Border Collie vs Maltese Comparison – Which dog is better Sheepdog or Maltese lion dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Maltese" Compare Border Collie and Maltese. Which is better: Border Collie or Maltese?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Border Collie	Maltese
Origins	England Scotland Wales	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	38	33
Reviews	13	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs Maltese breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

Border Collie vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Border Collie or Maltese? Is the Border Collie bigger than the Maltese breed? Is a Border Collie smaller than a Maltese?	Large	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Border Collie or Maltese? Border Collie vs Maltese weight comparison:	Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Collie or Maltese? Is a Border Collie taller than a Maltese?	Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Maltese? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Border Collie and Maltese?	$600-$800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Border Collie or Maltese smarter? Which is best? Border Collie vs Maltese intelligence:	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Border Collie vs Maltese trainability comparison. What's the difference between Border Collie vs Maltese?	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Maltese?	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Maltese? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Collie vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Maltese? Border Collie vs Maltese behavior/temperament comparison:	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Maltese?	Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Maltese?	High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Collie vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Maltese?	Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Maltese? Which can be better for hunting?	Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Border Collie vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Border Collie vs Maltese playfulness comparison:	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Maltese?	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Maltese?	It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Border Collie vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Maltese?	Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Border Collie vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Maltese?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Is a Border Collie more dangerous than a Maltese?	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs Maltese mouthiness comparison:	Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Border Collie vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Border Collie vs Maltese health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Maltese?	The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Border Collie vs Maltese?	Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Border Collie vs Maltese lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie and Maltese breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Border Collie and Maltese?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Maltese?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

Border Collie vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Border Collie or Maltese? Border Collie vs Maltese energy level comparison:	Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Border Collie vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Maltese?	Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Border Collie vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Maltese? Does the Border Collie breed eat more than the Maltese breed?	1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Collie vs Maltese weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Border Collie vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Maltese coat comparison:	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Feathered
Colors What are the original Border Collie and Maltese color? Border Collie vs Maltese color comparison:	Black Tan Red Sable Brindle Lilac Gold Seal White & Red Slate Sable Merle Black & White Tricolor Blue merle Blue merle-tricolor Slate merle Red merle Saddleback Sable White & Blue White & Blue Merle White & Red Merle White Ticked White & Gold White & Sable White & Seal	White
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Maltese? Border Collie vs Maltese grooming comparison:	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Border Collie or Maltese? Do Border Collie dogs shed more than Maltese dogs?	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Maltese?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Border Collie vs Maltese hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Collie or Maltese?	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Maltese?	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Border Collie vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Maltese?	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Maltese?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Maltese? Can a Border Collie and a Maltese be friends? Do Border Collie dogs get along with Maltese dogs?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Border Collie vs Maltese?	Yes Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie or Maltese? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Border Collie vs Maltese?	Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Collie vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Border Collie and Maltese have? Border Collie vs Maltese litter size comparison:	4-8 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Border Collie vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club The American Int. Border Collie Registry The American Border Collie Association	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Border Collie vs Maltese

Reviews