Maltese Trivia

Famous people who have owned Maltese are Halle Berry (Willy & Polly), Heather Locklear (Harley), Elizabeth Taylor (Sugar), Anna Nicole Smith (Marilyn), Eva Longoria (Jinxie), Marilyn Monroe (Mafia Honey), Elvis Presley (Foxhugh), Liberace (Charmin, Solo & Leah), Britney Spears (Lacy Loo), Barbra Streisand (Babs), Ashley Tisdale (Blondie), Miley Cyrus (Sophie Cyrus), Jessica Simpson (Daisy), Kristin Chenoweth (Maddie), and Lindsay Lohan (Chloe).

People who have allergies to dogs might not be allergic to Maltese since it is a breed that is considered to be hypoallergenic.

Maltese dogs were originally bred to be companion dogs for the wealthy and upper class and also for people who needed some company in their life.

The Maltese dog breed dates back to the ancient Island of Malta. In Greek and Roman times, it was the favored companion dog to the wealthy. Tombs were often constructed by Greeks from that period and were dedicated to the Maltese. You'll often find this breed featured on art from that period. Around the 16th Century, Maltese dogs made their way to the United Kingdom and later in the 1800's to North America.

The original name of the Maltese was the Melitaie Dog. Throughout the years, it has also been referred to as the Majestic Creature, the Comforter Dog, the Bichon, Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, the Spaniel Gentle, the Roman Ladies' Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog, the Shock Dog, and the Maltese Terrier. In the 19th century, the Kennel Club decided to call the breed the Maltese.

A Maltese's nose may sometimes fade to pink or light brown without exposure to the sun. This is sometimes referred to as a "winter nose". Interestingly, however, with more exposure to the sun the nose may become black again.