Coloring of Maltese

Has anyone ever seen or heard of an Ivory maltese? Rather than stark white it is more of a creamy white color (ivory). Just wondered about the rareness of such a creature and if that is a sign of defect. I have an ivory maltese. She is quite beautiful and looks just like our white maltese in all aspects other than her coloring. I guess i just want to know what that says about her breeding , etc.
dani

• The American standard for the Maltese says that their color should be pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissable, but not desirable. I would rather refer to this as not of the standard or objectionable rather than a sign of *defect*. I have seen Maltese that are ivory or an off white coloring, just as I have seen light to med brown eyes and nose. This is just one of the *many* traits that distinguishes a pet vs show quality. ALL purebred Maltese lack something, somewhere. There is *not* a perfect one out there. What you try to do though is get as close to the standard as is possible. Yours just happens to be lacking the pure white coloring.As a pet owner, there is nothing for you to be concerned about.
  Jay