Few breeds are as extensively cherished as the Maltese dog. This clever and friendly pet is in style all over the world with the affluent and well-known as well as the rest of us. The Maltese dog is a playful and adventurous little dog with a rich history dating back more than 28 centuries.
In the same way as with each breed there is a little conflict concerning the first traces of the breed. A few say the dog started in Sweden and is a descendent of a Spitz type dog. The Greeks said 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 suggest the Maltese dog originated in Asia.
The first artifacts resembling Maltese dogs was discoverd in Egypt. These date back to between 600-300 B.C.- suggesting that the ancient Egyptians worshipped primitive forms of the Maltese dog. There are various 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 significant philosophers and historians cite the dog. The Greeks even constructed tombs to their Maltese dog.
These tiny dogs most likely made their way all through Europe and the Middle East as roving tribes migrated. Some declare the little dogs were utilized in bartering and in this way the Maltese dog found its way about Europe, and beyond.
The Maltese dog was regarded as an upper class dog, valued by nobles, statespersons and monarchs. In the middle of the 19th Century it was regarded as relatively stylish to have a Maltese dog in your pocket or bag. Some even said that the dog possessed mysterious healing powers.
The first records of the Maltese dog in Britian is during the reign of Henry VIII. Many 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 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 strain in 1888.
Maltese dog owners come from all walks of life. Various pop culture icons have owned these good natured little dogs. Marylin Monroe, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Tony Bennett are some of the illustrious owners. Most likely its white color and lengthy silken hair had a great deal to do with its popularity. It also has a lot to do with its fantastic character
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