Cortese

The Maltese is thought to have been around since ancient times and was picked up from the Island of Malta in 1500 BC by sailors. This breed was mentioned in the earliest writing and appeared in ancient Greek art. The breed was named from the island they came from and they are believed to have Poodle and Miniature Spaniel blood in them. The Maltese is well known for their pure white coat but they used to come in many colors. They were popular among the wealthy women who carried the little dogs in their sleeves, brought to them by the Crusaders returning from the Mediterranean. When it first came to England, it was called the Maltese Terrier, even though it did not look like a Terrier and was not related. Upon reaching the United States, it was called the Maltese Lion Dog because of its lion-like coat style. The Maltese was officially recognized and registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888 and is the 33rd most popular breed of dog in the United States. The Welsh Corgi has two varieties, which are the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke is the most common and is the one bred with the Maltese to create the Cortese. This breed descends from the Schipperke, Spitz, Pomeranian, Swedish Vallhund, and Keeshond. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in the 1100s in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which is how they got their name. Not much is known about their history but they are thought to have been used to herd cattle, ponies, and sheep. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth I both had Pembroke Welsh Corgis. They became registered with the AKC in 1934 and are the 18th most popular dog breed in the United States.