AKC Papers-standards

I recently purchased a maltese from a breeder in Franklin Tn in NOvember I have not received my papers yet after the 2nd request. Is this normal I searched three months for a maltese puppy & was leary of buying on in my area of Lancaster/York PA. Also my maltese does not have black rims around the eyes yet - will the rims turn black or does the sun do this according to the breeder that I purchased my maltese from. I got this breeder's name out of Dog world Magazine. Also I'm concerned about eye staining is there a book that someone recommends to answer my questions.
Lin

• You should have received the papers when you purchased your puppy. If not the breeder was required to provide you with the name and akc number of both the sire and dam as well as the date of birth. If you do not receive papers soon you can write to the AKC about the situation. They will assist you in getting the papers.

  Eye rims -- generally most Maltese have their black eye rims by 3 months of age. It is possible that they will develop more -- and sunshine will certainly help this along. However, it is quite possible that your Maltese will never get full dark eye rims -- sorry :( .Good luck --
  Bobbie

• I have a page up titled What to ask a Maltese Breeder, here is a quote from that page "Do they have the AKC registration(blue) papers in hand. Be extremely leary of promises or the very old "still waiting for them from the AKC" excuse." Enough said?

  You can call the AKC until your face is more blue than the registration papers you're waiting for and there is not much they can do about broken promises. They will not contact the breeder for you or anything like that. They will tell although what I said above in the first paragraph.

  As far as Dog world magazine, write them a letter concerning the problems you are having with one of their advertisers. I don't know what their policy is but its worth a try and will only cost you a stamp. Good luck.
  Jay