The Maltese is one of the oldest breeds with origins that center around the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea.  This breed was known to the sea faring civilizations of the Normans, Arabs, Romans, Carthaginians, Greeks and the Phoenicians.  It is not known what the Maltese's exact origins are; whether the Phoenicians introduced the dog to the island of Malta, or if the Phoenicians discovered this dog as an indigenous species to Malta and used it as barter throughout the known world.  The breed was brought to China by the Phoenicians and it was the Chinese who kept this breed in existence through the Dark Ages of Europe.  The Maltese is credited as being a contributor to other canine varieties by virtue of its being its own type.
    The island of Malta, in the time of the ancient world, was a financial and trading center as well as a cultural melting pot to three continents.  Empire-building civilizations took turns conquering and occupying this island because of the trade wealth, the connections to countries that grew spices, produced silks, mined gemstones, and those countries that bought these items.  This island in the middle of a sea was literally the center of the civilized world at that time.  The little dog of this island captured the hearts of a distant time, and after the passing of 2,500 to 3,000 years, it continues to be an elegant, captivating, and beloved dog of modern times.
     The Greeks described the Maltese as, "A cloud floating through the sky"(credited to Aristotle).  Greek art, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries B.C., depicted the Maltese in ceramics, sculpture and paintings.  The Maltese was a part, and partner, of the Golden Age of Greece.
     The Romans boosted the role of the Maltese to that of a status symbol and a fashion statement. Another name for the Maltese in Rome was 'the Roman Ladies' Dog'.  It is thought that the Romans made the Maltese the world's first "fad dog".  The Maltese, already known for its loyalty to its owner, became the physical symbol for loyalty. The latin word for 'trust', fido, was applied to the Maltese.
     It is known that sailors from succeeding empires would carry these dogs with them to use in trade for articles of value in the ports of call. These dogs became well known and popular amongst the ruling aristocracy of many nations, including England, Turkey, and China.
     The Maltese has an affinity to lying on its owners' lap, and the warmth that radiates from the dog actually does lend some comfort to people with sensitive, or delicate, stomachs.  The nickname for this dog is the "Comforter Dog".  During the Middle Ages, the Maltese was kept in bed to draw away the fleas, which for most people, definitely would be a comfort.
     It is not known exactly when the Maltese found its way to the United States, however, by the late 1800's this breed was well established within the show community.  In 1906 the Maltese Terrier Club of America was organized. It should be noted here that the Maltese is not a terrier. Exactly how they came up with this name is unknown.  In 1917 this club changed its name to the National Maltese Club, and later, it was changed again to the Maltese Dog Club of America.  By 1950, there were two clubs of consequence in the U.S., the Maltese Dog Club of America and the Maltese Dog Fanciers of America.  In 1961 these two clubs merged to form the American Maltese Association.  In 1969 the American Maltese Association gained recognition from the American Kennel Club, and became the parent club for the breed.
     The breeders of the Maltese are very proud of the fact that their breed is one of the healthiest breeds, genetically speaking.  To accomplish this takes dedication, hard work and a deep abiding love for their dogs, and these breeders should be congratulated on a job well done.  Due to their efforts we have a beautiful dog that predates written history and is cherished today by men and women alike.

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