Where the Maltese came from
The Maltese is an old lap dog. Small dogs like them appear on Attic vases and gravestones from the 5th century BC. Greek writers called them Melitaion kunidion, and the Romans called them catuli melitaei. The name suggests Malta, though writers in ancient times did not agree on the origin, and some pointed to an island in the Adriatic.
Genetic studies suggest the modern Maltese cannot be traced by pedigree to the ancient dogs. It took its modern form in the Victorian era through selective breeding. In the 1800s London dealers sold dogs called Maltese, and Landseer's 1837 painting The Lion Dog from Malta helped spread the name. A man named R. Mandeville won prizes at the Islington show from 1862, and a pure white coat became a requirement.
A white dog was shown as a Maltese Lion Dog at the first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877. The AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888. Today they are devoted companions, known for their long white coat.
- 5th century BC Small dogs like the Maltese appear on Greek vases and gravestones
- 1862 R. Mandeville begins winning prizes with Maltese at the Islington show
- 1877 A Maltese Lion Dog is shown at the first Westminster show
- 1888 AKC recognizes the Maltese
The job a Maltese was bred for
The job was being a close, loving lap companion. That shaped a gentle dog who wants to be with you. At home they can be bold for their size.
Sports that fit a Maltese
- Trick dog. Fun
- Scent work. Good
- Rally. Fun
- Therapy work. Gentle
Training tips for a Maltese
- Use small treats and gentle voices.
- Housetraining takes steady routines.
- Practice grooming and handling early.
- Do not let small dog habits, like barking at everything, slide.
Body and health
Tiny. Watch knees and trachea. Use a harness.
Fun fact. The Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope is said to have called himself a Maltese dog.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Maltese is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.