The History of Maltese
Around 3500 B.C., Malta was a thriving seaport, a place of finance and culture, and the island was a crossroads for pilgrims, mariners, and wealthy merchants from three continents. The island was a clearinghouse for precious commodities, such as spices, silks, gemstones, and a certain little white lapdog favored by leisured ladies. Phoenicians, who ruled the Mediterranean before the rise of Greece, likely introduced the Maltese to Malta island.
In the fourth and fifth centuries, Greeks were fascinated by the geometric beauty of the Maltese. The “Melitaie Dog” is depicted on the Golden Age ceramics, and Aristotle refers to it as “perfectly proportioned,” despite its small stature. Aristocrats of the Roman Empire perfected the Maltese’s role of status symbol and fashion statement. Maltese was a persistent figure in Roman myths, poems, and fables where the breed symbolized loyalty.
After the fall of Rome, it was the Chinese who kept the Maltese from extinction. The Chinese crossed these dogs with their native toy breeds and exported a more refined Maltese back to Europe. Having an immense charm and eye-catching looks, it comes as no surprise that Maltese was a fixture at dog shows since the beginning.
Ideal Characteristics
Height
7-9 inches
Weight
Around 3 kgs
Life Span
12-15 Years
Fur Coat
Low shedders with Long Coat
Temperament
Gentle, Playful, Charming
Energy Levels
Moderate
Dietary Needs
Small Breed Formula diet
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