Yes, it's pigment that darkens with more sunlight and then fades with less. Nothing to worry about. Some maltese have spots and some don't. 
If it isn't scabby but simply pigmentation, that's normal. They look like cow spots. Sometimes larger, sometimes smaller. They are most apparent when you give them a bathMy Maltese is 1 and 1/2 years old and we keep her in a puppy cut. Her hair got a little longer towards the end of winter and with her going in and out of the snow and melted snow she got pretty matted despite our constant brushing. Anyway, when it started to warm up a little we decided to shave her and give her a clean start. Everything was normal until a couple days ago when I was petting her and swishing her hair around when I noticed spots all over her skin on her side and back. I had noticed a couple marks a month or so ago near what I guess would be her arm pit, but was not concerned because she had scraped herself when she decided to get entangled in a thorn bush and it had scabbed. I thought perhaps it was still healing or could be a scar. But now I see a lot of little brown spots spread all over and I am even more concerned about a large dark patch on the center of her back. They are difficult to see unless looking for them as her hair has grown some, but I wonder how long they have been there and where they came from.
I searched the internet and found that it can be normal for Maltese to freckle, especially in summer months. Some say it is sunburn and will go away, but she hasn't had a whole lot of sun recently as there has been so much rain. Is this normal? Has anyone else run into this with your Maltese? It is only on her back and left side; her belly is clear which I also read was unusual. I know I am probably worrying myself more than I should and we will be seeing the vet this week for her annual boosters, but I was hoping hear from those who might know about this. Thanks!
Marsha - I was so shocked too when I saw them on Tyler last summer during bath time. Freaked me out and then I read that maltese can have these spots. I never see them other than bath time and never see them in the winter. Our little cows or leopards. :HistericalSmiley:These were great to read, as our little Maddie has this on her back and ears. I was wondering if it meant she was not a quality bread of Maltese. Our first little Peaches didn't have any on her. We lost her this past February 16th, at a wonderful age of 16 years, 1 month and 23 days. We started looking in June and got our new little girl in August. Once a Maltese owner, forever a Maltese owner.
Both of mine have them; we call them Angel Kisses.
There is a tutorial thread that is pinned and that should be able to help you. I haven't done this in so long, that I've forgotten, sorry. But do a search and you'll find the post.Can you answer me how do I add a picture of Maddie to my prfile?