I will now (as of yesterday!) be showing a Maltese puppy for a lady. (She is about 8m I think)
I've arranged that I will take the pup to ringcraft along with my dogs so she gets used to being handled by me, but I wanted to ask about the finer points of Maltese so I can do the pup justice :)

How is the topknot done? Is the coat groomed the same as a shih tzu - so a parting along the spine? Do handlers typically show the teeth, or do the judges do it themselves? Can anyone recommend something to try to get rid of the tear stains?

I think thats all my questions for now, if I think of anymore i'll add them

Carla

I'm not an expert, but when I see Maltese at shows they often have 2 little parted topknots with blue ribbons, and a centre parting down the back. Try the topic a few above this for whitening shampoo recommendations. The people at ringcraft may be able to give you some pointers too. Good luck - they are beautiful little dogs!

> Can anyone recommend something to try to get rid of the tear stains?
>

Angel eyes or similar used regularly will lessen the tearing stains and when almost gone you can smear a little vaseline over the area that stains- The tears will run off this and not discolour the coat.

This happens in my breed when teething but if it was a longer problem I would nip to vet to rule out any problem causing the eye to run. A Maltese person (breeder as opposed to native!) would be able to tell you if that is the same in your breed.

Maltese shown in the UK have the hair taken up in one bow between the ears.  The are shown stacked on the floor. As with any breed the judge will look at teeth either themselves or ask the handler to show them, coat is parted down the spine and brushed to either side.

Loads of different products on the market to try for tear staining.  some work some don't and some folk have there own way of keeping it under control.

I have handled a friends maltese and they are great wee dogs to work with. :-)