As the name suggests, the Maltese originated as a breed, on the island of Malta. However, with the isolated location, the ancestors had to come from somewhere, and are thought to possibly include a Spitz type dog as well as the Tibetan Terrier that arrived with travelers and were bred down in size to be companion dogs. They spread to other areas of Europe in the same manner as the foundation dogs arrived, by ship and with travelers. (continued below)
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