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Maltese vs English Bulldog

Discover the differences between Maltese and English Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.

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Maltese
Malta

Maltese

Toy Group
Small

A playful, affectionate companion with a flowing white coat and lively spirit. Thrives on attention and forms strong bonds with people of all ages.

English Bulldog
England

English Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Stocky, courageous, and affectionate, this breed charms with its wrinkled face and calm nature. Loyal and gentle, it thrives as a loving family companion.

Quick comparison

Size:

Small

Male:

3–4 kg

Coat:

Single coat, long and silky

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

3–4 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Medium

Male:

23–25 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

8–10 years

Female:

18–23 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Maltese

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and sociable with people and pets

Intelligence
4/5

Learns quickly, responds well to training

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity needs, enjoys short play sessions

Playfulness
4/5

Lively and enjoys interactive games with owners

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to different living environments

English Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and gentle with family and children

Intelligence
3/5

Learns basic commands with some patience

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers lounging over vigorous physical activity

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys play but tires fairly quickly

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to most living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Maltese

Grooming:
High grooming needs (daily)
Exercise:
20–30 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Dental disease, luxating patella

English Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
20–40 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin fold infections

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Maltese

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Easygoing and eager to please, Maltese adapt well to new dog owners.

Apartment Living
5/5

Perfect fit

Small size and low exercise needs suit apartment living well.

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

Limited stamina may not match very energetic or highly active lifestyles.

Kids
3/5

Gentle companion

Typically patient but can be fragile around young, active children.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Highly suitable

Generally sociable and can get along with other pets if introduced early.

Being Left Alone
1/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues.

English Bulldog

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Easygoing, low-maintenance nature suits owners with limited dog experience

Apartment Living
5/5

Excellent fit

Moderate exercise needs and calm demeanor work well in small living spaces

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

Low stamina and breathing issues make them unsuited for high-activity lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Very suitable

Gentle, patient, and tolerant with young children when properly socialized

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Generally sociable but may need guidance with other pets, especially dogs

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

They struggle with long periods alone and are prone to separation anxiety

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

English Bulldog

  • Affectionate with family members
  • Generally good with children
  • Low exercise requirements
  • Minimal grooming needs
  • Adaptable to apartment living

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

English Bulldog

  • Prone to respiratory problems
  • High risk of overheating
  • Susceptible to skin infections
  • Can be stubborn during training
  • Tends to drool frequently

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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