Maltese Dogs

Hardly any breeds are as extensively cherished as the Maltese dogs. This smart and loving pet is fashionable all over the world with the affluent and notorious as well as the rest of us. The Maltese dog is a lively and daring little dog with a full history dating back more than 28 centuries.

In the same way as with every breed there is some dispute concerning the first traces of the breed. Some state the dog started in Sweden and is a descendent of a Spitz category dog. The Greeks held the earliest Maltese dog originated in the Isle of Malta. They called this dog "Melitaie Dog". Melitae was the ancient name for Malta. Some sources indicate the Maltese dogs originated in Asia.

The most primitive artifacts similar to Maltese dogs was found in Egypt. These date back to between 600-300 B.C.- signifying that the ancient Egyptians worshipped primitive forms of the Maltese dog. There are numerous historical pictoral representations of these dogs. Greek cermaic art and numerous Greek and roman philosphers also refer to the Maltese dog. Aristotle and many further significant philosophers and historians mention the dog. The Greeks even created tombs to their Maltese dog.

These tiny dogs most likely made their way all the way through Europe and the Middle East as wandering tribes migrated. Some say the little dogs were utilized in bartering and in this fashion the Maltese dog found its way round Europe, and beyond.

Maltese Dogs Were Royal Favorites

The Maltese dog was regarded as an upper class dog, cherished by aristocrats, statespersons and royalty. In the middle of the 19th Century it was regarded as quite trendy to have a Maltese dog in your pocket or purse. Some even alleged that the dog possessed magical healing powers.

The first records of the Maltese dog in Britian is in the reign of Henry VIII. A lot of monarchs have enjoyed Maltese dog companions since then. Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria additionally owned Maltese dogs.

No one documented how the Maltese dog came to America. The Maltese dogs were originally seen in the US in the late 1800's. The first Maltese dog was white and listed as a "Maltese dog Lion Dog" at the first show in 1877. The American Kennel Club started recognizing the type in 1888.

Maltese dog owners come from all walks of life. A lot of pop culture icons have owned these good natured little dogs. Marylin Monroe, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Tony Bennett are some of the well-known owners. Most likely its white color and long sleek coat had a great deal to do with its reputation. It also has a lot to do with the Maltese Dogs large personality