[header] How to identify a show worthy maltese [title] Assess the body of the dog. [step] The standard body of a maltese is compact. Typically, the distance from the withers (shoulders) to the root (base) of the tail should be the same as the distance from the withers to the ground. 
Its back should be level from the tail to the shoulders. The dog's chest should be slightly deep and the loins should be tight and slightly tucked under.