Lemon spots

Is it common for Maltese to have small lemon spots on their fur as puppies, and if so will the spots go away as the puppies grow older?
Judith Montijo

• Yes, extremely common. Statistics say 50 percent of them go away as thr puppie grows older. Lemon or tan on the ears is permissable as far as the "standard" is concerned, meaning your maltese could still be shown. Nothing to worry about in other words.
  Elsie

• My breeder told me that the lemon spots on his back and ears would go away in no time. However, my maltese is 6 months and the spots are still pretty prominent. I guess it is a 50/50 chance.
  Connie

• My beau had light tan on his little ears and back. he is now 8 months old and is pure white! 50/50 chance is right!!
  Beau B.

• Lemon spots are not uncommon on a Maltese and yes, they may go away or they may not. It's all a matter of genetics. Many times you will find that the Maltese with the darkest pigment and eye halos are also the ones with a little lemon color -- seems to go together. Many of the show dogs that become champions have a liitle lemon if you look real close.
  Bobbie Linden - Bhe-Jei Maltese