At one time, descriptions of the size of a Maltese ranged from “not bigger than a ferret” to “the size of squirrels.” Emphasis, you’ll note, was on smallness so that ladies could carry the dogs on their arms, in their sleeves or even in their bosoms.

Veterans among us will remember a time when the toy breed was referred to as the “Maltese Terrier.” The breed is not a terrier, of course, but some English breeders “back in the day” thought that because of its fearlessness, feisty nature and natural talent at catching rats (and even an occasional badger, it’s said), the Maltese belonged in the terrier group. Evidently, consensus wasn’t to be found and the breed was simply referred to as the Maltese.