Maltese vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Maltese and Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Small
3–4 kg
Single coat, long and silky
12–15 years
3–4 kg
Moderately active
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 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
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Maltese
Dental disease, luxating patella
Golden Retriever
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.
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation 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
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
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
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
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