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.