Maltese vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Maltese and Poodle 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.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Small
3–4 kg
Single coat, long and silky
12–15 years
3–4 kg
Moderately active
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 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
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Maltese
Dental disease, luxating patella
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
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.
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
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
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
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
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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