Unveiling the History and Origin of the Maltese Terrier
This particular article deals with the beginnings of this small, cute dog. There is speculation as to why the Maltese terrier was bred to be so small, and those reasons will be discussed below. The path that this dog has taken to get to this point in history has been an interesting one and along the way it has had plenty of famous historical figures as owners. Therefore, if you want a dog that has possibly been a dog under Queen Elizabeth I, Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria, or Mary Queen of Scots, then the Maltese terrier could be for you.
The Origin of the Maltese Terrier
It is unknown exactly where the Maltese terrier was first bred, but many people speculate that it occurred in the central Mediterranean region, which includes Italy. Other people place the dog’s origin with the island of Malta of the Mediterranean Sea (where the dog could get its name). Nonetheless, the history of this breed can be traced back thousands of years, although it is unknown the exact date of its origin. Charles Darwin is said to have believed the origin of this dog was 6000 BCE.
It was stated before that it was possible that the Maltese dog originated on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. At this point in history, this island was a hotbed of trade and saw its fair share of European traders doing business. It is possible that this is where the Maltese dog found its way to Europe, by way of these explorers and travelers. These people could have seen this dog as a component of the trading and took it back to Europe. Today, the Maltese is a symbol of cuteness and loving companionship, but at that point in history it is believed that these dogs were used to control the rodent problems back in Europe.
The Maltese dog has gone by many names in its history, such as the Shock Dog, the Maltese Terrier Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog, and the Bichon. This dog has gone by so many names because not only has it been around for so long, but it has been in the company of some of the wealthiest and most famous people of its time.
While the dog could have been used in rodent control, the Maltese was beginning to be bred as a companion dog when it arrived in Europe. Aristocrats and other wealthy people treated this dog as a sign of royalty and financial well-doing, so at some point the focus and purpose the dog served shifted. There have also been excerpts from poems and stories from well-known writers throughout history that speak very highly of this little white dog.
If someone were to get a Maltese dog right now, that person would be getting a dog rich with history. It has been the pet of many famous people throughout European history for its companionship and appearance. Thus, if someone were looking to get a dog that has been known to be a good companion, the Maltese dog is a valid choice because hundreds of years of history have proven this dog was meant to specifically be a companion to its master. Once you know the history and the temperament of the Maltese Terrier, it can help you make a well-informed decision in determining if this is indeed the right dog for you.
