How can you tell if a Maltese is purebred
How to Know if a Maltese Dog is Purebred
When we adopt a dog, their breed won't affect how much we should love and care for them. What is important is their health and happiness, as well as forging a strong bond together. However, there are some reasons you may want to know if you have adopted a purebred Maltese dog. Since purebred dogs are sold at premium rates, you want to make sure someone isn't illegally selling animals for profit. Certain breeds may be predisposed to certain behavioral characteristics or health problems, so knowing the origin breed can help in the care you provide for them.
Whatever the reason why you want to know, AnimalWised tells you how to know if a Maltese dog is purebred. We provide a breed description of the Maltese and show the traits which helps you to know if they are a purebred, mixed-breed or even a different breed altogether.
Is it important that your Maltese is purebred?
As referenced in the introduction, your dog deserves love regardless of their breed or history. There is too large an importance placed on dog breed, a problem which can lead to healthy dogs being overlooked for adoption. It is understandable we would want a dog with certain qualities, but it is important to remember they don't need to be purebred to have them. Nor is it possible to foresee a dog's behavior via breed alone.
In saying this, there are many dog guardians who love certain breeds. They like their history, their character or even just their aesthetics. They may want to show the dog in a dog competition or be a member of a group with other guardians of the same dog breed.
Another important factor is whether we can adapt to their needs. There are certain breeds which need caregivers with a high level of energy, knowledge, experience and ability to look after them sufficiently. This means, when adopting a dog, we may need to avoid certain breeds if we are novice dog guardians.
For the Maltese, as with all dog breeds, a purebred specimen is one which has paternity from other purebred dogs. Their ancestors have been crossed to carry on certain traits which conform to a breed standard. This standard is stipulated by certain organizations such as the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)[1].
Physical characteristics of a purebred Maltese
The breed standard of a dog is a set of descriptions which an individual needs to meet to be considered typical of the breed. Perhaps the most prestigious breed standardization society is the FCI. They are the benchmark to which dogs are compared at canine competitions across the world.
The characteristics which are considered to make up the breed standard of the Maltese are the following:
- General appearance: small size and elongated body with long white hair.
- Size: height at the withers 21 to 25 cm (8-10") in males and 20 to 23 cm (8-9 ") in females
- Weight: between 3 and 4 kg (7-9 lb).
- Head: rather broad (slightly more than half its length), with a very marked stop (fronto-nasal junction), forming an angle of 90. The nose is relatively large, rounded and totally black. The upper lips line perfectly to the lower lips and must be totally black. The teeth are white, the dentition is well developed and complete, and the incisors articulate in a scissor fashion. The eyes have an alert expression, being large and rounded. The eyeball is not sunken, but is slightly protruding. The eyes must not show the sclera (whites of the eyes) and irises are dark ocher in color. The edge of the upper and lower eyelids, as well as the third eyelid, are black. The ears are almost triangular and hang on both sides of the head.
- Neck: always upright.
- Tail: thick at the root and thin at the tip. Forms a single curve towards the back, touching the tip with the rump. A tail curled to one side of the body is also considered within the breed standard.
- Extremities: rather robust bone structure, with parallel and vertical extremities. The paw pads are black. Nails should be black or at least dark in color.
- Hair: pure white (or pale ivory), dense, shiny, silky, straight (without waves or curls) and very long all over the body. The hair should fall heavily to the ground like a cape, without splitting, tufting or tangling.
- Movement: takes short and quick steps, with uniform movement and hair brushing on the ground.
Character of a purebred Maltese dog
Temperament is another important factor in breed standardization. It can also help us to determine whether you have a purebred Maltese. The FCI includes the Maltese in its group known as companion dogs. This means they are not dogs which can be used as working animals with much effectiveness, but they make great companions to families. This is because of a calm and affectionate nature.
Some people see their long hair and think of them as frivolous animals, but no animal is such. They are very intelligent dogs which have a state of permanent alertness. They are attentive to what is going on around them, they are fast, agile and lively.
Maltese dogs have a cheerful, playful and friendly character. They are not excessively restless, as can be the case with some Bichon-type dogs or small dog breeds. Although not common in this breed, behavioral problems occur. They are usually due to stressful environments, poor care or a lack of education. Their intelligence and predisposition toward obeying their family means they are relatively easy to train.
If you have adopted a Maltese, but have not yet given them a name, our list of Maltese dog name ideas might help you decide.
Is my Maltese purebred?
The only document that can prove that a dog is purebred is their pedigree certificate. This document guarantees that the ancestors are purebred and that they have been crossed with other purebred specimens. In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) issues pedigree certificates to prove lineage. However, the governing bodies differ according to country.
You will have to contact the AKC and start the process of purchasing a pedigree certificate, but you will need to be as sure as you can that you can prove it. This means getting references from the breeders and finding other documentation that proves their pedigree.
To know whether a Maltese dog is purebred, you can look a their physical characteristics and temperament, but these cannot prove heritage. To do this, you will need to either have a pedigree certificate which is authenticated by the correct body or have a genetic heritage test carried out. These are similar to genealogy tests carried out on humans. They can be expensive, but they are effective.
Dog genealogy tests or DNA tests are not available everywhere. You can speak to your veterinarian about them, but you may need to purchase them online. They can be expensive, but they provide the benefit of letting you know what other breeds may be in their ancestry. This can help us stay observant for certain health problems related to some breeds.
What if your Maltese is a mixed breed?
As we mentioned at the beginning, unless you want to participate in a dog show or contest, the fact that your Maltese is not purebred does not matter. It only means that some of their ancestors may have been crossed with specimens that are not purebred. When this happens, their anatomical characteristics may differ slightly from the official breed standard.
Remember that breed standards are characteristics that are selected subjectively by certain organizations to differentiate a specific breed. These standards usually change over time, meaning the characteristics that are considered ideal for a breed today may change in the future.
You should not forget that the truly important issue in animal husbandry is that it be done responsibly. Regardless of whether the ancestors are purebred or not, health and well-being are the most important factors in raising a dog. Purebred dogs often have shorter lifespans and are more prone to certain health conditions. We can see this by looking at the common diseases of the Maltese dog.
If your Maltese is not a purebred, it shouldn't affect how you see them as a companion animal. There may be some practical consequences if you have paid a premium for a purebred dog, but you will need to take that up with the breeder. If they are illegally selling non-pedigree animals, you may be able to sue to have your money reimbursed, but the well-being of the dog needs to be respected.
As with any animal, caring for a mixed-breed Maltese dog will require you to respect the five freedoms of animal welfare.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Know if a Maltese Dog is Purebred, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category.
References
- Federation Cynologique Internationale. (2018). FCI Standard No. 65: Maltese. Retrieved from: http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/065g09-en.pdf
Bibliography
- American Kennel Club. (n.d.) Purchase a Pedigree. Retrieved from: https://www.akc.org/register/pedigree/
How Can You Tell If a Yorkie Is Purebred? (Easy Steps & Complete Guide)
The colour is the most obvious distinguishing feature of determining whether your Yorkie is purebred. PurebredYorkies are born with a natural black and tan coat, but as the puppy grows older, the black colour fades, and the coat turns blue. Purebred Yorkie pups will also come with papers from a recognized registered breeding organization like the American Kennel Club.
Continue reading to discover the ultimate guide on how to tell if your Yorkie is purebred.
What Does a Yorkie Look Like?
Yorkshire Terriers come in a variety of colour combinations, such as Black and Tan, Black and Gold, Blue & Tan, and Blue & Gold. These hues run from the base of their tails to the back of their necks. Their head, torso, and legs have a beautiful brown shade that contrasts with the rest of their body. Yorkies are 8 to 9 inches tall and weigh between 4 and 7 pounds.
The colour of Yorkie puppies changes dramatically as they grow into adults. Their coat lightens as they grow older, generally going from a darker hue at birth to a lighter tint as they mature.
What Makes the Yorkie Unique?
The Yorkie was first bred by Scottish weavers who immigrated to Englands North Country, taking a little companion dog with them. Subsequently, the silky, floor-sweeping breed became a fashionable lapdog for Yorkshire and Lancashires stylish Victorian ladies.
How Does a Purebred Yorkie Differ in Looks from a Non-Purebred?
Weight of a Purebred Yorkie
If youre comparing a pure Yorkie adult to the AKC breed standard, your puppy must weigh no more than 7 pounds.
Colour of a Purebred Yorkie
Purebred Yorkie pups come in two colours: black and brown. Adult dogs must be blue, but not silver-blue or a blue flecked with fawn, bronzy, or black hairs, but rather a dark, steel-blue and tan, with no sooty black hair mixed and sliding into a lighter tan at the tips.
This blue and tan hair distribution must be perfect according to the standard.
Fur Texture of a Purebred Yorkie
Of course, a purebred Yorkies shiny, straight coat is stunning, and the breed standard emphasizes the significance of coat quality, texture, and quantity.
Body and Proportions of a Purebred Yorkie
The Yorkies body should also be well-proportioned and compact, with a short back and the height of the rump at shoulder level.
Can My Yorkies Temperament be an Indicator of Pure Breeding?
A purebred Yorkshire Terrier is known for being obstinate, and if you do not begin teaching the dog at a young age, the breed can be tough to train. Is your Yorkie the same way?
In general, the purebred Yorkshire Terrier is a friendly dog who will approach strangers with ease. The rather devoted Yorkie thrives when it can receive a lot of attention from its favourite persons on a daily basis.
However, when face to face with other dogs, the standard Yorkie, in an authentic little terrier manner, will almost certainly try to fight them, even if the other dog is considerably larger than them!
This is due to the fact that a purebred Yorkie with this characteristic is prone to leash aggressiveness and barrier frustration.
Purebred Yorkies Always Come with Official Documentation
Your breeder should be registered to an accredited institution if your Yorkshire Terrier was bred to a pure lineage. This means when you purchase your Yorkie, you should also be given a set of official documentation to classify its bloodline. These papers will clearly state whether your Yorkie is purebred or not.
The records also provides the information on the puppys parents, siblings, breeder, and kennel number.
This knowledge of purebred linage has distinct advantages. First, you can determine what characteristics the puppy inherited, such as coat colour and size. Second, you may ensure its in good health and hasnt inherited any ailments from either parent. If the litter is healthy, its a positive indication that your puppy comes from a solid genetic line.
Finally, you have it on good authority that this data is correct. Since the breeder paid to have the Yorkies background validated, a documented Yorkie costs extra. Not to mention the time and effort the breeder expended to ensure your pups overall health.
How Much Do Yorkshire Terriers with Purebred Papers Cost?
A recognized breed registry must prove a dogs genealogy for him to be declared purebred. The American Kennel Club is considered the most well-known, respected, and popular breed registration in the United States.
In the North, the Canadian Kennel Club is considered the most well-known, reputable, and popular breed registry in Canada. Although there are other breed registries, none are as selective as the AKC.
Finding a pedigreed Yorkie breeder with AKC-certified puppies is the first step if you want a pedigreed Yorkie. AKC recognized pups are unquestionably the costliest, but that doesnt mean you cant get a healthy, loving companion for a fraction of the cost of a real purebred.
On average, an AKC-licensed breeder will charge between $1,200 and $1,500 for each puppy.
Most breeders will ask for a non-refundable fee (usually between $200 and $300) during the application process.
Testing Your Yorkshire Terriers DNA to See if it is a Purebred
Genetic testing for dog breeds is now available at home! To test and discover if your Yorkie is purebred or not, you may easily order DNA tests for your dog online.
These DNA kits are as simple as swabbing your Yorkies lips, mailing it in the supplied postage-paid box, and receiving the findings of your Yorkies genetic history in only 2 to 3 weeks. A home testing kit can detect over 250 breeds. This collection covers 99 percent of the breeds presently recognized by the AKC.
Furthermore, a dogs DNA home testing kit will test for three generations, up to the great grandparents of your Yorkshire Terrier.
This at-home dog DNA testing kit can also forecast your Yorkies mature weight, allowing you to make better dietary decisions for your pet.
My name is Ken and Im one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. Ive cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
