The Maltese is a small toy dog breed that originated in the Mediterranean island of Malta. The breed has been known for centuries and is believed to have descended from a small Spitz-type dog that was brought to Malta by Phoenician traders. The breed was then further developed by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who prized the Maltese for its cute appearance and affectionate nature.The Maltese was first recorded in written history by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who wrote about the breed's small size, silky white coat, and gentle temperament. The breed was also popular among the wealthy and elite, and was often given as gifts to royalty and nobility. The Maltese was also used as a lapdog and companion dog and was often depicted in art and literature of the time.In the Middle Ages, the Maltese was brought to continental Europe by traders and was further developed by the Italians and Spanish. The breed became particularly popular in Italy, where it was known as the 'Bichon Maltese' and was highly prized by the wealthy and elite.In the 19th century, the Maltese was introduced to England, where it quickly became a popular companion dog among the wealthy. The breed was then brought to the United States, where it gained recognition as a formal breed by the American Kennel Club in 1888.Today, the Maltese is still a popular companion dog and is known for its small size, silky white coat, and affectionate nature. The breed is also known for its intelligence, trainability, and adaptability, making it a great companion for people of all ages and lifestyles.In conclusion, the Maltese is a small toy dog breed that originated in the Mediterranean island of Malta. The breed has been known for centuries, and is believed to have descended from a small Spitz-type dog that was brought to Malta by Phoenician traders. The breed was then further developed by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who prized the Maltese for its cute appearance and affectionate nature. The breed was also popular among the wealthy and elite, and was often given as gifts to royalty and nobility. Today, the Maltese is still a popular companion dog and is known for its small size, silky white coat, and affectionate nature.