show standards. They care that the dog is healthy, friendly, and snuggly.
So if a pup has a tiny cream spot on her ear and you’re not planning on a show career, it’s nothing to stress about. That pup will love you the same.
So… Are All Maltese White?
According to the rules? Yep. But in the real world? There’s a bit of wiggle room. You’ve got mixes, you’ve got genetics doing their thing, and you’ve got folks who don’t mind bending tradition a bit.
If you’re buying or adopting and you care about getting a purebred, definitely ask questions. Ask to see the parents. Ask about pedigree.
And if the dog has color, don’t assume it’s not a Maltese, just know it might not be one that fits the official mold.
A Little Love for All Coats
White, cream-tinted, or part something else entirely, at the end of the day, it’s the dog’s heart that counts.
A Maltese (or Maltese mix) will still cuddle up next to you on the couch, follow you around like a fluffy little shadow, and act like royalty even when she’s just been rolling in the grass.
So whether you’re hunting for the classic snow-white beauty or fall for a little rule-breaker with a tan patch, the love hits just the same.
Thinking about getting a Maltese, or already have one that doesn’t fit the standard look? Does it matter to you, or is the bond what really counts?