Maltese vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Maltese and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Maltese
A playful, affectionate companion with a flowing white coat and lively spirit. Thrives on attention and forms strong bonds with people of all ages.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Small
3–4 kg
Single coat, long and silky
12–15 years
3–4 kg
Moderately active
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Maltese
Affectionate and sociable with people and pets
Learns quickly, responds well to training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys short play sessions
Lively and enjoys interactive games with owners
Adjusts well to different living environments
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Maltese
Dental disease, luxating patella
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Maltese
Great choice
Easygoing and eager to please, Maltese adapt well to new dog owners.
Perfect fit
Small size and low exercise needs suit apartment living well.
Not ideal
Limited stamina may not match very energetic or highly active lifestyles.
Gentle companion
Typically patient but can be fragile around young, active children.
Highly suitable
Generally sociable and can get along with other pets if introduced early.
Prone to anxiety
Dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues.
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Maltese
- Affectionate with family members
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Quick to learn basic commands
- Gets along well with other dogs
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Maltese
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Requires daily grooming and brushing
- Fragile, can be easily injured
- May bark excessively when bored
- Sensitive to extreme cold and damp
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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