| The Maltese is known as " ye ancient dogge
of Malta" which for more than 28 centuries has been an aristocrat of the
canine world. 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. 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.
Malta has been prominent in history from the earliest times. Though settled by the Phoenicians about 1500 B.C., we know that other Mediterranean races lived there as well. Amid these surroundings, among these people, the tiny Maltese lived. 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.
This toy dog breed has a coat of long silky white hair that hardly sheds.It has no undercoat, and hangs evenly down each side from a parting that extends along the center of the back from the nose to the root of the tail. Other characteristics of the animal are a slightly round skull; a black nose; drooping ears generously covered with long hair; very dark, alert-looking eyes; short, straight legs; and a graceful, well-feathered tail. The dog is intelligent and an extremely affectionate pet. Should be groomed daily. He is gentle, loving,& vigorous. He makes a great companion and needs exercise at least 30 minutes daily. He is among the most mild mannered of all the little dogs. Height- 7 to 10 inches. Weight- Under 7 pounds,
from 4-6 pounds preferred.
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