Origin and History of Maltese Dogs
– Originated in Italy
– Depicted on vases and amphorae in ancient Greece and Rome
– References found in Ancient Greek and Roman literature
– Emerged in the Victorian era through selective breeding
– Related to breeds like Havanese, Bichon, and Bolognese
– Maltese breed originated in the 19th century
– R. Mandeville, a breeder, achieved first prize in 1862 and subsequent years
– Mandeville dominated shows in Birmingham, Islington, Crystal Palace, and Cremorne Gardens from 1869 to 1879
– The requirement for an exclusively white coat emerged in the 19th century
– The Maltese was shown as a Maltese Lion Dog at the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1877
Traits and Characteristics of Maltese Dogs
– Height: Males – 21-25cm, Females – 20-23cm
– Weight: 3-4kg
– Coat: White, dense, glossy, silky, and shiny without curls or an undercoat
– Littersize: 1 to 3
– The color is pure white, with a pale ivory tinge or light brown spotting permitted
– The Maltese behaves in a lively, calm, and affectionate manner and does not shed
– Adult weight is usually 3-4kg (7-9lb)
– Females are about 20-23cm (8-9in) tall
– The Maltese is recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club since 1888
– It was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1955
– The Maltese is known for its tear staining, like other white dogs
Lifespan and Kennel Club Standards
– Lifespan: 12-15 years
– Kennel club standards: ENCI, Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Use and Recognition of Maltese Dogs
– The Maltese is kept for companionship, ornamentation, or competitive exhibition
– It is ranked 59th out of 79 breeds assessed for intelligence
– The Maltese is recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club since 1888
– It was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1955
Ancient Variety and References of Maltese Dogs
– Ancient writers associated the breed with Malta without providing evidence
– Small dogs resembling the Maltese were kept as pets in ancient times
– The Maltese was the favorite pet dog of antiquity
– The commonest pet in ancient times was the small white long-coated Maltese dog
– The identity of the island called Melite, associated with the Maltese, has been much discussed