The Maltese is one of the oldest known pet dogs. Known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta," the Maltese breed has a history that traces back at least 28 centuries, making this lively and playful companion an aristocrat of the canine world.

Descended from a Spitz-like dog which was bred for hunting rodents in the marsh and wooded areas, art objects adorned with his image, pre-dating Christ, have survived to this day.

Although the exact origins of the breed are still debated today, the fact remains that Darwin himself, the father of the theory of evolution, placed it at about 6,000 B.C. - over 8,000 years ago!

The Maltese in the U.S.

Maltese were first seen in the United States in the late 1800's, and were participants in the earliest versions of the Westminster Kennel Club shows in the 1870's. There were periods when a tan or mottled-color Maltese was highly regarded. In fact, the first Maltese registered in America was born in 1873 and was white with black ears.

In the 1990's, the breed ranked in the top 15 of all breeds, with more than 12,000 Maltese registered annually! Maltese are one of the most popular breeds among spectators at dog shows, and are frequent winners of the Toy Group and have an excellent record in the "Best in Show" competition.

Did You Know ?

• The Maltese was known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta", which for more than 28 centuries has been an aristocrat of the canine world.

• At the time of the Apostle Paul, Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, had a Maltese named Issa of which he was very fond; in this connection, the poet Marcus Valerius Martialis (Martial) made this attachment famous in one of his celebrated epigrams.

• The Greeks erected tombs to their Maltese.

• A fine model of the Maltese was unearthed in the Fayum in Egypt, making it not unlikely that this breed was the kind of dog worshipped by the Egyptians.

• The first Maltese exhibited in the US was white and listed as a Maltese Lion Dog at WKC's first dog show in 1877.

• The AKC accepted the Maltese for registration in 1888.