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Maltese History
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Among the oldest of breeds, the Maltese is known to have existed throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, especially in its native Malta, as early as 400 BC. Maltese has always had a way of inspiring uncommon devotion from their owners, and there are many stories of people going to great lengths to please these dogs. Publius, a Roman governer of Malta, had the renowned poet Marcus Valerius Martialis write a poem about his Maltese, Issa, and even had the dog immortalized in several paintings by some of the preeminent artists of his day. Ancient Greek art and literature makes repeated references to the diminutive dog of Malta, and even suggests that tombs were erected for especially pampered Maltese.
As time passed, the Maltese made its way to the drawing rooms of 19th century England, where they were the preferred pet of the rich and privileged. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth owned Maltese dogs. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the breed was introduced to the United States, where it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888. To this day the Maltese has held onto its popularity, and is currently among the 15 most popular breeds in the United States.
