| Maltese date back to the pre-Christian era. Few other breeds have their history recorded from before the birth of Christ. Maltese are even mentioned in the writings of Aristotle. At the time of the Apostle Paul, Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, had a Maltese named Issa.
Maltese were exhibited at Westminster's very first show in 1877. The Maltese are known for their remarkable disposition, affection, intelligence, and eagerness to be trained. Maltese are well suited to apartment living and indoor activity is adequate for exercise----though they do enjoy that walk in the park or working in the yard! Maltese DO NOT SHED nor do they have a doggy odor. A Maltese is a very devoted family member. AKC writes in their book of standards that it should be noted that Maltese are of the spaniel family, not terriers, and that, as history has long recorded them, they are healthy and spirited even though tiny.
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