Collection: Personalised Maltese Gifts

The Maltese have a noble lineage tracing back centuries, a breed prized by the Egyptians and Romans and thought to have magical properties. This cherished breed was used to help the sick and believed to have curative powers by the Egyptians.

Which country the Maltese originate from has always been a matter of heated debate. Malta is a favourite theory but some believe Italy or possibly Asia. A favoured pet amongst noblewomen, their reputation was elevated with patronage from Queen Victoria who had several Maltese as pets. Maltese have always been popular due to their appealing looks, personality and size.

If you are looking for a breed with ancient roots then the Maltese has an impeccable pedigree. Recorded in drawings and poems dating back eight centuries, these dogs were thought to have magical properties for soothing and healing and became known as ‘The Comforter’.

The exact origins of the breed have been hotly disputed. A sensible theory that the dog originated in Malta explains why this busy trading location shared the breed far and wide. Other theories suggest the Maltese is of Italian descent from the Italian for dog or possibly originated in the Sicilian town of Melita.

By the 15th century, the Maltese were firmly established in Europe prized by royalty and captured by prominent 17th and 18th-century artists like Goya and Reynolds. A blip in the dog’s history occurred when attempts were made to shrink them to the size of a squirrel; only cross-breeding with spaniels and poodles rescued the Maltese from extinction. Registered with the Kennel Club from the 1850s in the UK, the breed was not so popular in the States; it took another century for it to gain a foothold.

A pretty, fluffy dog, make no mistake, the Maltese are a sharp cookie! Once designated as a terrier breed for their tenacity and intelligence, the Maltese is energetic and trainable. Sociable and affectionate, their small size makes them a popular breed in a town setting. They crave human interaction and can become anxious if left for long periods.