| Few breeds are as widely loved as the Maltese. This | | | | migrated. Some say the little dogs were used in |
| intelligent and affectionate pet is popular all over the | | | | bartering and in this way the Maltese found its way |
| world with the rich and famous as well as the | | | | around Europe, and beyond. |
| commoners. | | | | The Maltese was regarded as a upper class dog, |
| The Maltese is a playful and adventurous little dog with | | | | prized by aristocrats, statespersons and royalty. In the |
| a rich history dating back more than 28 centuries. | | | | middle of the 19th Century it was regarded as quite |
| As with every breed there is some disagreement | | | | fashionable to have a Maltese in your pocket or |
| about the first traces of the breed. Some say the dog | | | | handbag. Some even believed that the dog possessed |
| originated in Sweden and is a descendent of a Spitz | | | | magical healing powers. |
| type dog. | | | | The first records of the Maltese in Britian is during the |
| The Greeks believe the first Maltese originated in the | | | | reign of Henry VIII. Many royals have enjoyed Maltese |
| Isle of Malta. They called this dog "Melitaie Dog". Melitae | | | | companions since then. Queen Elizabeth I and Queen |
| was the ancient name for Malta. Some sources | | | | Victoria also owned Maltese. |
| indicate the Maltese originated in Asia. | | | | Nobody documented how the Maltese came to |
| The earliest artifacts resembling Maltese dogs was | | | | America. The Maltese were first seen in the US in the |
| found in Egypt. These date back to between 600-300 | | | | late 1800's. The first Maltese was white and listed as a |
| B.C.- suggesting that the ancient Egyptians worshipped | | | | "Maltese Lion Dog" at the first show in 1877. The |
| early forms of the Maltese. | | | | American Kennel Club started recognizing the breed in |
| There are many historical pictoral representations of | | | | 1888. |
| these dogs. Greek cermaic art and many Greek and | | | | Maltese owners come from all walks of life. Many pop |
| roman philosphers also mention the Maltese. Aristotle | | | | culture icons have owned these good natured little |
| and many other noteworthy philosophers and | | | | dogs. Marylin Monroe, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor |
| historians mention the dog. The Greeks even erected | | | | and Tony Bennett are some of the famous owners. |
| tombs to their Maltese. | | | | Most likely its white color and long silky coat had a |
| These tiny dogs most likely made their way through | | | | great deal to do with its popularity. |
| Europe and the Middle East as nomadic tribes | | | | |