LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Maltese
built 655 days ago
Whatever the Maltese's origin, the first known history of the breed was written by Aristotle around 350 B.C. Aristotle reported that Maltese originated on the Mediterranean island of Malta, from whence the breed took its name. Malta, which was noted for its culture as well as its commerce, lies midway between Africa and Europe and is only a short distance from Sicily. This strategic location accounted for Malta's importance as a trading center. Goods moved east and west from this 199-square-mile island, and Malta's tiny white dogs often traveled with their owners to distant points around the globe. The unique size and devoted personalities of these charming dogs soon made them items of barter. They were offered as gifts to reigning monarchs, undoubtedly to obtain favored trading status along commercial routes.
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The Maltese may be difficult to housebreak so crate training is recommended. They do best with early socialization. Training must never be harsh in nature. It must be done with gentle love, consistency, reward, and patience. They are adept at learning tricks. The Maltese does not need extensive obedience training, as they are naturally obedient to their Master.
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Between January to August 2007, the number of Maltese passengers travelling by air and sea amounted to 188,163 which shows an increase of 12.1 per cent over the same period last year. 85.5 per cent of these travelled to European Union destinations, the most popular being Italy and the UK.
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The Maltese have shown enthusiasm towards changing currency during the first days of 2008. The European Commission estimates that three out of every four Maltese citizens were paying in euro after just 100 hours from euro adoption.
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Peter Schifrin, head of the School of Fine Art Sculpture at Academy of Art University, as asked to oversee the creation of the new Maltese Falcon statue to replace the one that was stolen from John’s Grill in San Francisco. He recruited students Ah Young Jeon and Zach Roberts to assist in the creation of the masterpiece.
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The Maltese is lively, cheerful, and energetic. They are gentle, trusting, and devoted to their master. Because of their high level of intelligence, the Maltese learns tricks easily. They are courageous and will bark if they hear a suspicious noise. They get along well with other animals and pets. While they are very good with kind children, they may snap at inconsiderate children.
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Maltese