Dog breed comparison
Compare Maltese
Compare up to 3 breeds using reviewed breed facts. These describe what is typical for each breed; individual dogs vary.
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Size and lifespan
- Size
- MalteseSmall
- Typical adult height
- Maltese20–25 cm
- Typical adult weight
- Maltese3–4 kg
- Typical lifespan
- Maltesefrom 12 years
Exercise and care
- Exercise
- MalteseLow: usually content with short daily walks
- Energy
- MalteseModerately energetic
- Grooming
- MalteseDaily
- Shedding
- MalteseTends to shed little
- Barking
- MalteseBarks sometimes
Home life
- Home
- MalteseOften adapts to flats and smaller homes
- Time alone
- MalteseUsually copes only with short periods alone
- Owner experience
- MalteseOften suits first-time owners
Living with others
- Children
- MalteseUsually better with older, calmer children
- Other dogs
- MalteseUsually sociable with other dogs
- Cats and small pets
- MalteseVaries with the individual dog
These are typical breed tendencies from reviewed sources, never a promise about an individual dog. Read each guide for the detail and ask the breeder or rescue about the dog you are considering.