Maltese Dogs Are in style all over the world with the wealthy and well-known
By Mike Hargreaves
Not many breeds are as extensively loved as the Maltese dog. This intelligent and loving pet is popular all over the world with the prosperous and well-known as well as the rest of us. The Maltese dog is a full of life and bold little dog with a plentiful history dating back more than 28 centuries.
In the same way as with every breed there is a quantity of dispute on the subject of the first traces of the breed. A few say the dog started in Sweden and is a descendent of a Spitz variety dog. The Greeks alleged the original Maltese dog originated in the Isle of Malta. They called this dog “Melitaie Dog”. Melitae was the ancient name for Malta. Several sources specify the Maltese dog originated in Asia.
The first artifacts similar to Maltese dogs was found in Egypt. These date back to between 600-300 B.C.- signifying that the ancient Egyptians worshipped basic forms of the Maltese dog. There are lots of historical pictoral representations of these dogs. Greek cermaic art and various Greek and roman philosphers also talk about the Maltese dog. Aristotle and many added significant philosophers and historians cite the dog. The Greeks even constructed tombs to their Maltese dog.
These little dogs most likely made their way throughout Europe and the Middle East as nomadic tribes migrated. Some declare the little dogs were used in bartering and in this fashion the Maltese dog found its way round Europe, and beyond.
The Maltese dog was regarded as an upper class dog, cherished by nobles, statespersons and crowned heads. 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 miraculous healing powers.
The earliest records of the Maltese dog in Britian is in the reign of Henry VIII. Many monarchs have enjoyed Maltese dog companions ever since then. Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria also owned Maltese dogs.
Nobody documented how the Maltese dog came to America. The Maltese dogs were primarily 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 variety 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 illustrious owners. Most likely its white color and lengthy silky-smooth hair had a great deal to do with its reputation. It also has a lot to do with its big personality
Please drop in on my web site for new information on Maltese Dogs as well as all the best dog breeds
