History Of The Maltese

There are several theories regarding the origin of the Maltese. It is agreed, however, that the Maltese has its roots firmly established in ancient times.

Long ago, perhaps as early as 6000 BC, (8,000 years ago) there was a small white domesticated dog now generally referred to as the "little white dog of antiquity." Many historians feel that this petite canine is the direct lineal ancestor of the several contemporary Bichon breeds including the Maltese, the Bichon Frise, the Havanese, the Bolognese, the Lowchen, and the Coton de Tulear.

The earliest known representation of Maltese dogs are on artifacts found at Fayum, Egypt (dating back to approximately 600 - 300 B.C.). These suggest that the Maltese may have been one of the dogs worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. Numerous pictorial representations of the Maltese are also found in Greek ceramic art, such as on the vases discovered in Vulci, which date back to about 500 B.C.

The breed is also mentioned in the writings of many Greek and Roman philosophers, as well as other ancient poets and historians including Aristotle. It was described by Greek philosopher, Theoprastus, as belonging to the "Melitaie" breed, an archaic name for Malta, an island off the southern coast of Italy.

History indicates that many of the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that this little white dog originated on the island of Malta, The popularity and respect that it enjoyed here is evidenced by the actions of Publius. Well a Roman governor of Malta, he so treasured his Maltese that he commissioned an artist to paint her portrait and even had poetry written about her.

While historians agree that the Maltese is a dog of ancient lineage, they differ in their theories of its origin. Some insist that the breed was developed in Italy with the addition of miniature spaniel and poodle genes. Others deny altogether the theory that the Maltese was indigenous to the Island of Malta They instead maintain that the breed descended from a Spitz-type dog that was bred in the area of south central Europe.

Since Malta was colonized by Phoenicians in about 1,000 BC, some historians propose that the Maltese may have been brought to the area by these colonists. Most do agree, however, that the Maltese were eventually distributed as exotic items of trade from the ancient island trading center of Malta. From there, it is said that they migrated by caravans as well as on ships to the farthest reaches of the civilized world.

Through the centuries, the Maltese were prized by the upper classes, aristocracies, states persons, and royalty. They were often carried by them in their sleeves. At one time they were even believed to possess medicinal powers of healing and would be placed on the chest or abdomen for comfort. During the era of this practice the Maltese were adoringly called the "Comforters."

Maltese were especially popular in England during Elizabethan times (the late 1500s). Both Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots owned Maltese.

The Maltese is a toy breed originally recognized by AKC in 1888. It has since enjoyed its history in America as a much-loved companion as well as a glamorous show dog.