Fluffy Charms Maltese and Havanese puppies

The Maltese is the most ancient of the European toy breeds, and among the oldest of
all breeds. The island of Malta was an early trading port, visited by Phoenician sailors
by 1500 BC. Maltese dogs are specifically mentioned in writings as early as 300 BC.
Greek art include dogs of Maltese type from the fifth century on; there is evidence that
they even erected tombs to favored Maltese. Although the dogs were often exported
and subsequently widely distributed throughout Europe and the Orient, the core
population on Malta remained relatively isolated from other dogs, resulting in this
distinctive pure-breeding dog that bred true for centuries. Though the Maltese's
hallmark is its long, silky, dazzling white hair, early Maltese came in colors other than
white. By the early fourteenth century, Maltese had been brought to England, where
they became the darlings of upper-class ladies. Writers of the succeeding centuries
continually commented upon their diminutive size. Still these little dogs were never
commonplace, and an 1830 painting entitled "The Lion Dog from Malta - Last of His
Race" suggests that the breed may have been in danger of extinction. Soon after, two
Maltese were brought to England from Manila. Although originally intended as a gift for
Queen Victoria, they passed into other hands, and their offspring became the first
Maltese exhibited in England. At this time, they were called Maltese Terriers, despite
the lack of terrier ancestry or characteristics. In America, the first Maltese were shown
as Maltese Lion Dogs around 1877. The name lion dog probably arose from the habit
of dog fanciers, particularly those in the Orient, of clipping dogs to look like lions. The
AKC recognized the breed as the Maltese in 1888. The Maltese slowly increased in
popularity, and now it ranks as one of the more popular toys.