Maltese (dog)

Maltese

Other names	Canis familiaris Maelitacus
Common nicknames	Maltese lion dog
Origin	Central Mediterranean Area
Patronage	Italy
Traits Weight Male 3–8 lb (1.4–3.6 kg) Female 2–7 lb (0.91–3.18 kg) Height Male 8–10 in (20–25 cm) Female 8–9 in (20–23 cm) Coat white Litter size avg. 1 to 3 puppies. Life span 12-15 years
Classification / standards FCI Group 9, Section 1.1 Bichons #65 standard AKC toy group standard ANKC Group 1 (Toys) standard CKC Group 5 - Toys standard KC (UK) Toy standard NZKC Toy and Teacup standard UKC Companion Breed and Show Breed standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Traits
Weight	Male	3–8 lb (1.4–3.6 kg)
	Female	2–7 lb (0.91–3.18 kg)
Height	Male	8–10 in (20–25 cm)
	Female	8–9 in (20–23 cm)
Coat	white
Litter size	avg. 1 to 3 puppies.
Life span	12-15 years

Classification / standards
FCI	Group 9, Section 1.1 Bichons #65	standard
AKC	toy group	standard
ANKC	Group 1 (Toys)	standard
CKC	Group 5 - Toys	standard
KC (UK)	Toy	standard
NZKC	Toy and Teacup	standard
UKC	Companion Breed and Show Breed	standard

The Maltese [malˈteːze], Canis familiaris Maelitacus, is a small breed of dog in the Toy Group. It descends from dogs originating in the Central Mediterranean Area. The breed name and origins are generally understood to derive from the Mediterranean island nation of Malta.

This ancient breed has been known by a variety of names throughout the centuries. Originally called the "Canis Melitaeus" in Latin, it has also been known in English as the "ancient dog of Malta," the "Roman Ladies' Dog," the "Maltese Lion Dog," and "Melita" (the former name of Malta). The origin of the common name "Cokie" is unknown, but is believed to have originated in the mid-1960s on the U.S. East Coast and spread in popular use. This breed has been referred to falsely as the "Bichon", a name that refers to the family ("small long-haired dog") and not the breed. The Kennel Club officially settled on the name "Maltese" for the breed in the 19th century.

The Maltese is thought to have been descended from a Spitz-type dog found among the Swiss Lake Dwellers and was selectively bred to attain its small size. There is also some evidence that the breed originated in Asia and is related to the Tibetan Terrier; however, the exact origin is unknown. The dogs probably made their way to Europe through the Middle East with the migration of nomadic tribes. Some writers believe these proto-Maltese were used for rodent control before the appearance of the breed gained paramount importance.

The oldest record of this breed was found on a Greek amphora found in the Etruscan town of Vulci, in which a Maltese-like dog is portrayed along with the word Μελιταιε (Melitaie). Archaeologists date this ancient Athenian product to the decades around 500 BC. References to the dog can also be found in Ancient Greek and Roman literature.

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Wikipedia