Maltese have always signified elegance and beauty and can be traced back many centuries.  Many believe that the Maltese originated on the isle of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Dogs resembling the Maltese have been found in writings and ancient drawings from as early as 5000-2000 B.C. The isle of Malta was a center of early trade and explorers found ancestors of the Maltese left there as barter for necessities and supplies. It is believed that the Maltese migrated by caravans to the farthest reaches of the civilized world, including the Middle East, Tibet,China,thePhilippines,and Japan.
    References to the Maltese are made in early European writings and were favorites of the Greeks and Romans. Ancient Europeans long believed that the Maltese came from one of the islands off the coast of Sicily. Known then as Melita, later being changed to Malta.

     The Maltese is one of the few breeds to have retained its name from its known origin. The earliest known representations of Maltese dogs on artifacts found at Fayum, Egypt (600-300 .C.), suggest that the Maltese was one of the dogs worshiped 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, Statesmen 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 one's arms or lap, the Maltese became known as the "Comforter." The Maltese was particularly popular in England during Elizabethan times (the late 16th century). The Maltese were favored by the wealthy and royalty alike and were bred over time to specifically be a companion animal. Some Royals that purportedly owned Maltese were Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Josephine Bonaparte, and Marie Antoinette.  They were imported into Britain during the reign of Henry VIII. Many Maltese in the U.S. Can be traced back to English imports and were first seen in the United States around the late 1800s.

        The Maltese is a hearty little companion dog with a luxurious, silky white coat that hangs straight to the ground. They are spirited, lively, playful, gentle, and loving. These dogs are bold and quick to sound the alarm at anything suspicious. They love everyone and everything, including children and other pets, and are absolutely the most loving and affectionate little dog you could ever imagine. A well-bred Maltese is a very intelligent, and very healthy, and will live well into their teens. I know of one Maltese that lived to 19 years old. They are quite easy to house break. For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to be without fear. His trust and affectionate responsiveness are very appealing.

     It would be difficult to find a more charming breed than the Maltese. Their intelligence and out-going personality make them a joy to own and their beauty attracts many admirers. Although the Maltese is a toy dog, this small breed is full of delightful personality with a zest for life.

        Their small size makes them easy to manage and they fit in with nearly anyone's lifestyle - from simple apartment living to being a worldwide traveler with a glamorous owner such as Elizabeth Taylor! Their proud carriage and its glorious adornment make the Maltese a favorite of film stars, models, and other personalities in the public life as well as fanciers the world over. The Maltese is happy to be your companion - ready to play, take walks or curl up in your lap.