Maltese 33

The Maltese is one of the most popular dog breeds. They are considered a toy breed and have ancient origins. Dating back over 2 millennia to Greece, the Maltese is, by far, the oldest toy dog breed in existence. This is one of the interesting facts about the Maltese.

The original breed was almost lost twice. Once during Europe’s Dark Ages, when they were saved from extinction by Chinese breeders. And then again between the 17th and 18th centuries when attempts were made to make the breed too small. A lack of advanced veterinary care and no knowledge of how to care for a “tea-cup” size breed led to the Maltese breed almost disappearing completely. Luckily, the dog breed was saved.

The Maltese, as we know it today, is one of the smallest dog breeds and is thought to be the result of British dog breeders. But, it is also known that the Maltese is a direct descendant of other toy breeds like the Bichon Frise and the Havanese.

The first Maltese is thought to have arrived in the United States in the latter half of the 19th century and first appeared in Westminster Kennel Club shows in the 1870s. The American Kennel Club recognized the Maltese as a member of the Toy Group in 1888.