Hardly any breeds are as extensively cherished as the Maltese dog. This smart and loving pet is popular all over the world with the affluent and famous as well as the rest of us. The Maltese dog is a full of fun and daring little dog with a full history dating back more than 28 centuries.
The same as with each breed there is a little dispute with reference to the first traces of the breed. Some declare the dog started in Sweden and is a descendent of a Spitz variety dog. The Greeks said the earliest Maltese dog originated in the Isle of Malta. They called this dog "Melitaie Dog". Melitae was the antiquated name for Malta. Some sources point out the Maltese dog originated in Asia.
The most primitive artifacts resembling Maltese dogs was discoverd 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 various historical pictoral representations of these dogs. Greek cermaic art and several Greek and roman philosphers also bring up the Maltese dog. Aristotle and many further noteworthy philosophers and historians cite the dog. The Greeks even created tombs to their Maltese dog.
These tiny dogs most likely made their way all through Europe and the Middle East as traveling tribes migrated. Some say the little dogs were made use of in bartering and in this fashion the Maltese dog found its way throughout Europe, and beyond.
The Maltese dog was regarded as an upper class dog, cherished by aristocracy, statespersons and monarchs. In the middle of the 19th Century it was regarded as somewhat modern to have a Maltese dog in your pocket or bag. Some even thought that the dog possessed supernatural healing powers.
The first records of the Maltese dog in Britian is during the reign of Henry VIII. Lots of royalty 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 initially 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 class in 1888.
Maltese dog owners come from all walks of life. Loads of pop culture icons have owned these good natured little dogs. Marylin Monroe, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Tony Bennett are some of the famous owners. Most likely its white color and long silken hair had a great deal to do with its attractiveness. It also has a lot to do with its terrific character
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