Schipese

The Maltese is a diminutive toy breed that typically weighs between four and seven pounds and stands seven to ten inches tall at the shoulder, presenting a picture of refined elegance and delicate beauty. Despite their small size, these dogs possess a compact and well-proportioned body that moves with a smooth, flowing gait. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a level topline, well-sprung ribs, and sloping shoulder blades that allow for graceful movement. The breed has been treasured for over two thousand years as a companion of royalty and aristocracy, and their refined appearance reflects this ancient heritage as the ultimate lapdog. The most spectacular feature of the Maltese is undoubtedly their magnificent coat, which is long, silky, and pure white, falling straight to floor length on mature adults. Unlike many breeds, the Maltese has no undercoat, which means they shed minimally and are often well-tolerated by allergy sufferers. The single layer coat has a silky texture that lies flat against the body without any curl or wave. While the preferred color is pristine white, a slight lemon or tan tinge on the ears is acceptable, though not desirable. The coat requires significant maintenance including daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, along with regular bathing every two to three weeks. Many pet owners opt for a shorter puppy cut that is easier to maintain. The Maltese head is well-proportioned with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate stop leading to a medium-length muzzle that tapers slightly. The eyes are large, dark, and round, set somewhat far apart and conveying a gentle and alert expression. Black skin pigmentation known as halos frames the eyes, adding to their soulful appearance. The nose is black, as are the lips and eye rims. The ears are low-set, heavily feathered, and hang close to the head, blending into the long body coat. The tail is gracefully carried over the back, covered with long flowing hair that creates a plume. Tear staining around the eyes is common in white dogs and requires daily cleaning to prevent discoloration of the facial hair.

The Schipperke is a small, sturdy dog with a distinctive silhouette that gives the appearance of sloping from the highest point at the withers down to the base of the tail. Males typically stand between eleven and thirteen inches at the shoulder while females are slightly smaller at ten to twelve inches, with weights ranging from ten to twenty pounds depending on size and build. The breed has a compact, thickset body with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs, conveying an impression of substance and strength despite its modest size. Their characteristic fox-like head features a wedge-shaped muzzle, small pointed ears that stand erect, and dark oval eyes that project an alert, questioning expression. The Schipperke's coat is one of its most distinguishing features, consisting of a double layer with a soft, fluffy undercoat covered by a somewhat harsher and longer outer coat. The coat forms a distinctive pattern with a pronounced ruff around the neck and extending over the shoulders and chest, along with a cape over the back and culottes on the rear of the thighs. This gives the breed its characteristic silhouette and appearance of a miniature lion. The coat is most commonly solid black, which gives the breed a striking appearance, though cream and blonde colorations also occur, and rarely a liver-red shade may be seen. The Schipperke may be born naturally tailless, with a partial tail, or with a full tail that was traditionally docked. The breed's small, cat-like feet are tight and round, designed for the agile movement that made them effective ratters on canal barges and in Belgian shops. Their movement is brisk and smooth, with a distinctive quick stride that reflects their energetic nature. The breed's coat requires weekly brushing to maintain its condition and control shedding, with more frequent attention needed during their heavy seasonal shedding periods that occur twice yearly when the undercoat is shed in dramatic fashion.