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 6000 BC - over 8000 years ago !!! The Maltese descended from a Spitz-like dog bred for hunting in the turf and marsh of an area of Southern Europe that is known today as Switzerland. Eventually, the dog was carried southward into the Mediterranean Sea area as well as into the Far East. Historical evidence leads one to believe that the Maltese may well have been introduced into the gene pools of the Lhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terrier, the Tibetan Spaniel, and even the Pekingese - helping to shape the eventual evolution of these truly ancient breeds of dogs. Hard archeological evidence places the Maltese in a prominent place in Egyptian culture around 300 to 600 BC where they were virtually worshipped as members of the royal families. Maltese images were found on Greek vases dated around 500 BC and the first known written history of the breed was actually authored by the Greek philosopher Aristotle around 350 BC, where he attributed the origin of the breed to the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea - hence the name of the dog - Maltese. Through time the Maltese has been labeled with many names - as the "Melitae Dog", as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta", as the "Roman Ladies Dog", as well as being called the "Comforter", the "Spaniel Gentle", and the "Bichon" (not to be confused with the Bichon Frise which may also have been developed partly from the Maltese). The breed has also been known as "The Shock Dog", the "Maltese Lion Dog", and more recently as the "Maltese Terrier" before it simply became shortened to the "Maltese".
Supporting the most popular belief that its primary make-up is of Spitz or Spaniel origins (as opposed to Terrier) the Maltese possesses a gentle and pleasing personality. As additional support for this belief is the fact that during much of the period of its early evolution the Maltese was used as a small hunting dog - then much larger, however, than its present standard of "under seven pounds, four to six pounds preferred, but with quality preferred over size". Over time, to achieve the present preferred size, early breeders would often confine their breeding stock in pens too small for them to even turn around so as to promote a smaller progeny.
There were even periods where a tan or mottled color Maltese was highly regarded. In fact, the very first Maltese registered in America was born in 1873 and was white with black ears. However, maybe as a sign of things to come, the first Maltese actually exhibited in America was "solid white" (as are all of the members of the breed today). He was shown at the very first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877.
From relatively obscure beginnings the long history of our breed has followed a "storied path" - through prominence in the early cultures of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome; through its station in the Royal Houses of mainland Europe and Great Britain during the Renaissance; and into the present where it is affectionately known as "the aristocrat of the canine world". While the ice-white long flowing silky coat and elegant carriage of the well-bred specimen make him a real crowd pleaser in the show ring his truly affectionate, playful, and fearless demeanor make him equally suited as a cherished family companion and pet. All of our "children" here at Divine Maltese are our pets, first and always, most of them just enjoy a brief career in the show ring as well.
In 1982 there were 8050 new Maltese dog registrations processed by the American Kennel Club, making it the thirtieth (30th) most popular breed (of the 137 then recognized by the AKC). By 1995 that number had risen to 16,179 moving it up to number twenty-one (21) among the 140 breeds recognized, now. Today, at a time where there is much public awareness and concern over the humane treatment of all animals and at a time where the huge popularity of our breed can make it highly profitable to exploit the Maltese - we are happy that you have chosen to adopt one of our "children". We have carefully selected our breeding stock for their physical and mental health as well as for their overall beauty. Our foundation breeding stock comes from all over the United States - out of some of the most successful and enduring breeding programs in the country. We strive with every breeding to produce a better progeny than both of the parents - realizing that this does not always happen. Irregardless, we raise every puppy in a loving family environment where they get the daily individual attention they need in order to become well-adjusted for human, as well as canine, companionship. With over eighty (80) centuries of breeding history - something over two thousand (2000) generations - you can rest assured that genetically "most of the kinks have been worked out" and, now armed with a little information on its history, you may realize even more than before how truly special your little silky-coated darling really is.
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