The Maltese, at one time known as «Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,» the Maltese Terrier, the Maltese Spaniel, the Maltese Dog,
the Maltese Lion Dog, the Ancient Dogge of Malta, the Melita Dog (taken from the Greek word meli, meaning honey), the Melitaie Dog, the Melitae Dog, the Roman Ladies» Dog, the Shock Dog and the Bichon Maltaise, has been an aristocrat of the canine world for more than twenty 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 first Maltese exhibited in the US was white and listed as
a Maltese Lion Dog at WKC's first dog show in 1877.
At New York's first Westminster show, in 1877, the breed was exhibited as
the Maltese Lion Dog.
People have called it the «ancient dog of Malta,» the Roman Ladies dog and
the Maltese Lion Dog.
The first «
Maltese lion dogs» were shown in America in 1877.