The Maltese descends from one of the most ancient dog breeds to be found in recorded history. It has been estimated that the breed originated around 6,000 B.C., or 8,000 years ago.

Although the ancient Greeks and Romans believed the dog originated on the island of Malta-they called the breed the Melitaie Dog, Melitaie being the ancient name for Malta-there is really no evidence that proves the dog was indigenous to the island, but rather that the Maltese is descended from a Spitz-type dog bred by the peoples of the area which is now south central Europe. The breed was eventually distributed as an exotic article of trade from the ancient island trading center of Malta, hence the name, and from there migrated by caravans to the farthest reaches of the civilized world, including: the Middle East, Tibet, China, the Philippines, and Japan.

The earliest known representations of Maltese dogs on artifacts found at Fayum, Egypt (600-300 B.C.), suggest that the Maltese was one of the dogs worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. Numerous pictorial representations of the Maltese occur in Greek ceramic art, such as the vases found at Vulci (about 500 B.C.), and the dog is mentioned in the writings of many Greek and Roman philosophers, and other ancient poets and historians, including: Aristotle, Timon, Callimachus, Aelian, Artimidorus, Epaminodus, Martial, Strabo, Pliny the Elder and Saint Clement of Alexandria. Notable ancient owners of Maltese include Roman Emperor Claudius and Publius, Roman governor of Malta.

The Maltese emerged untarnished from the Dark Ages and continued to be recorded as the dog prized by the upper class, aristocrats, statespersons and royalty. The Maltese was even believed to possess medicinal powers of healing-the ailing would place the dog on their stomach or chest for comfort.
Because of this practice, and the dogs warm, affectionate nature and small size, which made it easy to hold in ones arms or lap, the Maltese became known as the "Comforter." The dog was particularly popular in England during Elizabethan times (the late 16th century). Two notable owners of Maltese in those times were Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Because of this practice, and the dogs warm, affectionate nature and small size, which made it easy to hold in ones arms or lap, the Maltese became known as the "Comforter." The dog was particularly popular in England during Elizabethan times (the late 16th century). Two notable owners of Maltese in those times were Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.

The island of Malta was visited by Phoenician sailors around 1500 B.C. and is the homeland of this tiny breed. The breed has been mentioned in early writings and Greek art. Tombs have been fashioned after the Maltese, and poetry has been written about it. Even though the breed was often exported, it retained its distinctive look because the breed's chief population remained in relative isolation on the island of Malta. One of the modern day traits is the breed's white silky coat, although that was not an original characteristic. The Maltese came in a multitude of colors and was most recognized for its small size.

In the 14th century, this feisty breed arrived in England via the Crusaders who were returning from the Mediterranean. It quickly became an accessory for every well-to-do lady. Upper- class women often carried the little dogs in their sleeves and even brought them to bed with them. Even though the Maltese was very popular, its numbers were limited; and it may have even been in danger of extinction.

When the Maltese first arrived in England, it was dubbed the "Maltese terrier," even though the breed is nothing like a terrier. In 1877, the dog made its first appearance in America. It was called the Maltese lion dog because of the Asian practice of lion-like coat styles. Recognized in 1888 by the AKC, this stunning breed is an extremely popular toy and loved as both a show dog and pet.

REFERENCES:
"Maltese," Microsoft R Encarta. Copyright c 1994 Microsoft Corp.
Copyright C 1994 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation.

"The Complete Maltese," Cutillo, Nicholas. Copyright c 1986
Howell Book House Inc., New York, NY.