Bichon

[1][2] From France, these dogs spread throughout the courts of Europe, with dogs of very similar form being seen in a number of portraits of the upper classes of Germany, Portugal and Spain; from Europe, the type also spread to colonies in Africa and South America.

[6][8] It is believed examples of the breed were kept by the Medici family, who gave these dogs as gifts to garner favour.

it is said that Louis XIV of France, Philip II of Spain and Catherine the Great of Russia, among other European rulers, all kept some.

Since the Renaissance, Bolognese lap dogs have enjoyed great popularity and admiration in princely and royal houses.

[15][16] The breed is believed to be descended from bichon-type dogs imported to Cuba by Europeans in the 18th century, where it thrived.

[18][19] The Maltese, sometimes called the Bichon Maltaise, is claimed to be descended from dogs brought to Malta by the Phoenicians in ancient times.