Hardly any breeds are as extensively treasured as the Maltese dog. This intelligent and loving pet is popular all over the world with the well-to-do and notorious as well as the rest of us. The Maltese dog is a full of beans and daring little dog with a fertile history dating back more than 28 centuries.
As with every breed there is a quantity of dispute regarding the first traces of the breed. A few declare the dog originated in Sweden and is a descendent of a Spitz variety dog. The Greeks believed the original Maltese dog originated in the Isle of Malta. They called this dog "Melitaie Dog". Melitae was the antiquated name for Malta. Some sources specify the Maltese dog originated in Asia.
The earliest artifacts similar to Maltese dogs was discoverd in Egypt. These date back to between 600-300 B.C.- suggesting that the ancient Egyptians worshipped basic forms of the Maltese dog. There are numerous historical pictoral representations of these dogs. Greek cermaic art and numerous Greek and roman philosphers also bring up the Maltese dog. Aristotle and many other notable philosophers and historians cite the dog. The Greeks even created tombs to their Maltese dog.
These small dogs most likely made their way through Europe and the Middle East as traveling tribes migrated. Some pronounce the little dogs were utilized in bartering and in this fashion the Maltese dog found its way all-around Europe, and beyond.
The Maltese dog was regarded as an upper class dog, prized by aristocracy, statespersons and sovereigns. In the middle of the 19th Century it was regarded as quite stylish to have a Maltese dog in your pocket or bag. Some even said that the dog possessed supernatural healing powers.
The first records of the Maltese dog in Britian is in the reign of Henry VIII. Many sovereigns have enjoyed Maltese dog companions ever 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 first 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 celebrated owners. Most likely its white color and lengthy sleek coat had a great deal to do with its reputation. It also has a lot to do with its huge personality
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