Although there is some evidence that the breed originated in Asia, Maltese are generally associated with the Isle of Malta, a tiny island off the coast of Italy.  The dogs probably made their way to Europe through the Middle East with the migration of the nomadic tribes.  The  Isle of Malta was a geographic center of early trace, and explorers undoubtedly found ancestors of the tiny white dogs left there as barter for necessities and supplies.  The ancient Europeans long held the belief that the small dogs came from one of the small islands of the coast of Sicily, and called them "Canis Melitae."  The Maltese is one of the few known breeds to have retained its name from its origins.

 

     As the Maltese was developed using miniature spaniel and poodle blood, and was primarily bred as a hunting dog, they were much larger in size then their present-day counterpart.  When the smaller sized Maltese began to gain ground in popularity, 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.

 

     As civilization rose in Europe, references are seen to the tiny, white dog.  An indirect reference by Aristotle about the Maltese clearly indicates its co-existence along with other varieties of dogs indigenous to Southern Europe.  Aristotle refers to the small dogs as "Canis Melitae".  During these times, the Maltese was a favorite lap dog of fashionable men and women about town, being carried wherever their masters went.  Roman women carried them in the sleeves of their garments, and took them to bed with them.

 

     Roman Emperor Claudius owned a Maltese, and Rome's Governor of Malta, Publius, owned a Maltese named "Issa," who meant more to him than any other living thing. 

 

     Making their way to Egypt, the ancient Egyptians and Eastern Potentates kept Maltese for the ladies in the harems.  At one time, Maltese were regarded as being possessed of curative powers.  One placed his dog on his pillow to be restored to health.  Because of this practice, and the dog's warm, affectionate  nature and small size, the Maltese became known as "The Comforter"

 

     The Maltese were first imported into Britain during the reign of Henry VIII.  They were certainly favorites in the time of Queen Elizabeth I, and they were eagerly accepted by the British aristocracy.  British Queens would serve the most choicest of foods from golden vessels to their Maltese pets.  The cleanliness and dignified bearing of the modern day Maltese stems from the fact that for centuries, they were the "lap dogs" of the people of culture and wealth.

 

     The 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.  However, as a sign of things to come, the first Maltese exhibited in America was "solid white".  Registrations with the American Kennel Club studbook in that time frame were made on the basis of show winnings.  The first registrations of Maltese show winners appeared in  1888.  Where the Maltese in the U.S. were imported from is not know; however, what is known in that the Maltese lines in the U.S. today have resulted from the importation of Maltese from Great Britain, Canada, Germany, France and Italy.