Maltese
Maltese are
generally believed to have been a domestic pet longer than any other breed.
Their history dates back 8000 years to a childs toy, carved in the likeness of
a Maltese, found in an excavation from that time.
Long before the
Greek and Romans attributed them to Melita, later named Malta, they were known
to have been favorites in Egypt.
A well traveled
breed, they were tied to the silk trade in China. Used as barter for silks,
they were introduced to China in the first century. They became known as gifts
to royalty throughout Egypt, China, Greece and Imperial Italy.
Re-introduced to
England in the 1800's from the Phillipines, they were seriously bred in the
later part of the century. With the formation of the English and American
Kennel Clubs, and in the early 1900's with Maltese clubs, the refined Maltese
of modern times was developed.
Maltese are a
most wonderful companion, smart, sturdy and beautiful. One of mans longest
known companions is still one of the best.
Be sure to visit the rest of our "Always Maltese"
website:
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All of the
pictures displayed on the "Always Maltese" website are of Maltese
Dogs and Puppies that belong to or were bred by Alan and Veronica Fawcett of
"Always Maltese". Contents of this website, including all pictures
are protected by Copyright and may not be used or reproduced in any fashion
without written permission from Alan and Veronica Fawcett.
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