The modern Maltese is a very special dog, with a sweet spirit and the heart and loyalty of a much larger animal contained within a very small body.

The "Hallmarks" of the Maltese are a dog covered with a long cloak of silky, pure white hair. The only contrast being provided by the dark eyes, black nose, eye rims and lips, this forms an expression that is gentle yet alert and intelligent.

The Maltese was once called "ye ancient dog of Malta" as the breed is believed by some to have originated on the island of Malta, south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. We know from records that the island was inhabited by certain Mediterranean races as long ago as 3,500 BC, and the Maltese dog may have been pets of these people. The island of Malta was also an important trading center before the middle ages and the small forebears of our present Maltese dogs may have been brought to the island and traded or sold to Europeans.                         

To be able to state with certainty the origins of the breed is impossible as it's history is obscured by the mists of time. It is certain that the Maltese has ancient lineage of which to boast, many writers, even before Christ, wrote praises of the beauty and loving qualities of the dog known as "canis Melitei".

The Maltese were also favorites of the Greeks and Romans of old. There are many drawings in existence portraying small, long white haired dogs on pieces of Greek and roman pottery. Ancestors of to days Maltese may have been worshiped by the ancient Egyptians, and it is said that the Queens once served the 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.