The maltese dog breeders is known for being extremely social and dependable.Among living species, they are among the oldest breeds. The Maltese used to be the dogs of the affluent and the well-to-do. The Maltese were the preferred lap dog of both Marie Antoinette and Elizabeth Taylor. Also, the Maltese have been featured in notable paintings throughout history, leading some to conclude that the ancient Greeks held a religious reverence for them.